This may be the first time you feel the full weight of an important life decision. When choosing an undergraduate degree, you were likely to have consulted your parents, teachers and guidance counsellors and relied heavily on their information and advice. Now that you are graduating, the ball is very much in your court and the options are much wider and less structured.
It’s time to make your own decisions and take responsibility for the consequences. This is an important step in becoming a mature, independent adult. You will still consult others, but it’s better for you if the decision is your own - especially if the decision has long-term consequences.
One thing to know is that you do not have to the make the “perfect” decision – not possible in this imperfect world! What is important to make the best possible given all the information that is currently available to you.
The resources on the page have been designed to make you feel more confident by knowing how to approach the decision-making process “head on”.
People can approach decisions in different ways. Some researchers have proposed that people tend to choose from one of the following “styles” of decision making:
- Rational – A logical and systematic way of making decisions
- Avoidant – Avoiding important decisions until the pressure is on
- Dependent – Making important decisions by consulting other people
- Intuitive – Relying on your own instinct to make decisions
- Spontaneous – You tend to make impulsive decisions
Which of these styles sound would you say you tend to use most often?
Our personality and personal preferences are likely to have a major impact on your decision making, as well as other factors including age and social status.
- Will you value logic and reason over a “gut” feeling that an option just feels right?
- Will you plan your decision months in advance or leave it until the last minute?
Becoming aware of how you tend to approach decisions will help you to offset any weaknesses in your approach and ensure that you make a balanced decision.
The Types Dynamics Indicator – a psychometric personality tool available to UCC students is well worth taking to give you a deeper insight into how you are most likely to approach an important decision.
We recommend that you discuss the findings of the report with a qualified careers consultant at UCC Careers Service.
The first step to becoming more confident in making a career decision is to recognise, and become aware of, the issues that may be holding you back. Empower yourself with the knowledge of what can go wrong when making decisions – and how to overcome each potential issue.
(The following list is adapted from David Winter’s article on Careers in Theory ).
Barriers - Before making the decision:
- Lack of motivation – are you avoiding to reluctant to engage with this decision? Do you not consider it important? Is it not the right time?
- General indecisiveness —Do you feel indecisive because you are afraid? Afraid of the disapproval of others? Or commitment? Of making a mistake?
- Dysfunctional myths — Are you worried that you won’t find the “perfect” career option? Do you believe that “perfect” exists? Do you think that this is a “once and for all” choice?
- Ignorance of the decision-making process — Do you know what factors to consider or how to analyse information?
Barriers - While making the decision:
- Lack of information about yourself – Have you analysed your abilities, personality and preferences, now and in the future?
- Lack of information about options — Are you aware of your full the range of alternatives and the necessary detail about each? Where can you find these? Who can help?
- Lack of research knowledge — Do you know how to find out more about oneself or your options?
- Unreliable information — You may be operating under misapprehensions and misinformation about you and your options? Are your sources accurate and reliable?
- Internal conflicts — Are you struggling with internal conflicts such as an unwillingness to compromise, genuine lack of preference, particular reservations, dissatisfaction with viable options, unsatisfied requirements, unattainable options, etc.??
- External conflicts — Are you in disagreement with influential other people about options or preferences?
