Self Exploration

The first phase, Self-Exploration, includes an understanding of one’s values, interests, abilities and personality characteristics. Through assessments, questions, activities and exercises, our advisees can better understand what matters most to our students, where they experience excitement and enthusiasm, when they have excelled, and how their unique talents can positively impact our world. This process results in a self-portrait, which prepares the student for the next phase of discovery.
The combination of these elements predicts academic and career themes/zones of potential interest for students. Through the partnership with the assigned academic advisor, the student begins to identify a list of majors within these zones for greater exploration. Below is a list of action steps and online resources that assist students with self exploration.

1) Complete the Choosing a Major or Occupation Guide , a workbook co-created with advisors from the FSU Career Center and Advising First. Contained within the book are reflective activities, lists of major and careers, and decision-making exercises that assist students with sorting and prioritizing their options. Students are asked to bring the completed booklet to their Nole call meeting, the first formal academic advising session.

2) Visit the FSU Career Center and investigate the many resources available to help understand the self. They are located in Room 1200 Dunlap Success Center and can be reached by phone (850) 644-6431.

3) Complete an online assessment to better understand values, interests, and skills. Here are a few of our favorites:

  • My Majors is an online assessment that matches interests and strengths, and suggests majors that may be a good fit.
  • FOCUS 2 is an online, interactive, self- guided career and education planning system designed to help you make decisions about your future career goals and education plans.
  • Sigi 3 is a self-assessment tool that helps students examine key motivators and match work-related values, interests, and skills to educational and career pathways. The password is “seminoles.”

4) Take the Jung Typology Test to identify preferences and match answers to a four-letter personality profile. There are additional websites that provide detailed information and suggest careers for each personality type:

5) Interview 3 family members, friends, or mentors. Ask them for feedback and information on strengths and possible majors/occupations. Here is a list of sample interview questions:

  • What topics hold my interest and capture my attention?
  • When have you seen me most passionate and enthusiastic?
  • How would you describe my values and goals?
  • What are my greatest strengths and skills?
  • Where do you see me in five years?
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