Know Yourself
In planning your academic direction, you may feel as if you are standing before a blank canvas—ready for a masterpiece to be created, and starting that masterpiece seems a bit overwhelming. The good news is that the canvas is not blank: You are bringing with you the wealth of knowledge and experience gained to this point, and those are already your first brush strokes. Your prior knowledge and experience come in many different shapes and sizes; some create a stronger line than others. Some will, in the end, be covered by greater knowledge and talent that emerges. But in the end, you will have a picture personally chosen and created. The beauty of your masterpiece is up to you.
Use the action steps below to take inventory of your supplies (your interests, talents, and background) and save it in your academic planning folder.
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Answer at least five of the questions under "Knowing You"
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Talk with 3 people whom you respect and know well
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Discuss your thoughts/ideas of majors and careers
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Ask them what they see as your strengths
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Use DISCOVER and other assessment tools at the Career Center
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Discuss your findings with your academic adviser and your career counselor
Knowing YOU
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What kinds of things do I like to do best?
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What kinds of things do I enjoy thinking about?
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What 3 areas in a bookstore do I go to first?
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What makes different subjects interesting to me?
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When have I most enjoyed learning?
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Where would I like to study abroad?
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What skills and talents are my strongest?
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How do I know what my strongest skills and talents are?
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Which of my talents do I want to develop n the next four years?
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Which professionals do I most admire?
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What kinds of internships and jobs sound interesting?
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What three careers fit with my talents, interests, values, and personality?
