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The first thing to understand is that decision-making is a process, and is made up of a series of steps. Sometimes decision-making seems to happen automatically, and other times it may take a great deal of thinking before the decision can be reached. Either way, whether we realize it or not, there are always steps involved.

STEP I - ASSESS

What exactly do I need to make a decision about?
The future
My career
Classes for next semester
Other

STEP 2 - EXPLORE

What are my options?
Read about majors in your catalog.
Talk with your advisor.
What are my interests?
Visit the career center and take a preference/skill inventory.
How can I find out more about each option?
Talk to people who are directly involved in the major or field in which you are interested.
Talk with your professors.
What are the pros and cons of each option?
What do you like about each option, and what are potential obstacles?
What are the short and long-term challenges of my options?
What requirements are necessary to be admitted into the major?
What is the required curriculum for the major?
Will it be necessary to go on to graduate school?

STEP 3 - DECIDE

Narrow and prioritize your list of options based on the ones that are the most important to you.
Choose one, and if you are having difficulty choosing, bring your options to your support system (advisor, family, friends) and ask for some help.

STEP 4 - ACT

Create an action plan with a time frame for you to implement your decision.
If you are not sure how to do this, feel free to seek help from your advisor.

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