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How do I know what major is right for me?
As per my last question, I’ve been pretty confident in majoring in Business and Communications for a while. But now that I’ve been applying to colleges and such, I feel like it’s a really big commitment and what if I end up not liking that major and career path? How do I know which major calls out to me? If possible, please input your experience finding your major if you’ve ever been in this position or just your thought process with choosing your major. #college-major #major #undecided #career #college
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Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
751
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Paul’s Answer
Hi Kaitlyn:
I was asked this question many times when I was an academic advisor, and I agree with you that it can be challenging to choose a major, especially when you have multiple interests, like you have mention.
Let me attempt to provide some insight regarding how to choose a major.
First you will need to know what you are good at doing and what your primary interests are in your life. There will be many voices around you telling you that you should become an engineer, or maybe a nurse, or a medical technician, and focus on those majors. I have to tell you, that I have seen many students in my career, who have answered these voices and chosen a major based only upon gaining financial gain. And these students all failed to achieve that goal. The reason is because they were not interested in that major, and they were basically not very good at the courses required to gain entry into that particular major or field. Many of them dropped out of college, but others caught on early changed their major and did quite well in life. So you will need to make a determination at what you are good at and where your interests are in life.
You will need to determine where your biggest priorities are in life. Many will tell you to go for financial gain and where this is a large demand for certain jobs or occupations. But I would encourage you to look for a major that you are passionate about and can be highly skilled at. When you are passionate about something, and you are very skilled at it, then the money will eventually follow.
I would also do a serious self reflection and determine what you really are interested in. You can potentially go to a college career center and take a career test and make that determination. When I admitted students into our program at the college where I was an advisor, we had them take a personality test to see what kinds of major or occupations they would do best in. You can also find many of these tests, like the Myers-Briggs online. I am also sure there are many volunteering opportunities at the college you attend. I would look at these opportunities to see what your interests are and if you can potentially work in internship in a filed that might interest you.
You will really need to determine what you are good at. I know that relatives or friends might have a dream or certain occupation planned out for you, but that is their degree path and it does not mean that it is best for you. I once knew a student whose parents planned out her future into a degree and occupation involving physical therapy. After she graduated and completed her internship, she never worked in the field of physical therapy again. She instead started a business and did quite well in life. That was her path and she chose it for herself.
I would also encourage you to look at the salary levels of the various occupations coming out of a particular major. STEM related fields are going to have high salaries, but you might want to become an attorney, or a college professor, teacher, web designer or something that you are really good at and that you are interested in. I sometimes look up the Bureau of Labor Statistics website and see what majors are mentioned in their system and the range of salaries associated with that major or occupation.
You will also need to determine how rigorous or difficult your major is going to be. I have seen many students, who are required to work outside the college, attempt to major in certain subjects, which cause issues or conflicts. A good example was nursing. Nursing is a very rigorous program to attempt, and if you are working outside of college, it makes it almost impossible to do clinicals and other requirements needed for the degree. So, I would definitely look at elements like this as well. Majors, such as communications, business, marketing, public relations and social sciences, would require less of a time commitment.
I would also discuss this issue with an academic advisor. This is one of the most important steps in choosing a major. As I previously mentioned, I have had literally hundreds of these conversations with students over the course of my career. Sometimes I was able to propose majors or occupations that the student had not considered previously. So, definitely develop some questions for your advisor to answer.
I hope that I have provided some insight for you in regards to choosing your future major. Good luck with your future.
Paul
Do some reflection to see what interests you and where your passion is
Consider taking a Myers-Briggs test or personality test, to get a better idea of what you are good at doing
Consider doing an internship or volunteering, so see what you might be interested in pursuing
Go to a college career center and see what jobs and opportunities are associated with certain majors
Talk to an advisor. They might have some ideas on majors and occupations you may not have considered
I was asked this question many times when I was an academic advisor, and I agree with you that it can be challenging to choose a major, especially when you have multiple interests, like you have mention.
Let me attempt to provide some insight regarding how to choose a major.
First you will need to know what you are good at doing and what your primary interests are in your life. There will be many voices around you telling you that you should become an engineer, or maybe a nurse, or a medical technician, and focus on those majors. I have to tell you, that I have seen many students in my career, who have answered these voices and chosen a major based only upon gaining financial gain. And these students all failed to achieve that goal. The reason is because they were not interested in that major, and they were basically not very good at the courses required to gain entry into that particular major or field. Many of them dropped out of college, but others caught on early changed their major and did quite well in life. So you will need to make a determination at what you are good at and where your interests are in life.
You will need to determine where your biggest priorities are in life. Many will tell you to go for financial gain and where this is a large demand for certain jobs or occupations. But I would encourage you to look for a major that you are passionate about and can be highly skilled at. When you are passionate about something, and you are very skilled at it, then the money will eventually follow.
I would also do a serious self reflection and determine what you really are interested in. You can potentially go to a college career center and take a career test and make that determination. When I admitted students into our program at the college where I was an advisor, we had them take a personality test to see what kinds of major or occupations they would do best in. You can also find many of these tests, like the Myers-Briggs online. I am also sure there are many volunteering opportunities at the college you attend. I would look at these opportunities to see what your interests are and if you can potentially work in internship in a filed that might interest you.
You will really need to determine what you are good at. I know that relatives or friends might have a dream or certain occupation planned out for you, but that is their degree path and it does not mean that it is best for you. I once knew a student whose parents planned out her future into a degree and occupation involving physical therapy. After she graduated and completed her internship, she never worked in the field of physical therapy again. She instead started a business and did quite well in life. That was her path and she chose it for herself.
I would also encourage you to look at the salary levels of the various occupations coming out of a particular major. STEM related fields are going to have high salaries, but you might want to become an attorney, or a college professor, teacher, web designer or something that you are really good at and that you are interested in. I sometimes look up the Bureau of Labor Statistics website and see what majors are mentioned in their system and the range of salaries associated with that major or occupation.
You will also need to determine how rigorous or difficult your major is going to be. I have seen many students, who are required to work outside the college, attempt to major in certain subjects, which cause issues or conflicts. A good example was nursing. Nursing is a very rigorous program to attempt, and if you are working outside of college, it makes it almost impossible to do clinicals and other requirements needed for the degree. So, I would definitely look at elements like this as well. Majors, such as communications, business, marketing, public relations and social sciences, would require less of a time commitment.
I would also discuss this issue with an academic advisor. This is one of the most important steps in choosing a major. As I previously mentioned, I have had literally hundreds of these conversations with students over the course of my career. Sometimes I was able to propose majors or occupations that the student had not considered previously. So, definitely develop some questions for your advisor to answer.
I hope that I have provided some insight for you in regards to choosing your future major. Good luck with your future.
Paul
Paul recommends the following next steps:
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
Shaina
Updated
Shruti’s Answer
Hi!
I never knew what I wanted to major in till my second year in college. I think for these situations, it is okay to not know. Most people use their freshman year to explore various classes and see what seems interesting. I know many people who have switched majors multiple times in college so you definitely don't have to worry as long as it is what makes you happy! If you have time before college, sometimes taking some classes on the side or getting some experience in the field you think you want to go in can always be helpful.
I never knew what I wanted to major in till my second year in college. I think for these situations, it is okay to not know. Most people use their freshman year to explore various classes and see what seems interesting. I know many people who have switched majors multiple times in college so you definitely don't have to worry as long as it is what makes you happy! If you have time before college, sometimes taking some classes on the side or getting some experience in the field you think you want to go in can always be helpful.
Updated
RAVI’s Answer
This is the same question most of the students would be asking and many of us asked when we were in high school and planning for college.
With so many options available it looks like a tough one initially. But if you take a few steps to learn a few things you make the decisions on your own. Information is king. Acquiring information slowly but surely will lead you to your goal.
I will try to share some information.
1. Remember that you do not have to declare a major up front during application or during your first semester. Most colleges make everyone go through the same core courses in the first couple of semesters! You can apply and get into a college without making a decision on major.
2. Try to reflect on the people that are close to you in various jobs and profession and see if you can talk to them about their jobs and find out if that is something that might interest you. Doctors, nurses, lawyers, business people, accountants etc. might all be within your reach. Reach out to them, talk to them about their job and seek advise and guidance. This is called networking.
3. Sit back, close your eyes, and think about what you want to be in 5, 10, 20 years from now and longer, both professionally and financially, and socially. You may want to do this over a period of time many times. Once you have some idea about it you can discuss that with your guidance councilor, parents, and others from the network from above.
4. Once you have some idea try to read and learn more about the kind of education you need to get there. You can use internet, youtube etc to learn about the kind of education, course work and other activities you need to achieve that.
5. Now see what type of majors in college offer the education and coursework you need to get there. That would be your major field.
You may have to go through the above iterations several times before you narrow down and finalize. But you will get there.
Note that most colleges also allow you to change the major.
So, do not be afraid to go without a major to start with and learn and slide into the the major slowly or go with the major that best defined your based on the above exercise and be comfortable that you may or may not have everything nailed and you are allowed to change the major!
Best wishes.
With so many options available it looks like a tough one initially. But if you take a few steps to learn a few things you make the decisions on your own. Information is king. Acquiring information slowly but surely will lead you to your goal.
I will try to share some information.
1. Remember that you do not have to declare a major up front during application or during your first semester. Most colleges make everyone go through the same core courses in the first couple of semesters! You can apply and get into a college without making a decision on major.
2. Try to reflect on the people that are close to you in various jobs and profession and see if you can talk to them about their jobs and find out if that is something that might interest you. Doctors, nurses, lawyers, business people, accountants etc. might all be within your reach. Reach out to them, talk to them about their job and seek advise and guidance. This is called networking.
3. Sit back, close your eyes, and think about what you want to be in 5, 10, 20 years from now and longer, both professionally and financially, and socially. You may want to do this over a period of time many times. Once you have some idea about it you can discuss that with your guidance councilor, parents, and others from the network from above.
4. Once you have some idea try to read and learn more about the kind of education you need to get there. You can use internet, youtube etc to learn about the kind of education, course work and other activities you need to achieve that.
5. Now see what type of majors in college offer the education and coursework you need to get there. That would be your major field.
You may have to go through the above iterations several times before you narrow down and finalize. But you will get there.
Note that most colleges also allow you to change the major.
So, do not be afraid to go without a major to start with and learn and slide into the the major slowly or go with the major that best defined your based on the above exercise and be comfortable that you may or may not have everything nailed and you are allowed to change the major!
Best wishes.
Anthony Kofi Hene-Amoah
Translation, Editing, Project Management, Research and Evangelism
176
Answers
Updated
Anthony’s Answer
Please, note the following :-
1. The choice of the right MAJOR
for you depends on the type of
MAJOR, and the INTEREST
you have in each TYPE.
2. For example, the extent of
interest you have in Business
and Communications, can
determine whether each of
them can be MAJOR to you.
3. Again, the type of MAJOR for
you depends on your
performance. It is okay if you are
GOOD in it.
4. Best wishes to you.
1. The choice of the right MAJOR
for you depends on the type of
MAJOR, and the INTEREST
you have in each TYPE.
2. For example, the extent of
interest you have in Business
and Communications, can
determine whether each of
them can be MAJOR to you.
3. Again, the type of MAJOR for
you depends on your
performance. It is okay if you are
GOOD in it.
4. Best wishes to you.
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