EJ Types (ESTJ, ESFJ, ENFJ, ENTJ)
I want to decide and then get on with it. EJ students often put choosing a major on their "to do" list soon after reaching college. It is not uncommon for them to seek career counseling early, hoping to declare a major before the first semester ends. When they choose wisely, they usually progress through an orderly series of steps leading to graduation. Although their style provides them with a clear sense of direction, it also can have its drawback. For example, an EJ student may decide aat an early age to be a doctor, lawyer, or engineer but then discover that he or she lacks the necessary ability or the continuing interest. They become disappointed and want to hurry up and choose another major because "I don't want to waste any more time". Ironically, what they often need to do is slow down and collect more information. When things work out along the lines that they have planned, EJs are the mountain climbers of decision-making. They pick out a specific peak to climb and then proceed toward their goal.

EP Types (ESTP,ESFP,ENFP,ENTP)
I want to experience it all. For EP types, deciding tends to be an ongoing process. They often decide by trial and error. They typically want, and try, to do it all-every course, major, or extracurricular activity that appeals to them is fair game. Changing their mind helps to reassure them that they still have options open. They may sometimes feel, however, that they have too many options and don't know how to choose among them. Often when they talk about trying out a new major, it is because talking is their way of deciding. Their style, however, can be very difficult for their parents, especially parents who prefer judging. For an EP type, a decision is a point of departure, a jumping off place, not a final stop. They are the bungee jumpers of career decision-making.

IJ Types (ISTJ,ISFJ,INFJ,INTJ)
I want to be sure. The IJ types will probably spend a lot of time researching and reflecting before reaching a final decision. They often consult books and other resources on majors and careers. Because they tend to stick with a decision once it's made, the information they collect must be carefully considered. Because their thinking is done alone, however, they may surprise people when they announce their plans. Although this analogy will seem somewhat cold to those with a preference for Feeling, the IJ types are the computers of career decision making-all relevant data (including their values!) go in, are processed carefully, and a decision comes out.

IP Types (ISTP,ISFP,INFP,INTP)
I wonder what I'll want to be when I grow up. IP Students often want to delay a decision about a major until they can consider all options, which they do at their own pace. Although they may resist deadlines imposed by others, they sometimes need that nudge from the outside world to help them make a decision. When they can tell themselves that no decision is ever final, they can move ahead. Even in mid-life, they often say they don't know for sure what they want to be when they grow up. Their style of decision-making often reflects a struggle between the information coming to them from the outer world (which can be overwhelming) and their attempt to be true to their inner world. It may take them a while away from home to discover the nature of their inner world.
IPs are the wanderers of career decision making. A career path for them is a never-ending quest for more knowledge, facts, or inspiration.

Research with college students has shown that developing a sense of purpose is associated with EJ preferences. Also, when career counselors ranked students on how well they made appropriate educational plans the following order of preferences emerged: EJ, EP, IF, and IP.

One study showed that EJ types are the most decided about their majors and careers, while Ips are the least decisive. In two other studies, the ISTPs were the most likely to have undecided majors, and the Ips were the most likely to be attracted to special advising programs.

Summary prepared and (c) 1993 by Tom Carskadon Mississippi state University Psychology Department