"Not to decide is to decide."
- Dr. Robert Anthony

Every day you make hundreds of decisions - From what to have for breakfast, to the clothes you wear, to how you spend your day - you are making decisions all the time. It's impossible to go through a single day without making a decision!

The more important a decision is to you, the harder it is to make. It may be easy to decide what movie to watch, but deciding on what career to choose is not so easy.

Career decision making would be easy if you could completely predict the outcome of each career option. However, each option will involve some risk and uncertainty since we cannot predict an unpredictable future.

Students also need to be aware of SB5135, commonly reffered to as the "Linger Law", which requires timely completion of degrees and certificates. Columbia Basin College will monitor all students indicating degrees or certificate intent to ensure completion of their stated intent within a reasonable time. See STANDARDS OF ACADEMIC PROGRESS AND PERFORMANCE.

Many students avoid making a decision about a college major or a career because they fear they'll make the wrong decision. They may believe that the wrong decision will result in being stuck in a job they hate forever. Frequently, students hold onto false hope that somehow the perfect career will present itself to them without any effort or risk involved.

"People say I'm indecisive, but I don't know

about that." - George Bush

Students who avoid making an informed career decision take a different type of risk: they may find themselves in a job that is not something they truly enjoy or are even interested in. Without a clear career goal, a person is more likely to take any job they can get because of family responsibilities and financial obligations. Years later they may realize they are in a job that was not a conscious choice - one that they do not enjoy and one that doesn’t meet their career wants and needs.

Keep in mind there are few decisions in life that are unchangeable. Even if you select the wrong career you can choose another occupation that may be more compatible. It’s important to generate more than one serious career possibility, that way - if choice #1 doesn’t work out, you can always fall back on #2 or #3.

One of the most important ways to reduce the risk associated with career decisions is to gather all the necessary information on your values, interests, personality, skills, abilities, and strengths. Another important component is examining the occupational outlook for each career you are seriously considering. Examine the occupational outlook for each career you are seriously considering. It doesn't pay to invest a lot of time, money, and energy preparing for a career that has little or no future."

Need help with decision making? The Wise Choice Process can help you.

Be sure to check out CBC's Career & Employment Services Center!

If you want more in depth career exploration guided by a trained career professional, consider taking CBC’s Career Planning Strategies (ED 135). This is a two-credit class that will count toward your Associate of Arts & Science Degree. Also, you can visit CBC’s Career/Transfer Center located in the Student Services Center. They can also be reached by calling 547-0511 x2633.