3 answers
Isabella
Student
Suffolk, Virginia
2
Questions
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What's the best way to find a major your first year?
I have narrowed down my plans but, I'm still very unsure as to what I want to do. I want to make sure the career I choose is one I am going to enjoy.
#undecidedmajor
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3 answers
Jameel Alexander
Idea2Innovation Associate
15
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Jameel’s Answer
Hello. This is a great questions, and during my first year in college I joined several clubs to get a better understanding of the opportunities available for me. Clubs such as SGA (Student Government Association), HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America), just to name a few. There is many more clubs that will be available for you to join during your first year. You'll learn valuable information for your peers. Utilize your time in your first year to gain knowledge about what your campus has to offer, and the routes students before you took while at the school to gain a better understanding of what major to select.
Rachel Shin
Digital/Creative Services & Strategic Operations Intern
2
Answers
Cupertino, California
Updated
Rachel’s Answer
Hello from 2021!
I would also like to add that you shouldn't have to feel pressure in finding "THE" major within the first year of college! Speaking from personal experience, I've been an undecided major for about 1.5 years. From bouncing between majors to dropping it, I've been known as the indecisive person in my friend group.
What really helped me was actually taking a gap year and communicating with the career development department at my university. I talked to advisors, upperclassmen, and mentor figures at my college to figure out which career path I wanted to pursue. Prior to my gap year, I tried out different board positions within student organizations to see if I genuinely enjoyed the tasks assigned and used that to figure out which career I wanted to pursue. For some like myself, I decided on being an interdisciplinary major called "decision science" -- basically if business, psychology, data science, and statistics. From the indecisive one to being a decision science major-- ironic, right?
Long story short, outline where your interests may lie and see if there's a career that's connected to that. For me, it was finding an interdisciplinary program where I can study a variety of my interests so that I can find a career connected to any of those fields of interests. And if you can't choose, there's always the option of tacking on another academic interest as a minor or two! Get involved in student organizations as Jameel said, and talk to upperclassmen because they would be more than happy to guide you and support you!
I would also like to add that you shouldn't have to feel pressure in finding "THE" major within the first year of college! Speaking from personal experience, I've been an undecided major for about 1.5 years. From bouncing between majors to dropping it, I've been known as the indecisive person in my friend group.
What really helped me was actually taking a gap year and communicating with the career development department at my university. I talked to advisors, upperclassmen, and mentor figures at my college to figure out which career path I wanted to pursue. Prior to my gap year, I tried out different board positions within student organizations to see if I genuinely enjoyed the tasks assigned and used that to figure out which career I wanted to pursue. For some like myself, I decided on being an interdisciplinary major called "decision science" -- basically if business, psychology, data science, and statistics. From the indecisive one to being a decision science major-- ironic, right?
Long story short, outline where your interests may lie and see if there's a career that's connected to that. For me, it was finding an interdisciplinary program where I can study a variety of my interests so that I can find a career connected to any of those fields of interests. And if you can't choose, there's always the option of tacking on another academic interest as a minor or two! Get involved in student organizations as Jameel said, and talk to upperclassmen because they would be more than happy to guide you and support you!
Michael Torio
Consultant - Data Reporting & Analysis (HQ Finance)
344
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Isabella,
Th key word is "enjoy". You want to be happy and enjoy what you will be majoring in college and establishing as a career after graduation. What do you have a passion for? Likes? Dislikes? What are your interests, hobbies and extra curricular activities? These can be factors in choosing a major. Family, friends, current teachers, high school guidance counselor and coaches are excellent resources and sounding boards who can provide advice to help you determine your course of study in college.
I changed my major during my sophomore year in college. Changing majors is okay and students do it often. Academic advisors can assist in guiding a student in choosing a major. Also, the career center on campus is a great resource to learn about different career positions and what is required to be a professional in the various fields.
The first two years in college are very important in determining one's college pathway. General elective courses like Math, Science and English are required during this time. These classes provide exposure to different fields of study and help guide a student to choose a major.
There will be student organizations on campus. Student organizations will range from social like fraternities and sororities to academic like honor societies. There will be student organizations primarily focused within each field of major whether it be business, engineering, science, etc. It will be best to research and check out these specialized student organizations. One can visit the school of study and inquire with the professors or students for their advice.
Best wishes for your future endeavors in college and career!
Th key word is "enjoy". You want to be happy and enjoy what you will be majoring in college and establishing as a career after graduation. What do you have a passion for? Likes? Dislikes? What are your interests, hobbies and extra curricular activities? These can be factors in choosing a major. Family, friends, current teachers, high school guidance counselor and coaches are excellent resources and sounding boards who can provide advice to help you determine your course of study in college.
I changed my major during my sophomore year in college. Changing majors is okay and students do it often. Academic advisors can assist in guiding a student in choosing a major. Also, the career center on campus is a great resource to learn about different career positions and what is required to be a professional in the various fields.
The first two years in college are very important in determining one's college pathway. General elective courses like Math, Science and English are required during this time. These classes provide exposure to different fields of study and help guide a student to choose a major.
There will be student organizations on campus. Student organizations will range from social like fraternities and sororities to academic like honor societies. There will be student organizations primarily focused within each field of major whether it be business, engineering, science, etc. It will be best to research and check out these specialized student organizations. One can visit the school of study and inquire with the professors or students for their advice.
Best wishes for your future endeavors in college and career!