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When did you start deciding what major you're going to take?
How long did it take?
How are you sure about it?
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6 answers
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Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. This is a very common question to many students. Usually, you have to decided before submitting the college application. You can start to think about this early so that it gives you more time to prepare.
Below are my suggestions :
1. You can think about your hobbies, your favorite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
If you are interested in Maths, would you like to be an accountant, financial analyst, engineer, banker, maths teacher, etc.
If you are interested in Music, would you like to a musician, singer, composer, music producer, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers and identify what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of the relevant subjects in the college
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Below are my suggestions :
1. You can think about your hobbies, your favorite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
If you are interested in Maths, would you like to be an accountant, financial analyst, engineer, banker, maths teacher, etc.
If you are interested in Music, would you like to a musician, singer, composer, music producer, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers and identify what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of the relevant subjects in the college
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Updated
Lavinder’s Answer
When did you start deciding what major you're going to take?
From my personal experience, it depends on the time you have to try out different areas, the cost of trying out those things and then figuring out which one you can love doing. Additionally, sometimes figuring out what motivates you may take time, e.g., interacting with people, working with numbers, researching a specific thing you were always curious about and want to deeply learn about it, etc.
How long did it take?
For me it took couple of years. I did short-term courses and also tried to get intern / short-term jobs to see what actual work is like and if i like doing that work on long-term basis.
How are you sure about it?
Personally, I am sure about my choice of major, because i spent enough time to make an informed decision given my motivations. Yes, there is always a risk that after some time you may re-think if this is something you may not want to major in, however next steps will be dependent on trade-offs among time and cost, etc.
From my personal experience, it depends on the time you have to try out different areas, the cost of trying out those things and then figuring out which one you can love doing. Additionally, sometimes figuring out what motivates you may take time, e.g., interacting with people, working with numbers, researching a specific thing you were always curious about and want to deeply learn about it, etc.
How long did it take?
For me it took couple of years. I did short-term courses and also tried to get intern / short-term jobs to see what actual work is like and if i like doing that work on long-term basis.
How are you sure about it?
Personally, I am sure about my choice of major, because i spent enough time to make an informed decision given my motivations. Yes, there is always a risk that after some time you may re-think if this is something you may not want to major in, however next steps will be dependent on trade-offs among time and cost, etc.
Updated
Sean’s Answer
I majored in history. I was sure about it from day one of college because it was my favorite subject and it's a common pre-law major (I ended up going to law school).
But looking back, I actually wish I used my time in college to major in something completely different -- like music! What you later realize is that your ultimate profession does not necessarily require you to major in a specific major. Many majors require that you develop a lot of the same skills that are important for a variety of professions. So find something you enjoy studying and go deep with it! And don't worry if it ends up being completely unrelated to what you do. That's incredibly common!
But looking back, I actually wish I used my time in college to major in something completely different -- like music! What you later realize is that your ultimate profession does not necessarily require you to major in a specific major. Many majors require that you develop a lot of the same skills that are important for a variety of professions. So find something you enjoy studying and go deep with it! And don't worry if it ends up being completely unrelated to what you do. That's incredibly common!
Updated
Jeff’s Answer
That's is a great questions Patrick, and it is not to be taken lightly. What interests you regarding your current studies? Do you like one subject over the others? When making a major decision regarding college, you need to take you time and identify what your interests are. I would then recommend a major in those areas of interest. A few other things to look for while deciding is income potential for those earning those specific majors and the type of jobs associated with the degree/major.
Typically an undergraduate degree is four years. One can continue learning by continuing his/her education with a masters and then doctorate Time associated with each of these degrees is different.
Typically an undergraduate degree is four years. One can continue learning by continuing his/her education with a masters and then doctorate Time associated with each of these degrees is different.
Updated
Baljit’s Answer
Hi Patrick,
I decided what major I should take as I started preschool. I remember this as I have veered toward the end goal at a very early age.
It took me 21 years to complete all of the prerequisites, advanced level classes and postgraduate courses that I was interested in taking.
I wanted to be a 'jack of all trades' so I even took religious courses, woodwork, 4 languages (most of which I have now forgotten :) amongst other specialization.
I decided what major I should take as I started preschool. I remember this as I have veered toward the end goal at a very early age.
It took me 21 years to complete all of the prerequisites, advanced level classes and postgraduate courses that I was interested in taking.
I wanted to be a 'jack of all trades' so I even took religious courses, woodwork, 4 languages (most of which I have now forgotten :) amongst other specialization.
Updated
Tanveer’s Answer
My freshmen year. I was always interested in Biology, so there was nothing else for me to decide.....