Exploration Areas

Below are tips and strategies within the main areas of academic and career exploration. The goal of these strategies and resources are to help develop your unique Identity, further your Academic and Career exploration, as well as develop your Decision Making and Goal Setting strategies in order to determine the most fulfilling majors and careers for you.

Identity Development

“Knowing yourself is true wisdom”~Lao Tzu

Meet with me to discuss why you chose to attend college and HSU.

Get involved on campys through clubs, activitiesm housing, programs, etc. College is great for meeting people with similar interests/backgrounds, as well as people with very different interests and from very different backgrounds. All of these interactios help define who you are.

Complete the Possible Lives Map worksheet to learn more about your interests.
Take MyPlan assessments to learn more about your personality, interests, skills, and values. (Discuss with advisor if interested.)
Talk with loved ones about what they think are your best qualities.
Look into Studying Abroad.
Check out this video on identity development.

Academic Exploration

“Education is the key to self-development and empowerment” ~ Lailah Gifty Akita

Review HSU's catalog for Bachelor's Degree requirements.
Review HSU's Majors and Programs to identify majors you want to explore. (Comparing Majors Worksheet)
Visit academic departments to learn about opportunities on campus. Read bulletin boards and meet with students, staff, and faculty.
Meet with me to discuss your major interests and their requirements.
Take GE courses in areas of interest whenever possible. (HSU Major Introductory Courses)
Get involved on campus through clubs, activities, housing, programs, etc.

Career Exploration

“Start today creating a vision for yourself, your life, and your career. Bounce back from adversity and create what you want, rebuild and rebrand. Tell yourself it's possible along the way, have patience, and maintain peace with yourself during the process.” ~ Germany Kent

Research careers, and review HSU's Career Guides to identify options related to you interests.
Explore occupational databases to learn more about career descriptions and projected outlooks.
- ONET online
- Occupational Outlook Handbook
Reach out to professionals in careers you're interested in for informational interviews/meetings.
- See Roadtrip Nation's examples.
Attend career related events and workshops on campus:
- Common Events at HSU:
  - Part-Time Job Fair (August)
  - Volunteer Fair (August)
  - Graduate & Professional School Fair (September)
  - Internship Week (October)
  - Career & Volunteer Expo (February)
Workshops: Academic & Career Advising Center, and Library Skillshops.
Participate in Undergraduate Research with your Professors. Also look into Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU).
Meet with me to discuss your career interests and how you can gain experiences related to them.

Decision Making

"The decisions you make are a choice of values that reflect your life in every way." ~ Alice Waters

Reflect on your strongest values and how they inform your decision making.
Reflect on how you have made decisions you've felt confident with in the past. What allowed you to feel confident in those decisions?
Study about Decision Making Inventories.
Take MyPlan assessments to learn more about your personality and how that informs your decision making.
Meet with me to discuss your decision making style, or help identify it.
Consult with other students, faculty and mentors to gain insight and advice.

Goal Setting

“Begin with the end in mind.” ~ Stephen Covey

“If you set goals and go after them with all the determination you can muster, your gifts will take you places that will amaze you.” ~ Les Brown

Meet with me to discuss goals and put into an individualized plan.
Consult with other students, faculty, and mentors to gain inspiration and motivation.
Try the SMART goal format (Specific, Measurable, Achievable/Attainable, Realistic/Relevant, Timely/Tangible).
Use the process, performance, and outcome model.
Utilize the GROW model for follow through.