the university of texas at austin
Undecided?

Home for the holidays?
How to talk with folks back home about majors and careers

Are you questioning your choice of major or career?

If you answered yes, then it’s a good bet that the topic will come up, if not over the Thanksgiving table then during winter break.

Here are some strategies to help you prepare for those family discussions:

  • Tell them about the Career Exploration Center. Family members are often relieved to know that you have figured out where to get help. Show them this website and tell them what you have done so far. Or what you plan to do over the break and next spring!

  • Do some career testing at the CEC before you go. Sharing your test results with family members may help them understand that you really don’t want to be, say, a lawyer. When the test results clearly demonstrate how different your interests are from lawyers, they might be more inclined to understand.

  • Include them in the process. Write down all the things you want in a career. Then get some trusted friends or family members together to help you brainstorm some career ideas. It’s a way to communicate what you are looking for, and gives them a way to be involved. If you don’t think the folks back home are good candidates for this exercise, try doing it with friends at UT. Or make an appointment with a career counselor to brainstorm ideas with you.

  • If you don’t know ‘what’ then tell them ‘how’. Parents who are pressuring their sons and daughters are often looking for some indication that the process of career and major exploration is progressing and not just being ignored. The same is true for parents who are patiently waiting for you to ‘find what makes you happy’. For example, you might share that you have an appointment with a faculty member via the CEC Faculty Contact Program to learn more about a particular career field. Tell your family what you’ve learned so far, and what your next steps are going to be. If you are drawing a blank about your next steps, that’s no surprise! We invite you to make an appointment to discuss them with one of our counselors . That’s a next step in itself!

 

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