10 Questions to Ask an Undecided Student Have a student who is struggling to decide on a major? Here are some conversation starters: What drives you in a job? i.e. could be salary, location, workspace, passion/interest, etc. Do you like working with people or do you prefer working independently? What are things you enjoy doing for fun? Are these things you could see yourself doing as a career? Some may want to pursue passions for work and other students may want to keep them separate.
What was your dream job as kid/teenager? Does this still hold any truth? Why was this your dream job then? What were some of your favorite classes in high school? Or a favorite subject? Are there any majors you know you definitely don't want to be in? What jobs have you had in the past that you enjoyed? Or that you didn't enjoy? What would make you feel satisfied/fulfilled/happy at the end of a work day? Some may say helping someone, accomplishing a task, making a lot of sales, etc.
Where are your academic strengths? Where do you feel you perform the best? What are strengths you have in general that you are proud of? Have you reached out to career services to have a conversation about this and learn some options? Career services has a variety of resources to help narrow down majors through assessments or through conversation with an advisor.
Remember to remind students that on average a student changes their major 3 times and to not be discouraged! This is the perfect time to explore interests and pick the best path for them. Careerservices@uidaho.edu | 208-885-6121 | Idaho Student Union Building, Vandal Success Center