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What is your advice for someone that doesn't know which major they should choose?
What is your advice for someone that doesn't know which major they should choose?
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5 answers
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Callie’s Answer
First of all, do not fret! Many, many, many adults are working in industries and jobs not related to their college major AT ALL. I feel like many young people have this moment because they don't know what their "passion" is or what their "calling" is. Your dream job can be just a job that pays the bills, has a good work-life balance, and is somewhat interesting and that's IT!
So my simple advice, ask yourself and others - what are you good at, what are you kind of interested in? That is the easiest way to find your route. Also, keep your major broad if you aren't absolutely set on something or consider adding on a concentration (focus or minor) such as Business with a concentration in Law, etc.
I actually chose my major based on two things - I loved shopping and I was good at math - so I majored in Business with a concentration in Marketing lol. Having a college degree will get you in the door regardless so I wouldn't worry too much about it. Some entry level jobs only ask that you have a degree and nothing else.
Good luck!
So my simple advice, ask yourself and others - what are you good at, what are you kind of interested in? That is the easiest way to find your route. Also, keep your major broad if you aren't absolutely set on something or consider adding on a concentration (focus or minor) such as Business with a concentration in Law, etc.
I actually chose my major based on two things - I loved shopping and I was good at math - so I majored in Business with a concentration in Marketing lol. Having a college degree will get you in the door regardless so I wouldn't worry too much about it. Some entry level jobs only ask that you have a degree and nothing else.
Good luck!
Updated
Priya’s Answer
Hi Nathan,
That is completely okay! When I went to university, I originally was planning to do a career more acceptable to my parents but did not want to major in Biology so I majored in Psychology which I was interested in, with a minor in Biology. I ended up loving Psychology! I tried a lot of different major courses though just to be sure :). One way you can go is to pick something that sounds interesting to you and try it. Especially if you are completing basics in your first two years, you will have room to change majors as you try courses. I would say check out the University catalog and circle classes that sound interesting to you, no matter what they are. Then see which major has the most circles! You can also ask your school advisor if there is a major for undecided or an interdisciplinary studies major if you want to go that route and try a few things out with that official major. Once you are in college, you can also visit the career counselor if you need more help (which I also did!) Good luck and know what you pick does not have to be final or a dooming decision--the major is for you, not you for the major :). Wishing you the best as you explore and find your way.
That is completely okay! When I went to university, I originally was planning to do a career more acceptable to my parents but did not want to major in Biology so I majored in Psychology which I was interested in, with a minor in Biology. I ended up loving Psychology! I tried a lot of different major courses though just to be sure :). One way you can go is to pick something that sounds interesting to you and try it. Especially if you are completing basics in your first two years, you will have room to change majors as you try courses. I would say check out the University catalog and circle classes that sound interesting to you, no matter what they are. Then see which major has the most circles! You can also ask your school advisor if there is a major for undecided or an interdisciplinary studies major if you want to go that route and try a few things out with that official major. Once you are in college, you can also visit the career counselor if you need more help (which I also did!) Good luck and know what you pick does not have to be final or a dooming decision--the major is for you, not you for the major :). Wishing you the best as you explore and find your way.
Updated
Brian’s Answer
Hi Nathan,
I know how you feel and it can be overwhelming, especially as you transition from a structured, directed education (you are told what to study in HS to graduate) to a more self-directed educational path (in college, YOU choose what you want to study). That said, as someone who doubled in Econ and Business:
1). It is okay to have no idea what you want to study your 1st year. It is more common than you think. To make the best of the time, though, you should:
a). Brainstorm what interests you (e.g. History, Math, Chemistry, Politics, Business, Philosophy, etc.) as well as what prepares you for a fulfilling career (aside: I know plenty of History/Philosophy majors working in Tech so you DON'T need to be an engineer to work in Tech).
b). Identify the pre-requisites for these academic paths and see what the common ones are
c). Take the common pre-requisites your 1st year along with some general ed requirements so you have options if you wish to change your major (e.g. if interested in Econ/Business/Engineering, take Calculus as that's a common requirement or Econ 1 as that's common for Business/Econ/Political Economy. World History is a common requirement for History/Political Science majors).
2). It is important to take the pre-reqs because many "upper division" courses cannot be taken until you pass the "freshman" or "lower division" courses. So while the canard is "take what you love and be broad", do be reasonable and don't just take Near East Studies 1, Astronomy 1, Buddhism 1, and Nutrition 1. Sprinkle in some pre-req's for majors and upper division courses.
3). By following #2, you will naturally see what you are attached to while achieving your objectives of a). what your major is and b). fulfilling basic requirements to graduate. Over time you will then start filling out your schedule and academic plan accordingly (don't forget to sprinkle a few fun/interesting courses to make your academic experience more enlightening.
I know how you feel and it can be overwhelming, especially as you transition from a structured, directed education (you are told what to study in HS to graduate) to a more self-directed educational path (in college, YOU choose what you want to study). That said, as someone who doubled in Econ and Business:
1). It is okay to have no idea what you want to study your 1st year. It is more common than you think. To make the best of the time, though, you should:
a). Brainstorm what interests you (e.g. History, Math, Chemistry, Politics, Business, Philosophy, etc.) as well as what prepares you for a fulfilling career (aside: I know plenty of History/Philosophy majors working in Tech so you DON'T need to be an engineer to work in Tech).
b). Identify the pre-requisites for these academic paths and see what the common ones are
c). Take the common pre-requisites your 1st year along with some general ed requirements so you have options if you wish to change your major (e.g. if interested in Econ/Business/Engineering, take Calculus as that's a common requirement or Econ 1 as that's common for Business/Econ/Political Economy. World History is a common requirement for History/Political Science majors).
2). It is important to take the pre-reqs because many "upper division" courses cannot be taken until you pass the "freshman" or "lower division" courses. So while the canard is "take what you love and be broad", do be reasonable and don't just take Near East Studies 1, Astronomy 1, Buddhism 1, and Nutrition 1. Sprinkle in some pre-req's for majors and upper division courses.
3). By following #2, you will naturally see what you are attached to while achieving your objectives of a). what your major is and b). fulfilling basic requirements to graduate. Over time you will then start filling out your schedule and academic plan accordingly (don't forget to sprinkle a few fun/interesting courses to make your academic experience more enlightening.
Updated
kyujin’s Answer
Hey, Nathan,
I would look back at high school and see what classes you took, and try to expand from there. you can try to explore what field of study you want to pursue your career path. and definitely, meet with the school counselor and they can help vastly about what are some available options for you to choose from once you have a starting stone to go from.
I would look back at high school and see what classes you took, and try to expand from there. you can try to explore what field of study you want to pursue your career path. and definitely, meet with the school counselor and they can help vastly about what are some available options for you to choose from once you have a starting stone to go from.
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello - It can be overwhelming to choose a major, and many students change their major at least once. If you're looking at 4 year schools, it's a good idea to start with your general education requirements and sprinkle in some courses that seem of interest to you. As you get into the college routine and are learning about many different topics, you may see an area rise to the top or where the coursework seems very intriguing. In addition, your guidance counselor and the college's career center could likely help direct you to career aptitude assessments to give you some ideas also.