Do these jeans make me look fat? (Evaluate Fit)

Remember those times where you would walk into a store with the sole purpose of buying a pair of jeans? But instead of a simple pair of jeans, you are accosted with different styles. Straight leg, flare, or jegging?  Light blue, dark, blue, stonewashed?  Are you built like a tube, apple, pear, or hourglass? You take the time to try on the styles and find one that feels comfortable and looks amazing!  You leave the store very happy with a little less in the bank account.  But it was all worth the effort and investment since you now have something that will make you look and feel good.

How do jeans apply to major and career exploration?  Simple.  The next step in your journey is to EVALUATE FIT.  You've assessed yourself and narrowed down your ideas.  You've explored options by using the internet to research careers as well as set up (or gone to) an informational interview, job shadowing, and/or volunteer opportunity.  What have you found out about the careers and majors you've researched?  Have you found some new ideas in the process?  Have you crossed some off of your list?  Which careers fit you better and are more comfortable?  Like a good pair of jeans, you're discovering what you like in the fit and in most cases, you'll want to stick to that pair of jeans and brand for many years to come.

So ask yourself a few basic questions when trying on majors and careers:

• Can I see myself working at this company?
• Are there opportunities for me to learn and grow?
• What is it about this company that makes me want to work here?  
• Is it the people?
• Is it the atmosphere?
• Is it the work involved?
• Can I see myself working here for a long period of time?

Major and career exploration, just like shopping for the perfect pair of jeans, can take some time and effort but in the end, you leave satisfied with your decision.  Take the time to find out what major and career fits you!

As you continue your journey through major and career exploration, think back to your junior high and high school days...

• What classes did you enjoy?
• What made them enjoyable?
• In what subjects did you get the best grades?
• What subjects took the least effort?
• What courses did you dislike?
• What did you dislike about the subject?
• What subjects took the most effort?
• What were your career aspirations in high school?