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Picking a major?
How can you be sure you'll succeed in your career when you pick a college major?
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Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for the question. A lot of students may have the same question.
Firstly, you would need to find a career you have interest. If you have interest on the job, you can do it good and success.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about your hobbies, favorite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers, e.g.
If you are interested in Maths, would you like to be an engineer, accountant, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc.
If you are interested in Music, would you like to be a musician, singer, music composer, music teacher, 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!
Firstly, you would need to find a career you have interest. If you have interest on the job, you can do it good and success.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about your hobbies, favorite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers, e.g.
If you are interested in Maths, would you like to be an engineer, accountant, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc.
If you are interested in Music, would you like to be a musician, singer, music composer, music teacher, 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!
Thank you very much!
Neharika
Updated
david’s Answer
Hi, Nikarika,
I don't like saying this, but there are no guarantees for a career. I know it's popular for young people to contemplate a career direction and to assume that they will achieve that particular job. But that isn't reality. And you don't really want it to be. Let me explain. When you pick a college major, it is a decision on how you perceive your interests will be ten years from now, yet that rarely happens. Instead, as you pursue that direction, new windows of opportunity open, your interests change, and you migrate toward new interests and new challenges. You will find that this type of career experience is energizing and exciting and desirable, as you will discover a bigger world. I used to teach computer programming classes. What I noticed was that, within a few years, many of my former students were systems analysts, database designers, project managers, or in administrative positions. Within fifteen years, very few of the original students were still writing software, yet 100% of these former students were feeling content and successful in their choices. So, I encourage you to follow Shannon's suggestion: write down your thoughts on success. Keep moving forward and you will find the success you want. All the best.
I don't like saying this, but there are no guarantees for a career. I know it's popular for young people to contemplate a career direction and to assume that they will achieve that particular job. But that isn't reality. And you don't really want it to be. Let me explain. When you pick a college major, it is a decision on how you perceive your interests will be ten years from now, yet that rarely happens. Instead, as you pursue that direction, new windows of opportunity open, your interests change, and you migrate toward new interests and new challenges. You will find that this type of career experience is energizing and exciting and desirable, as you will discover a bigger world. I used to teach computer programming classes. What I noticed was that, within a few years, many of my former students were systems analysts, database designers, project managers, or in administrative positions. Within fifteen years, very few of the original students were still writing software, yet 100% of these former students were feeling content and successful in their choices. So, I encourage you to follow Shannon's suggestion: write down your thoughts on success. Keep moving forward and you will find the success you want. All the best.
This was honestly very informative, thank you!
Neharika
I love this perspective and the way you pointed out that our definition of success changes as we grow! Im happy to hear that your former students are happy in their lives
Gurpreet Lally, Admin
Updated
Sheila’s Answer
Hi Neharika:
Choosing a college major can be hard. Some students have known what they wanted to be since they were youngsters; others aren’t sure, even with college right around the corner. Here are some tips to help you with your research in finding the major that’s right for you.
1) WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO (ie, hobbies, interests)?
The first thing to consider when picking a major is what you like to do. By the time you graduate high school you’ll have enough information and experience from your classes to figure out what you might or might not be interested in pursuing.
2) WHAT ARE YOUR CAREER GOALS?
After digging into what you’re interested in and potential careers options, it’s time to think about your goals and your future career—and how easy or how hard it might be to find employment. If you have a specific career goal in mind, you might need to pick your major or program in advance, sometimes as early as when you’re applying to college.
It’s also good to know what degree you’ll need for the field that interests you. Here’s an overview of different college degrees:
• ASSOCIATE DEGREE - The two-year associate of arts (AA) or associate of science (AS). Some students who earn this degree transfer to a four-year bachelor’s program; others use it to go straight to work. Community colleges, career colleges, and some four-year colleges offer associate degrees.
• BACHELOR'S DEGREE - This degree requires completing a four- or five-year college program. Most students earn a bachelor of arts (BA) or bachelor of science degree (BS). You can also study toward a bachelor of fine arts or bachelor of architecture degree.
• JOINT DEGREE - Students can earn a bachelor’s degree plus a graduate or professional degree in less time if they combine them. A student on this track may apply to a graduate program as an undergraduate and begin the graduate program in their fourth year of college.
• GRADUATE DEGREE - Graduate degrees are advanced degrees pursued after earning a bachelor’s degree. Examples are a master of arts (MA) or master of science (MS). Students generally earn a master’s degree after two years of study. A doctoral degree (for example, a PhD) requires four or more years of study.
3) TALK TO ADVISERS AND PROFESSIONALS
The best source of college advice is your school counselor. They’ve helped lots of students who are making the same decisions you are. Your school counselor can tell you more about college majors and program offerings.
4) BACKUP MAJOR
Try to come up with one or two backup majors. This way you’ve got options if you decide to switch your major.
I know people that have changed their careers several times and have been successful each time. Find out what success means to you (ie, travel, more money, job title, etc.). I wish you the best of luck on your journey.
~ Sheila
College Board - Choosing a Major • https://blog.collegeboard.org/the-ultimate-guide-to-choosing-a-major
Choosing a college major can be hard. Some students have known what they wanted to be since they were youngsters; others aren’t sure, even with college right around the corner. Here are some tips to help you with your research in finding the major that’s right for you.
1) WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO (ie, hobbies, interests)?
The first thing to consider when picking a major is what you like to do. By the time you graduate high school you’ll have enough information and experience from your classes to figure out what you might or might not be interested in pursuing.
2) WHAT ARE YOUR CAREER GOALS?
After digging into what you’re interested in and potential careers options, it’s time to think about your goals and your future career—and how easy or how hard it might be to find employment. If you have a specific career goal in mind, you might need to pick your major or program in advance, sometimes as early as when you’re applying to college.
It’s also good to know what degree you’ll need for the field that interests you. Here’s an overview of different college degrees:
• ASSOCIATE DEGREE - The two-year associate of arts (AA) or associate of science (AS). Some students who earn this degree transfer to a four-year bachelor’s program; others use it to go straight to work. Community colleges, career colleges, and some four-year colleges offer associate degrees.
• BACHELOR'S DEGREE - This degree requires completing a four- or five-year college program. Most students earn a bachelor of arts (BA) or bachelor of science degree (BS). You can also study toward a bachelor of fine arts or bachelor of architecture degree.
• JOINT DEGREE - Students can earn a bachelor’s degree plus a graduate or professional degree in less time if they combine them. A student on this track may apply to a graduate program as an undergraduate and begin the graduate program in their fourth year of college.
• GRADUATE DEGREE - Graduate degrees are advanced degrees pursued after earning a bachelor’s degree. Examples are a master of arts (MA) or master of science (MS). Students generally earn a master’s degree after two years of study. A doctoral degree (for example, a PhD) requires four or more years of study.
3) TALK TO ADVISERS AND PROFESSIONALS
The best source of college advice is your school counselor. They’ve helped lots of students who are making the same decisions you are. Your school counselor can tell you more about college majors and program offerings.
4) BACKUP MAJOR
Try to come up with one or two backup majors. This way you’ve got options if you decide to switch your major.
I know people that have changed their careers several times and have been successful each time. Find out what success means to you (ie, travel, more money, job title, etc.). I wish you the best of luck on your journey.
~ Sheila
Sheila recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Shannon’s Answer
How can you be sure you'll succeed in your career when you pick a college major? First, I recommend writing down what you define as success. The definition of success will change with time and the circumstances. That is why career counselors will suggest writing down a long-term success goal and then short-term goals. Then work in steps. This keeps a person from giving up. Be flexible enough to revise along the way. What you define as success at the onset may change through time. That leads to the next item of guidance.
Many college graduates end up in fields that may be related, but not directly in the field they intended to pursue when they graduate from a college. I'm in a high-tech industry; however, my degree was in business management and marketing. I originally went into a field that utilized some of what I learned, but I ended up in a different industry that became my long-term career. Life has a way of changing the path you were originally focused on. The career you pick in college may not be the one you end up being successful in for the long run.
Now for the basic keys to succeed in any career:
1) Work harder than the person next to you. Common questions I ask when I interview someone for a position is "Why should I hire you over the other candidates who applied for this job?" "What have you done in your past job(s) that made a difference?" "How did you make what you did when you started better than when you left it?"
2) To succeed means to have ambition and the initiative to do the extra things. Be humble, but don't be quiet. Ask lots of questions. Keep a brag book of your accomplishments. It can be an accumulation of small things. Ask your leader, "What will it take for me to be a leading performer" when you're hired or you have a performance review. Then follow through.
3) Be the one who proposes new ideas to work smarter and more efficiently. If you happen to fall under a business, company or a manager who doesn't appreciate that line of thinking, then it's probably best to find another place or department to work with.
4) Ownership - I remember getting my first 'real' job when I answered a recruiter’s question with, "No matter the job or task that I'm given, I manage it as the owner". I've always believed in taking ownership. That's a key component to career success.
It's especially important when you start out to seek guidance and network with others. There's a saying "It's not what you know, but who you know". While it is not completely accurate (you need to know your craft), it is relevant. Networking with people from your professors, other students, employers (if you work along with going to school) and volunteer organizations will put you in a better position.
Finally, your reputation is key. It is extremely difficult to overcome a bad reputation and a perception of being someone who doesn't work hard and treats others badly. Once someone sees you’re a good person with a strong work ethic and they know you have a good attitude in times of diversity, they will remember you. Be part of the 'positive people'. You're judged by the company you keep. Keep good company. Others will want to help you by wanting you on their team or assist you with finding an opening you are interested in. You can be the hardest working person in the world, but all of us are dependent on others to succeed. You can't do it in a bubble. If you're not comfortable networking, than find ways to join a club or an organization that helps you gain confidence. Work on the ability to be able to meet strangers and strike up a conversation and show genuine interest in others. Be a better listener than a talker goes a long way.
These things have helped me with my own career and I hope at least a little bit of it is helpful with yours as you move forward.
Many college graduates end up in fields that may be related, but not directly in the field they intended to pursue when they graduate from a college. I'm in a high-tech industry; however, my degree was in business management and marketing. I originally went into a field that utilized some of what I learned, but I ended up in a different industry that became my long-term career. Life has a way of changing the path you were originally focused on. The career you pick in college may not be the one you end up being successful in for the long run.
Now for the basic keys to succeed in any career:
1) Work harder than the person next to you. Common questions I ask when I interview someone for a position is "Why should I hire you over the other candidates who applied for this job?" "What have you done in your past job(s) that made a difference?" "How did you make what you did when you started better than when you left it?"
2) To succeed means to have ambition and the initiative to do the extra things. Be humble, but don't be quiet. Ask lots of questions. Keep a brag book of your accomplishments. It can be an accumulation of small things. Ask your leader, "What will it take for me to be a leading performer" when you're hired or you have a performance review. Then follow through.
3) Be the one who proposes new ideas to work smarter and more efficiently. If you happen to fall under a business, company or a manager who doesn't appreciate that line of thinking, then it's probably best to find another place or department to work with.
4) Ownership - I remember getting my first 'real' job when I answered a recruiter’s question with, "No matter the job or task that I'm given, I manage it as the owner". I've always believed in taking ownership. That's a key component to career success.
It's especially important when you start out to seek guidance and network with others. There's a saying "It's not what you know, but who you know". While it is not completely accurate (you need to know your craft), it is relevant. Networking with people from your professors, other students, employers (if you work along with going to school) and volunteer organizations will put you in a better position.
Finally, your reputation is key. It is extremely difficult to overcome a bad reputation and a perception of being someone who doesn't work hard and treats others badly. Once someone sees you’re a good person with a strong work ethic and they know you have a good attitude in times of diversity, they will remember you. Be part of the 'positive people'. You're judged by the company you keep. Keep good company. Others will want to help you by wanting you on their team or assist you with finding an opening you are interested in. You can be the hardest working person in the world, but all of us are dependent on others to succeed. You can't do it in a bubble. If you're not comfortable networking, than find ways to join a club or an organization that helps you gain confidence. Work on the ability to be able to meet strangers and strike up a conversation and show genuine interest in others. Be a better listener than a talker goes a long way.
These things have helped me with my own career and I hope at least a little bit of it is helpful with yours as you move forward.
Thank you for taking the time to write this!
Neharika
Updated
Gennie A’s Answer
There is no perfect answer, I changed my major four times before I graduated and then my first three positions just barely touched on my degree. What my degree did give me was the ability to learn, listen, be organized and focused. Those skills will help you in any position, then feed it with your passion and off you go! You will change your career possibly more than once as you experience real life situations, don't be afraid, learning and adapting make us stronger and better prospects because we have that additional knowledge that someone else may not have.
Rachael Boyer
Principal Marketing Manager, Web Strategy (content strategy and product owner)
4
Answers
Updated
Rachael’s Answer
1) Consider your personality type and think about how you want to spend your days. For example, I was an education major, planning on becoming an English and Drama teacher, but I realized that being in a classroom with students all day would be mentally and emotionally exhausting for me. But I was interested in the subject matter. I switched to Communication, which allowed me to use those skills in marketing jobs for non-profits and now in tech.
2) Look up related job titles and income earning potential on www.glassdoor.com - just because you're interested in something doesn't mean in can pay your bills well. That said, consider your interests and natural abilities, along with what kind of work/life balance and flexibility you want.
3) Ask around. If you see someone working in a job you're interested in, ask them what their major was and how they got there. Ask if you can job shadow them for a day.
2) Look up related job titles and income earning potential on www.glassdoor.com - just because you're interested in something doesn't mean in can pay your bills well. That said, consider your interests and natural abilities, along with what kind of work/life balance and flexibility you want.
3) Ask around. If you see someone working in a job you're interested in, ask them what their major was and how they got there. Ask if you can job shadow them for a day.
Updated
Abbey’s Answer
Starting with general courses can give you a wide variety of experiences and exposure. The great thing about college is that you don't have to make a decision right away and can take the time to explore. And even if you pick a major, you can also change your mind if you find something else you really like. Focus more on the experience of learning and working hard than deciding on your actual major. This is a time of your life that you won't experience again so don't forget to enjoy the journey! College is a great time to learn how to problem solve and other life skills as well outside of any particular major.
Updated
Anthony’s Answer
Hello Neharika,
I will not give you the answer directly because there is no right answer!
I will give you an analogy.
Imagine when you were a youth (6-7 years old) going on a hiking with your parents and maybe some other adults. There are a lot hiking trails in the Washington State (Seattle area.) So, the adults chose where to go or asked you where you wanted to go. On the hike, you all will follow the trails and your parents would hold your hand down those trails because they knew where the trails would lead to and you just followed them happily. But as soon as they let go of your hand, as a little curious little toddler, you would want to veer off if you see something interested you. If your parents perceived that it was safe they would let you do it, but if they perceived that you would go off course, they would redirect you. Sometime they would explain why you should not veer off. Sometime they just pulled you back on the trails. Rarely any parents would let their toddler exploring an alternative path (or exploring it together) because they knew (perceived) the trails were the safest and would lead to the final destination (quickest.) Veering off the trails would be risky. If you got lost or fall, that would be a big problem, right? As a curious toddler you wanted to explore but these adults just kept redirecting you back to the well beaten paths (sometime they would not let go of your hand.) Were you a 'good' child and followed as lead or 'naughty' and kicking-screaming to go off course.
I am not advising you to be a 'good' child and I am not advising to be a 'naughty' one. As you decide your career, do you want to go down that well beaten paths or you want to veer off to different directions?
(The Road Not Taken - Robert Frost.)
Best of Luck.
Anthony
I will not give you the answer directly because there is no right answer!
I will give you an analogy.
Imagine when you were a youth (6-7 years old) going on a hiking with your parents and maybe some other adults. There are a lot hiking trails in the Washington State (Seattle area.) So, the adults chose where to go or asked you where you wanted to go. On the hike, you all will follow the trails and your parents would hold your hand down those trails because they knew where the trails would lead to and you just followed them happily. But as soon as they let go of your hand, as a little curious little toddler, you would want to veer off if you see something interested you. If your parents perceived that it was safe they would let you do it, but if they perceived that you would go off course, they would redirect you. Sometime they would explain why you should not veer off. Sometime they just pulled you back on the trails. Rarely any parents would let their toddler exploring an alternative path (or exploring it together) because they knew (perceived) the trails were the safest and would lead to the final destination (quickest.) Veering off the trails would be risky. If you got lost or fall, that would be a big problem, right? As a curious toddler you wanted to explore but these adults just kept redirecting you back to the well beaten paths (sometime they would not let go of your hand.) Were you a 'good' child and followed as lead or 'naughty' and kicking-screaming to go off course.
I am not advising you to be a 'good' child and I am not advising to be a 'naughty' one. As you decide your career, do you want to go down that well beaten paths or you want to veer off to different directions?
(The Road Not Taken - Robert Frost.)
Best of Luck.
Anthony
This really made me think, thank you
Neharika