Major Exploration and VIPS

In Major Exploration Advising we are here to assist you with learning about yourself and the major possibilities that can suit your academic and career interests and goals. We can help you evaluate where you currently are academically and make connections to potential majors and careers utilizing resources like VIPS and DegreeWorks. We will work with you to create a personal plan of action that may include:

• Appropriate VIPS assessments
• Referrals to other advising offices
• Recommended courses for next term

At the end of the day, our goal is not only to help you succeed academically but thrive in all aspects of your college experience. If you are wanting to learn about other possibilities check out our resources or schedule an appointment today!

What Are VIPS?

In order to make good, informed decisions about majors and careers, you should first look at your values, interests, personality, and skills (V-I-P-S). 

You may not use all of them within your career, but your best major and career choices will allow you to incorporate many aspects of your V-I-P-S. Within each area there are assessments you may choose to complete on your own or in an appointment with an Owl Advisor.

VIPS Introductory Video

VIPS Assessments

Step One

Take one or more of the assessments below and submit your results in Step Two. If you are unsure of which assessments to take, please contact your Owl Advisor.

• Values

  What are the most important things for you to have in life after you graduate? Some folks want to earn a living to support their family or even retire early. Some want security or stability in their careers. Others want power, prestige, or the ability to continue advancing in their field. Or maybe they would rather have creativity and independence over making a large income.

  It is important to identify and to consider your values as you approach career decisions since your work will influence the ways in which you can live out your values.

  Assessment: Life Values Inventory (PDF)

• Interests

  Interests are things you LIKE to do. It is likely you won't use all your interests within your career, but if you really enjoy a certain task or activity, you are likely to stick with it long enough to master it. Think about how you can incorporate your interests into your major and career planning. It will be easier to stay motivated!

  Assessment: O-Net Interest Profiler based on John Holland’s Strong Interest Inventory

• Personality

  Personality is your way of doing things—your style. This includes things like whether you need to be around people or need quiet time to recharge your energy level. How do you process information? Are you detail or big-picture oriented? How do you make decisions? Are you one who uses your head or your heart? Do you prefer your time to be scheduled or spontaneous? Careers can be more comfortable for people with complementary personalities.

  Assessment: Myers-Brigg Type Inventory (MBTI)

• Skills

  Skills are those things you do well. These can be natural talents, strengths, or the abilities you have acquired through education or training. The abilities you do well and LOVE are called motivated skills. You may have skills using data and information, working with equipment or things, or valuable people skills.

  If you struggle to identify your skills, ask yourself what you do well, where you have been successful, or even where others have sought out your help. These are your skills and strengths!

  Assessment: O-Net Skills Search

Step Two

Complete the Online VIPS Assessment Record. Your results will also be shared with Owl Advising and your advisor will contact you to schedule a follow-up advising session.

You can opt in to receive a copy of your responses by selecting "Send me an email receipt of my responses" at the end of the form.

• VIPS Assessment Record

Career Planning And Development

Declaring a major is an important part of the career planning process, but it does not stop there because of the multitude of career options associated with each major. The Department of Career Planning and Development offers assistance with this process through individual advising sessions with a career advisor and access to various career assessment resources.

You can visit their website HERE to check out their assessments and schedule an appointment with a career advisor!