3 answers
8
Questions
Asked
601 views
How should I go about picking a major for college?
I'm in high school and I still don't know what major I want to take in college. I know I'm interested in art, but there are many art related majors to choose from. #art #majors
Login to comment
3 answers
Updated
Gabrielle’s Answer
I would recommend thinking about what kind of work you would like to do with an art degree! There are many options like graphic design, becoming an art teacher, or even art therapy. Also considering what kind of population you would like to work with is helpful! There are many free online personality tests that list out your strengths and provide possible job matches that can help in making this decision. Check out 16Personalities and the VIA Personality test!
Updated
M’s Answer
It's great that you're thinking ahead! I wish I'd had some guidance when I was still in high school. All I ever got was, "Do something that makes you a lot of money." But there's more to it than that.
Since this is likely something you'll be doing for a long time and spending LOTS of money to get to that point, it goes without saying that it should be something you enjoy, but there are other things to consider also.
Think about what kinds of jobs will be available to you with the major you choose. Do a search and find out. You may be surprised at the opportunities or you may be disappointed. While searching, check the average salary for each job. Determine what amount you will need to live on for the lifestyle you want to live. If you think you would like to be a social worker but you want to drive a brand new sports car, live in the best neighborhood, wear designer clothes, and eat out all the time then you'll need to consider something else!
What about where you would have to live in order to work at the job you want. Would you have to move to another city, another state and if so, are you willing to do that? What happens if you fall in love and your partner doesn't want to move? Or what if your partner needs to move for his/her job? With your major/job would you be able to find employment anywhere you move to?
Consider what type of person you are and what you like. Are you an indoor person? An outdoor person? An introvert who doesn't want to work with a lot of people? Or a people person who would hate being shut off in a small office to work alone - you've got to be where the action is.
Think about the hours - would this major/job give you the opportunity to work decent hours or would you still be working nights and weekends or even be on call?
How far can you go with the major you choose? Is it something that you can work your way up or would you be stuck in a lower-level job. For instance, my degree is in Psychology and Counseling but I can't counsel unless I continue my education and obtain a Master's Degree, and then get licensed by the state in which I reside. Not sure if you would have to get licensed in another state if you had to move or if your current license would work. And now, a lot of insurance companies won't pay for a counselor unless that counselor has a Ph.D. So even MORE education! With just a B.S., about the best job I could get in my field would be as a caseworker. So know if you'll need more than a Bachelor's Degree to reach the job you want and if you're willing to do (and pay) what it takes.
You mentioned Art. Do you like helping others? Then Art Therapy might be a good fit. It's also one of those jobs that's not in great demand and requires a Master's Degree. Art Therapists make a decent living. depending on the state you work in and the place of employment.
Figure out what type of art you like most. Is there a demand for it? If not, consider another major, albeit less enjoyable, and do your art on the side. Here are a few things to think about when it comes to art that I wish someone had told me about: Somebody SOMEwhere has to design shoes, clothing, cars, houses, furniture, curtains, appliances, jewelry, purses, lingerie, luggage, dishes, pet clothes, towels, bedspreads/comforters, etc. My point is, art encompasses a broad array of things. It's not limited to canvas and paint as many people think.
So pick a starting point and do your research. Keep your options open. Explore a variety of things.
These are just a few things to think about but hopefully, that gives you some ideas. Just remember, that once you start college you may find something you love that you never even thought about before! Good luck! I wish you happy college years and a successful life with your chosen major
Since this is likely something you'll be doing for a long time and spending LOTS of money to get to that point, it goes without saying that it should be something you enjoy, but there are other things to consider also.
Think about what kinds of jobs will be available to you with the major you choose. Do a search and find out. You may be surprised at the opportunities or you may be disappointed. While searching, check the average salary for each job. Determine what amount you will need to live on for the lifestyle you want to live. If you think you would like to be a social worker but you want to drive a brand new sports car, live in the best neighborhood, wear designer clothes, and eat out all the time then you'll need to consider something else!
What about where you would have to live in order to work at the job you want. Would you have to move to another city, another state and if so, are you willing to do that? What happens if you fall in love and your partner doesn't want to move? Or what if your partner needs to move for his/her job? With your major/job would you be able to find employment anywhere you move to?
Consider what type of person you are and what you like. Are you an indoor person? An outdoor person? An introvert who doesn't want to work with a lot of people? Or a people person who would hate being shut off in a small office to work alone - you've got to be where the action is.
Think about the hours - would this major/job give you the opportunity to work decent hours or would you still be working nights and weekends or even be on call?
How far can you go with the major you choose? Is it something that you can work your way up or would you be stuck in a lower-level job. For instance, my degree is in Psychology and Counseling but I can't counsel unless I continue my education and obtain a Master's Degree, and then get licensed by the state in which I reside. Not sure if you would have to get licensed in another state if you had to move or if your current license would work. And now, a lot of insurance companies won't pay for a counselor unless that counselor has a Ph.D. So even MORE education! With just a B.S., about the best job I could get in my field would be as a caseworker. So know if you'll need more than a Bachelor's Degree to reach the job you want and if you're willing to do (and pay) what it takes.
You mentioned Art. Do you like helping others? Then Art Therapy might be a good fit. It's also one of those jobs that's not in great demand and requires a Master's Degree. Art Therapists make a decent living. depending on the state you work in and the place of employment.
Figure out what type of art you like most. Is there a demand for it? If not, consider another major, albeit less enjoyable, and do your art on the side. Here are a few things to think about when it comes to art that I wish someone had told me about: Somebody SOMEwhere has to design shoes, clothing, cars, houses, furniture, curtains, appliances, jewelry, purses, lingerie, luggage, dishes, pet clothes, towels, bedspreads/comforters, etc. My point is, art encompasses a broad array of things. It's not limited to canvas and paint as many people think.
So pick a starting point and do your research. Keep your options open. Explore a variety of things.
These are just a few things to think about but hopefully, that gives you some ideas. Just remember, that once you start college you may find something you love that you never even thought about before! Good luck! I wish you happy college years and a successful life with your chosen major
Updated
William’s Answer
If you like art you are creative and have a beautiful mind. I was in second grade and a friend named Jeffery Rollins drew a TRex. So I had to draw it over and over to get it close to being as good as his. Never quite got to his level in drawing, but I started drawing different things that I was better at, than he was. Which he seemed to surpass me, after he practice the drawing. No matter how much I practice drawing he seemed to always be better! I had conceded to the fact that he was better than I.
I don't know what happened to Jeffery Rollins. All I know is he made me try to get better at art!!
Creative ideas means we have a beautiful mind and we picture things the way they look and should be. They are not always right! If you purse those ideas they, could develop into something good.
My advice is
Research the great animators
Have Love and a Passion for the way you make money!
I could recommend all these programs and colleges but a young person has to find this out for themselves.
I don't know what happened to Jeffery Rollins. All I know is he made me try to get better at art!!
Creative ideas means we have a beautiful mind and we picture things the way they look and should be. They are not always right! If you purse those ideas they, could develop into something good.
My advice is
William recommends the following next steps: