Internal factors are more personal. Sometimes, these concerns must be addressed before the decision-making process can be completed.

  • Lack of self-confidence: If your choice of a major or career seems especially critical, you may not feel confident in your ability to make a good decision. Often, obtaining additional information can solve this problem. Other times, more counseling may be needed.
  • Fear/anxiety: While a little anxiety is positive and can help you stay on your toes, too much can wear you down. Fearing that you will make "bad" decisions can paralyze you. An academic advisor can help you separate your rational from irrational fears.
  • Conflicting values: You may be considering paths that are not compatible with each other. Perhaps you want to earn a good salary but also want to work in the not-for-profit sector. Or perhaps you would love to work as a performer and but also need job security. Doing some values clarification work may help you here.
  • Conflict with others: Parents, spouses, and significant others often have definite ideas about your career choice. Desiring to please others and the need for continued financial support are two ways significant others can put undue pressure on you. A career counselor may be able to help you identify ways to deal with this.
  • Multipotentiality: If you have many interests and many abilities, your problem may be one of narrowing down options rather than creating them. Once again, an academic advisor can help you find appropriate criteria for narrowing down your options.