As an academic advisor, working with students who are undecided about their major or career path is both an opportunity and a challenge. One of the most valuable tools you can use to support these students is an online career assessment.
However, to successfully support the student, an advisor should approach this process with a strategy in mind. Without a strategy, a student could leave the process more stressed than when they started. Therefore, when used thoughtfully, these assessments can provide clarity, direction, and a deeper understanding of the student’s strengths and interests.
Here’s how an academic advisor can incorporate online career assessments into their advising practice for undecided students.
1. Start with a Conversation, Not a Test
Before recommending any online career assessment, begin by having an open conversation with the student. Ask questions about their interests, hobbies, values, and what they enjoyed in high school or their current courses. This sets the tone that career exploration is a personal journey, not just a process of taking a test and receiving answers.
Starting the process with a conversation also allows you to gauge how a student perceives career assessments. Some may be excited, while others may feel nervous about being “labeled” or “boxed in.” By addressing any concerns upfront, you help the student approach the assessment with a more open mind.
2. Debrief the Results Together
Once a student has completed an online career assessment, don’t simply hand them the results and send them on their way. The real value comes from the debriefing process, where you walk through the findings together.
Discuss the results with an open mind, framing them as a starting point rather than a definitive answer. Encourage the student to reflect on whether the suggested careers resonate with them and explore why certain suggestions do or don’t appeal. This is also an opportunity to identify patterns, such as interests or skills the student may not have realized they had, and connect those with potential majors or career paths.
3. Integrate Career Assessment Results with Academic Planning
After reviewing the assessment results, work with the student to align their academic plan with potential career paths. This is where your knowledge of campus resources, course offerings, and experiential learning opportunities becomes invaluable.
For example, if the student’s results suggest an interest in marketing, you might help them explore introductory marketing courses, job shadowing, or even extracurricular activities like the campus marketing club.
By connecting their academic journey with their emerging career interests, you help students see the bigger picture and take concrete steps toward a fulfilling career.
4. Encourage Exploration and Flexibility
While career assessments are helpful, they are not set in stone. Remind students that these tools are just one piece of the puzzle, and they should remain open to exploration. Encourage them to take a range of courses, attend career fairs, and participate in high-impact practices to refine their interests and skills further.
For some students, the first assessment may not yield results that feel “right.” In these cases, reassure them that it’s okay to explore further. You might suggest taking a different type of assessment or revisiting the conversation after they have gained more experience through classes or work opportunities.
5. Follow Up Regularly
Career development is a process that unfolds over time. Schedule regular check-ins with undecided students to revisit their career assessment results and discuss their progress. As they gain more experience in their coursework and extracurricular activities, their interests and goals may evolve. Regular follow-ups allow you to adjust their academic and career planning accordingly and ensure they continue moving forward.
Conclusion
Online career assessments are a powerful tool in an academic advisor’s toolkit, especially when working with undecided students. By starting with a personalized conversation, choosing the right assessment, and guiding the student through reflection and academic planning, you can help them build a clearer path toward their future. The key is to approach career assessments as part of a broader, ongoing dialogue that encourages exploration, flexibility, and growth. With your guidance, a student will feel more confident and prepared to make informed decisions about their major and career. Working with undecided students is a major skill for student success professionals, requiring academic advisor training and practice. It is an essential skill, as it could lead to a life-changing moment for a student.
