The Career Key®

A recent study of 80,000+ students in 87 colleges and universities in four states, found that,

the more students’ majors matched their interests (personality) the better grades they got.

And for many, this match predicted whether or not the students continued in college and graduated.¹

Results for a 2010 study of students in 15 4-year and 13 2-year colleges found that the closer the match, the more likely students continued in their major and graduated on time.²

It stands to reason: the more interested you are in your major or training program,

• The more time and effort you put into your courses;
• The more confidence you feel;  
• The better grades you get; and
• The better recommendations you receive from your instructors.  

Likewise, when you choose a matching major, you are also choosing a college major environment -- made up of professors and students sharing similar abilities, temperaments, and values who together, create an atmosphere and opportunities support and strengthen people having a similar personality.⁴

Research also shows that this match predicts job satisfaction and success.³

Of course, there are other factors that affect your satisfaction and success in school or at work, but there is no doubt about it. This matching strategy is a good one.

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1. Tracey & Robbins, Journal of Vocational Behavior, 69 (2006), 64-89.
   
2. Allen & Robbins, Journal of Counseling Psychology, 57, (2010), 23-35.
   
3. Kristof-Brown, Zimmerman, & Johnson, Personnel Psychology, 51 (2005), 281-342.
4. Smart, J. C., Feldman, K. A., & Ethington, C. A. (2000). Academic disciplines: Holland's theory and the study of college students and faculty. Nashville, TN: Vanderbilt University Press.

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