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I am confused on what career I should major in. How do I figure that out?
#major #career
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13 answers
Updated
Priya’s Answer
Hi Kendra,
Start with your interests or values. Explore them and see what job fields are similar! Or explore jobs on websites like O*Net. Also you can get help from a career counselor to help you do some assessments and narrow options down. Good luck!
Start with your interests or values. Explore them and see what job fields are similar! Or explore jobs on websites like O*Net. Also you can get help from a career counselor to help you do some assessments and narrow options down. Good luck!
Updated
Amanda’s Answer
Hi Kendra -
Choosing a major is an exciting but difficult decision. Here are some helpful points to narrow down what major you select:
1. List your interests. Does problem-solving or thinking critically appeal to you? Do you like math and numbers? Do you have a creative side that you want to explore a bit? Do you enjoy journaling, writing, or literature? Do you want to help people, and have an interest in medicine?
2. Talk those around you. Is there a particular subject or class that you took that sparked your interest? Perhaps you can talk to a teacher of that class to understand their background and major. Is there someone you know who works in a particular field that's fascinating to you? Chat about what they did to get there.
3. Connect with college alumni. A part of selecting a major is exploring colleges around you to support that major. Create a LinkedIn account to find alumni of a school you're interested in. Perhaps you can set up a call or message about particular majors.
Choosing a major is an exciting but difficult decision. Here are some helpful points to narrow down what major you select:
1. List your interests. Does problem-solving or thinking critically appeal to you? Do you like math and numbers? Do you have a creative side that you want to explore a bit? Do you enjoy journaling, writing, or literature? Do you want to help people, and have an interest in medicine?
2. Talk those around you. Is there a particular subject or class that you took that sparked your interest? Perhaps you can talk to a teacher of that class to understand their background and major. Is there someone you know who works in a particular field that's fascinating to you? Chat about what they did to get there.
3. Connect with college alumni. A part of selecting a major is exploring colleges around you to support that major. Create a LinkedIn account to find alumni of a school you're interested in. Perhaps you can set up a call or message about particular majors.
Updated
Sanjana’s Answer
It is important to understand what your interests and strengths are. Here are a few tips to consider:
1. It is OKAY to change career paths and majors. I, myself, slightly changed my major and minor in my Sophomore year of college. As we begin to take classes in college, we realize what our interests really are.
2. Think about what you would be happy and satisfied with doing for the next 30 years.
3. If you need ideas for career choices, think about the people in your life who have been positive influences in your life.
4. It can be a process of trial and error for some. If you are really unsure, it is better to start somewhere and slowly dig a path for yourself.
1. It is OKAY to change career paths and majors. I, myself, slightly changed my major and minor in my Sophomore year of college. As we begin to take classes in college, we realize what our interests really are.
2. Think about what you would be happy and satisfied with doing for the next 30 years.
3. If you need ideas for career choices, think about the people in your life who have been positive influences in your life.
4. It can be a process of trial and error for some. If you are really unsure, it is better to start somewhere and slowly dig a path for yourself.
Updated
Natalie’s Answer
Hi Kendra!
Trying to pick a major when you're really not sure what you want to do is challenging. When I graduated high school I ended up majoring in general studies up until I finally realized I wanted to do graphic design. Think about your interests and hobbies, and how any of those could be a career. I would recommend talking to a career counselor or school guidance counselor if you can. I met with a career counselor at my school while I was in community college and she had me fill out an assessment that determined what types of careers I would most likely be good at. She also talked to me about my interests and how I could possibly turn those things into a career. Don't stress yourself out if you can't make a decision right away, or if you end up changing your original major. It's not unusual, and it's ok to take your time.
Trying to pick a major when you're really not sure what you want to do is challenging. When I graduated high school I ended up majoring in general studies up until I finally realized I wanted to do graphic design. Think about your interests and hobbies, and how any of those could be a career. I would recommend talking to a career counselor or school guidance counselor if you can. I met with a career counselor at my school while I was in community college and she had me fill out an assessment that determined what types of careers I would most likely be good at. She also talked to me about my interests and how I could possibly turn those things into a career. Don't stress yourself out if you can't make a decision right away, or if you end up changing your original major. It's not unusual, and it's ok to take your time.
Updated
Frank’s Answer
This is a very good question Kendra. When I was looking at my future, I thought I had it figured out with my major before heading to college. I wanted to go for Computer Forensics seeing how I had a interest in helping making the world a better place and have always had a good understanding when it came to computers and networks. However once I started my studies and discovered more about what the career entitled, it become something that I did not want to continue. So I re-evaluated what I wanted to do and talked to other people who were going into different fields to see why they choose to go for them and see if that it is something that would be an option for myself. You need to figure out what is important to you and find something that goes into your values and personality. If you find something that makes you happy working then it does not become a job. For example I decided I can make a world a better place by trying to help people with their financial needs and being able to talk to people everyday about what is going on and make life a little bit better for them.
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Shruti’s Answer
Hi!
As someone who was also confused about what to major in, I took classes that I thought I would be interested in to see which ones spiked my interest the most. I think if you are still figuring it out, you can ask people and network with people to see what spikes your interest. You can also take a few classes or do certification in what you may seem interested in. You still have time to decide and many people I know have switched their major so don't be scared to make that first decision.
As someone who was also confused about what to major in, I took classes that I thought I would be interested in to see which ones spiked my interest the most. I think if you are still figuring it out, you can ask people and network with people to see what spikes your interest. You can also take a few classes or do certification in what you may seem interested in. You still have time to decide and many people I know have switched their major so don't be scared to make that first decision.
Updated
Madi’s Answer
Hi,
Picking a career major is no easy choice. To do so, you should assess your own likes and dislikes. Here are some possible questions to consider: Do you want to work with other people? Do you want to work alone? Do you want to focus on something more technical like a STEM major? Do you want to focus on more creative careers such as a dancer or musician? Essentially, you need to assess what matters most to you and what interests you.
Furthermore, you can do quizzes to help you figure out your personality. For example, I did the Myers-Briggs personality quiz and it provided me with examples of career fields for people with my personality.
Picking a career major is no easy choice. To do so, you should assess your own likes and dislikes. Here are some possible questions to consider: Do you want to work with other people? Do you want to work alone? Do you want to focus on something more technical like a STEM major? Do you want to focus on more creative careers such as a dancer or musician? Essentially, you need to assess what matters most to you and what interests you.
Furthermore, you can do quizzes to help you figure out your personality. For example, I did the Myers-Briggs personality quiz and it provided me with examples of career fields for people with my personality.
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Hi Kendra, I would suggest the approach below to help to find out your major / career :
1. You start thinking about the hobbies or subjects that you are interested in
2. Identify the careers that you related to these subjects or hobbies, e.g. If you are interested in Science, would you like to be a scientist, a science teacher, etc.? If you are interested in Music, would you like to be a singer, musician, composer, music teacher, etc.?
3. Explore more on these careers and find out a few careers you are interested in
4. Try to speak to someone who are working in these careers or seeks advise from the career counsellor in your school
5. Shortlist a few careers you would like to pursue and determine the relevant subjects of these careers. Find out the entry criteria of these subjects in these careers.
Having said that, it is often that people may change their interest and hence change the career in the future. It is not necessary to work in one single career in your life time.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
1. You start thinking about the hobbies or subjects that you are interested in
2. Identify the careers that you related to these subjects or hobbies, e.g. If you are interested in Science, would you like to be a scientist, a science teacher, etc.? If you are interested in Music, would you like to be a singer, musician, composer, music teacher, etc.?
3. Explore more on these careers and find out a few careers you are interested in
4. Try to speak to someone who are working in these careers or seeks advise from the career counsellor in your school
5. Shortlist a few careers you would like to pursue and determine the relevant subjects of these careers. Find out the entry criteria of these subjects in these careers.
Having said that, it is often that people may change their interest and hence change the career in the future. It is not necessary to work in one single career in your life time.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
You rock! This advice is very helpful.
Kendra
Updated
Amy’s Answer
I gave my children this assignment in middle school. I had them search and pick out what kind of house they wanted to live in when they grew up. Then pick out a car they would like to drive. Do you want to have cable tv? Cell Service? Then add in cost for food and gas. Don't worry about taxes.
When you have this total divide the monthly payments by 4. Then take that amount and divide by 40 hours. Let's say for example it's $40 dollars an hour. Start researching careers that pay at least $40 an hour. You will be surprised what you need to earn in order to live the lifestyle you would like to live.
Now after you have a list, research careers in high demand. See what interest you. You don't want to pick a career that is not going to be hiring in 4 years or is limited in demand. Tech fields, Medical fields, Auto Mechanics, or Air Conditioning mechanics are a few that great choices. Cybersecurity fields are in high demand as well.
Good Luck
Amy
When you have this total divide the monthly payments by 4. Then take that amount and divide by 40 hours. Let's say for example it's $40 dollars an hour. Start researching careers that pay at least $40 an hour. You will be surprised what you need to earn in order to live the lifestyle you would like to live.
Now after you have a list, research careers in high demand. See what interest you. You don't want to pick a career that is not going to be hiring in 4 years or is limited in demand. Tech fields, Medical fields, Auto Mechanics, or Air Conditioning mechanics are a few that great choices. Cybersecurity fields are in high demand as well.
Good Luck
Amy
Updated
Elena’s Answer
When you pick your major at an undergraduate university, keep in mind that it does not tie you 100% to a certain career path. I myself studied Civil Engineering at undergraduate university, and my roles in my career have taken me far away from Civil Engineering. I work as a project manager/operations engineer in a manufacturing role working with factories all around the world. There are so many possibilities, but it is most important to start with your interests now.
What subjects in school most interest you?
Based on your interests, what are the majors offered at your prospective universities that relate?
Potentially find people to interview in college or recent graduate and ask them how their majors relate to what they are doing in their early careers.
Elena recommends the following next steps:
Thank you for the advice.
Kendra
Updated
Kellie’s Answer
Hi Kendra! In response to your question, just know that you don't have to choose a major immediately! I would use your time in school to explore any and all of your interests and go from there. Even when people choose majors, more than half end up having a career in a completely different field. My best advice would be to try new things and keep your mind open.
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Shruti’s Answer
Hi!
I think it is important to realize that it is okay if you don't know what you want to major in. For many people including the first year of college, I took various classes of subjects/careers I thought I could go into. This helped me realize what I was passionate about the most. If you want to have more of an idea before college, take classes at your local community college or see what is offered in your high school.
I think it is important to realize that it is okay if you don't know what you want to major in. For many people including the first year of college, I took various classes of subjects/careers I thought I could go into. This helped me realize what I was passionate about the most. If you want to have more of an idea before college, take classes at your local community college or see what is offered in your high school.
Updated
Caroline’s Answer
In addition to what they said about look up career decision tool and take a test to see what Careers are suggested based on your goals hobbies and skills! https://brainmanager.io/career-test?gclid=Cj0KCQiA2sqOBhCGARIsAPuPK0h6JIOgglGMh6gu_LpUKVTqbwEis9-OgYVdCyNqjaHqqII2dIDXvy8aAnRmEALw_wcB