Career Interests and College Choice

“This above all: to thine own self be true…”

                                     — William Shakespeare

Nearly half of college-bound students will change their majors between one and three times before graduation.  Approximately one-third of college students will transfer institutions at least once.  Students often transfer schools and change majors because they are not clear about their interests during their high school years.  Consequently, they choose schools that do not offer the courses and programs they need.  Most often, students transfer during their second year at college, but some students may not transfer until their third, fourth, or even fifth years.  Students who continue their educations after high school without some clarity about their career interests often incur unnecessary debt due to transferring and/or extending their years in post secondary education.  They can also become anxious, depressed, or experience other substantial emotional struggles.

Students who understand their personalities, interests and skills are well prepared to make choices about what to study in college and, therefore, will be more prepared to choose schools that are a good match for them.  Dr. Stephen offers an in-depth career exploration program for high school and college students that helps them fully explore their personalities, interests and skills with the goal of clarifying their general areas of interest for their post secondary education.  The process includes an in-depth interview, a review of their achievements and strengths, the completion of professional assessment tools, and, if needed, interviews with significant people in the student’s life.  Dr. Stephen synthesizes the data and discusses potential areas of study with students.  Students then use this information to guide themselves through the college selection process.  Students also receive reports that they can share with their parents/guardians, counselors, educational consultants and others.