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What's your advice on choosing a college major?
What factors should dictate someone's choice on what they're majoring?
9 answers
Updated
Mike’s Answer
It's a journey to explore what area you want to learn more, take more different classes, and learn from the senior defiantly will help you to figure out the answer by your own.
Updated
Nathan’s Answer
Hi Matthew, I believe a huge factor that plays into finding your major is your interests. Go into something that you would either see yourself doing in the future, or what you are interested in and want to learn more about. I would start with that and then look up the course schedules in your major and look at the classes you will need to take to graduate. I believe that would give you a great idea of what you would like to major in. I hope you find your passion, and goodluck!
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
It is a question on what you would like to do in the future and what you are interested on. I think you can consider these 2 questions in one go. I would recommend you to choose a career you have interest rather than considering the demand and the income of the career. Since the demand may change from time to time, the career that having high demand now but the demand may become low after a few years when you graduate.
I would propose approach below for your consideration :
1. Think about your hobbies, interest, favourite subjects, etc.
2. Identify the careers that is related to your hobbies, interest, favourite subject, etc. E.g. if you like music, would you consider to be a composer, singer, music teacher, etc. If you are interested in maths, would you consider to be a accountant, mathematician, maths teacher, etc.
3. Explore more on these careers and shortlist a few of them you are really interested on
4. Try to speak to someone who are working in these careers or seeks advice from your school career counselor, your parents, etc. Shortlist 1-2 careers that you would like to pursue.
5. Find out the college major that relevant to the careers you have shortlisted and the entry criteria
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
I would propose approach below for your consideration :
1. Think about your hobbies, interest, favourite subjects, etc.
2. Identify the careers that is related to your hobbies, interest, favourite subject, etc. E.g. if you like music, would you consider to be a composer, singer, music teacher, etc. If you are interested in maths, would you consider to be a accountant, mathematician, maths teacher, etc.
3. Explore more on these careers and shortlist a few of them you are really interested on
4. Try to speak to someone who are working in these careers or seeks advice from your school career counselor, your parents, etc. Shortlist 1-2 careers that you would like to pursue.
5. Find out the college major that relevant to the careers you have shortlisted and the entry criteria
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Updated
M’s Answer
Hi Matthew! This is a great question, choosing a major is extremely difficult, but I think it is important to remember that you still have time to figure it out, even when you are in college. I would suggest consider what interests you and what you enjoy studying, and choose that category accordingly. It may not mean you will necessarily end up doing that as a career, but it is a stepping stone to figuring out what is next for you. Also, note that you will have to take an average of two years of general education courses. This is where I would recommend trying out several different classes, even things that you generally would not enjoy. This allows you to not only expand your knowledge on different topics, but maybe you'll take a class and realize wow I really like this and want to pursue this. There is no rush or harm in changing your major in college either, remember that everyone is on their own timeline! Lastly, I want to point out that there are a lot of people that don't even end up using their major in their career, so don't stress to hard about this! You got this, wishing you the best of luck!!
Updated
Lauren’s Answer
Hi Matthew!
This is such a great question, before signing up for classes look and see what courses your school offers and take electives that interest you. Many schools also have student organizations/ clubs that you can join to learn more about the different subjects you are interested in and they are a great place to meet others with similar interests.
I recommend taking as many classes as you need in a variety of subjects that you might see yourself in.
Talking to professors or peers that are already majoring in a subject can help break down the steps they took to get there and it is a great way to get more information and hear other's personal experiences in that field.
There are also great free quizzes and tests online that can lead you towards specific studies that your personality reflects. I think these quizzes are a great place to start if you don't know what your interests are yet. Hope this helped!
This is such a great question, before signing up for classes look and see what courses your school offers and take electives that interest you. Many schools also have student organizations/ clubs that you can join to learn more about the different subjects you are interested in and they are a great place to meet others with similar interests.
I recommend taking as many classes as you need in a variety of subjects that you might see yourself in.
Talking to professors or peers that are already majoring in a subject can help break down the steps they took to get there and it is a great way to get more information and hear other's personal experiences in that field.
There are also great free quizzes and tests online that can lead you towards specific studies that your personality reflects. I think these quizzes are a great place to start if you don't know what your interests are yet. Hope this helped!
Updated
Gloria’s Answer
Hi Matthew,
I would say that you should begin with thinking about your own natural skills and talents. What would you do even if you didn't get paid for it? Then look for careers that use your natural skills and talents. For example, I write. That has been true since I learned how to write. And I use that writing to tell a story, usually in long form although I have been known to write a poem or a song. I also use my writing to communicate. I am considered very good at it. So there are two skills at play in my nature state - creativity through writing and communication skills. I found my way into Learning and Development with those two basic skills. You should find yours and then look at jobs that have those skills. For example, my skills could have taken me into marketing, videography, the movie industry, even some of the sciences if I also had a skill with in scientific areas.
Short answer is that you should use your skills and be interested in the major that you are going to pursue. College is so challenging that liking the subject that you are learning can make it less stressful. Most people I know who stress with college are majoring in a subject that they don't love or aren't suited to.
Gloria
I would say that you should begin with thinking about your own natural skills and talents. What would you do even if you didn't get paid for it? Then look for careers that use your natural skills and talents. For example, I write. That has been true since I learned how to write. And I use that writing to tell a story, usually in long form although I have been known to write a poem or a song. I also use my writing to communicate. I am considered very good at it. So there are two skills at play in my nature state - creativity through writing and communication skills. I found my way into Learning and Development with those two basic skills. You should find yours and then look at jobs that have those skills. For example, my skills could have taken me into marketing, videography, the movie industry, even some of the sciences if I also had a skill with in scientific areas.
Short answer is that you should use your skills and be interested in the major that you are going to pursue. College is so challenging that liking the subject that you are learning can make it less stressful. Most people I know who stress with college are majoring in a subject that they don't love or aren't suited to.
Gloria
Adam Ek, MBA, MS
Changing Lives through Higher Education Student Services
3
Answers
Updated
Adam’s Answer
Hi Matthew,
This is a great question and one that I have had the opportunity to answer hundreds of times in my role as an Academic Advisor.
There are a few considerations to ultimately choosing a major. The first question I would ask is whether or not there is a very specific job that you want after you finish your degree? For example: an accountant, nurse, engineer, etc.
The listed examples require a very specific degree and degree path. For many other career paths that are more general such as customer service, sales, management, etc., you probably do not need a specific degree to be successful in those fields.
In those instances, I would recommend pursuing a degree that may be applicable but that you are passionate about. For instance if you were thinking about human resources, you might want to pursue something in business but you could also just as easily be successful with psychology or sociology or another major that conceptually would help you in the field.
Remember, the first step is not the only one on your journey, you will likely make several shifts throughout college and as you progress in your career. Pursuing something that you enjoy and are passionate about will help you to be successful in your education and will be something that you can share with potential employers later. It will be how you package and sell yourself later that will help you get the job later.
This is a great question and one that I have had the opportunity to answer hundreds of times in my role as an Academic Advisor.
There are a few considerations to ultimately choosing a major. The first question I would ask is whether or not there is a very specific job that you want after you finish your degree? For example: an accountant, nurse, engineer, etc.
The listed examples require a very specific degree and degree path. For many other career paths that are more general such as customer service, sales, management, etc., you probably do not need a specific degree to be successful in those fields.
In those instances, I would recommend pursuing a degree that may be applicable but that you are passionate about. For instance if you were thinking about human resources, you might want to pursue something in business but you could also just as easily be successful with psychology or sociology or another major that conceptually would help you in the field.
Remember, the first step is not the only one on your journey, you will likely make several shifts throughout college and as you progress in your career. Pursuing something that you enjoy and are passionate about will help you to be successful in your education and will be something that you can share with potential employers later. It will be how you package and sell yourself later that will help you get the job later.
Updated
Lesly’s Answer
Hey there! It's great that you're looking to determine the right major for yourself. This is an exciting time, and you've got this! First off, make sure to consider several factors, including the program cost, your salary expectations, and the employment rates in your desired field of study. Keep in mind that having a major that aligns with your personality, academic and professional goals, and interests will help you thrive and enjoy the journey.
Don't forget to look into the earning potential of your chosen field - you've worked hard, and it's essential to see the rewards. And remember, there's no rush! Take your time to decide how much time you're willing to dedicate to your education.
Your loved ones and friends can be great sources of advice, so don't hesitate to seek a second opinion. They care about you and your future, so their insights might be really helpful. If you're still unsure, try taking some online quizzes to see what resonates with you. Remember, the more you know about yourself, the easier it will be to make a well-informed decision.
It's always a good idea to start early, giving yourself ample time to explore various schools and programs before making any final decisions. With mindful planning and reflection, you're bound to find the perfect major that aligns with your aspirations, talents, and passions. Keep shining, and trust that you'll make the best choice for your future!
Don't forget to look into the earning potential of your chosen field - you've worked hard, and it's essential to see the rewards. And remember, there's no rush! Take your time to decide how much time you're willing to dedicate to your education.
Your loved ones and friends can be great sources of advice, so don't hesitate to seek a second opinion. They care about you and your future, so their insights might be really helpful. If you're still unsure, try taking some online quizzes to see what resonates with you. Remember, the more you know about yourself, the easier it will be to make a well-informed decision.
It's always a good idea to start early, giving yourself ample time to explore various schools and programs before making any final decisions. With mindful planning and reflection, you're bound to find the perfect major that aligns with your aspirations, talents, and passions. Keep shining, and trust that you'll make the best choice for your future!
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Hi Matthew,
I agree with trying to take a lot of different courses and see if something sparks your interest enough to take more courses in that subject area. I’d also think about who in your life seems to have an interesting job, or maybe there was some aspect that you liked in a job or hobby you’ve tried. And finally, if graduating and financially supporting yourself are important then go into your college counseling center and find out what jobs are in the highest demand and maybe take some courses in those areas.
I agree with trying to take a lot of different courses and see if something sparks your interest enough to take more courses in that subject area. I’d also think about who in your life seems to have an interesting job, or maybe there was some aspect that you liked in a job or hobby you’ve tried. And finally, if graduating and financially supporting yourself are important then go into your college counseling center and find out what jobs are in the highest demand and maybe take some courses in those areas.
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