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Choosing the right university major is a critical decision that shapes your future career and personal growth. With the vast array of options available, it can be overwhelming for Hong Kong students to determine the best fit for their interests and strengths. In this article, Bearing Academy co-founder David Wong introduces a simple quiz inspired by the Strong Interest Inventory® (SII), a tool designed to help you evaluate your interests and make an informed decision about your academic path.

Understanding the Strong Interest Inventory® (SII)

The Strong Interest Inventory® (SII) is a well-established assessment tool that helps individuals identify and align their interests with potential career paths. The SII evaluates responses across various domains, including activities, subjects, and work environments, to provide insights into suitable educational and career options.

Components of the SII

1. General Occupational Themes (GOTs): These broad categories summarise a person's interests into six main themes: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional (RIASEC).

2. Basic Interest Scales (BISs): These scales reflect preferences for specific activities, such as working with technology, teaching, or performing.

3. Occupational Scales (OSs): These scales compare a person's interests with those of individuals in various occupations to find suitable career matches.

4. Personal Style Scales (PSSs): These scales measure preferences related to work style, learning environment, leadership style, risk-taking, and team orientation.

General Occupational Themes (GOTs)

Realistic (R):  Realistic individuals enjoy hands-on activities and working with tools and machinery. Majors that align with this theme include Engineering, Architecture, and Environmental Science.

Investigative (I):  Investigative individuals are analytical and enjoy exploring scientific and mathematical concepts. Suitable majors include Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Computer Science.

Artistic (A): Artistic individuals are creative and enjoy self-expression through various mediums. They might excel in majors like Fine Arts, Music, Literature, and Graphic Design.

Social (S): Social individuals are empathetic and enjoy helping others. Majors that fit this theme include Psychology, Education, Nursing, and Social Work.

Enterprising (E): Enterprising individuals are natural leaders who enjoy making decisions. Suitable majors include Business Administration, Marketing, Finance, and Political Science.

Conventional (C): Conventional individuals are detail-oriented and enjoy organising information. They might thrive in majors like Accounting, Information Systems, and Library Science.

Basic Interest Scales (BISs): The BISs narrow down interests within the GOTs. For example, you might have interests in Performing Arts, Visual Arts, or Writing related to the Artistic theme. Understanding these specific interests helps in selecting a more focused major.

Occupational Scales (OSs): The OSs match interests with potential careers. For instance, if you have a strong interest in Investigative activities, a career in research, data analysis, or academia might be suitable. This alignment is crucial in choosing a major that opens doors to your desired career path.

Personal Style Scales (PSSs): The PSSs assess your preferences in work style and learning environment. For example, majors with lab components or practical applications, like Engineering or Biology, would be ideal if you prefer hands-on learning. If you enjoy independent research, majors in the Humanities or Social Sciences might be a better fit.

The Quiz: Discover What to Study in University

To help you evaluate your interests, we have developed a simplified quiz inspired by the SII. This quiz will guide you through various questions to identify your strengths and preferences.

Section 1: General Occupational Themes

1. Do you enjoy working with tools and machinery?

   - Yes

   - No

2. Are you interested in conducting scientific research?

   - Yes

   - No

3. Do you like creating art, music, or writing?

   - Yes

   - No

4. Are you passionate about helping others and working in social services?

   - Yes

   - No

5. Do you enjoy leading groups and making business decisions?

   - Yes

   - No

6. Are you detail-oriented and enjoy working with data and organising information?

   - Yes

   - No

Section 2: Basic Interest Scales

1. Do you prefer solving complex math problems over engaging in creative writing?

   - Math Problems

   - Creative Writing

2. Do you enjoy participating in debates and discussions?

   - Yes

   - No

3. Are you interested in designing computer software or apps?

   - Yes

   - No

4. Do you find satisfaction in planning events or projects?

   - Yes

   - No

Section 3: Occupational Scales

1. Would you prefer a career in healthcare or finance?

   - Healthcare

   - Finance

2. Do you see yourself working in an educational setting or a corporate office?

   - Educational Setting

   - Corporate Office

Section 4: Personal Style Scales

1. Do you prefer working in a team or independently?

   - Team

   - Independently

2. Are you comfortable with taking risks in your decisions?

   - Yes

   - No

3. Do you prefer hands-on learning or theoretical study?

   - Hands-on Learning

   - Theoretical Study

Interpreting Your Quiz Results

After completing the quiz, you can match your answers with potential university majors. For example, if you answered "Yes" to questions about scientific research and solving math problems, majors in the Investigative theme, such as Physics or Computer Science, might be a good fit. Conversely, if you enjoy creative activities and helping others, majors in Artistic or Social themes, like Fine Arts or Psychology, could be suitable.

Tips on Further Research and Exploration

1. Look into specific university programmes that offer majors aligned with your interests. Explore their curriculum, faculty, and resources.

2. Connect with professionals and alumni from various fields to gain insights into their experiences and career paths.

3. Seek internships or part-time jobs related to your interests to gain practical experience and better understand your preferences.

How We Can Help

For personalised service and support when choosing your university majors, don't hesitate to contact Bearing Academy consultants today at info@bearing-academy.com for a complete evaluation to help you navigate your university study path and achieve your educational goals.

Sources

https://www.cpp.com/products/strong/index.aspx