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mya
Student
Cortland, New York
1
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How do I know if I've chosen the right major?
How do I know if I've chosen the right major for me?
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5 answers
Raquel Davis
Registered Nurse, premed student
148
Answers
Providence, Rhode Island
Updated
Raquel’s Answer
I think Bill gave you a great answer, but I want to add that it's okay if you decide to change your major! Picking a major right at the start of university is a huge decision. It's not uncommon for people to start taking classes and change their mind. It really doesn't make that big a difference in the first two years of university because you're mostly taking gen ed courses anyway, but even if you change your mind later into your academic career, it's not the end of the world. There's usually a lot more that you can do with a degree than what may originally come to mind, if you're questioning your degree I would talk with an advisor to find out more options you have for using your degree. That way you can see if anything is interesting to you without changing degree paths. You could also potentially add on a minor in something else you're interested instead of fully switching majors, I know several people who work in the field of their minor not their major. There's lots of options out there, you just have to find what works best for you. Best of luck!
Bill Watts
Consultant
40
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Bill’s Answer
Hi Mya!
Here are five ways to tell if you’re in the right major:
1. You’re Not Dying of Boredom (or Dreading the Future)
We’ve all had those days where we wake up, realize which class we hit that snooze alarm for and nonchalantly burrow deeper into the softness of our beds.
While not all classes will be a jolly good time even if you love your major, having a general appreciation for your classes, professors and studies is very important. Being anxious about not just one, but multiple present and future classes may be a sign that the major is not quite what you expected it to be, so might not be for you.
That being said, it does take some time to conquer those tedious intro classes to get into real material, so give it some time!
2. You’re Not Bothered By Other People’s Opinions of Your Major
Majors are very peculiar in the sense that we sometimes may let other people’s opinions get to us, so we end up choosing the wrong major and going down the wrong path. That’s not to say you shouldn’t listen to other people’s opinions at all; however, you should ultimately be the main decider of your own career path.
Don’t let comments of others lower your enthusiasm, because in the end, you know what you love better than anyone else!
3. You’re Not Afraid of the Consequences That Come With Your Major
Every major (and I mean, every major) has downsides. Whether it is having to sell your soul to your studies or entering a field that may not have the best starting income, there are trade-offs going into any area of study.
There is not a lot that can be done to avoid these, and at some point, you have to figure out if these consequences will be worth it in the long run. If they are, then the sacrifices you make will be worth the benefits!
On a personal note, when my sister switched from an accounting major, which has been known to be a high-paying job even from the start, to a communications major, which varies and is a mystery as far as the money, it wasn’t as big of a deal as some might think. In the end, it came down to her being happy with what she did rather than dreading her work every day.
4. You Already Have New Ideas for How to Contribute to Your Field
When the light bulb in your brain turns on and you know you have the next big idea help your field, you may have found your calling!
If it looks to you that you are doing work in your major classes quickly and even doing your own extra research to further your own understanding, that really says a lot about how dedicated you are to the major and your potential industry.
New ideas don’t even have to be revolutionary in a sense either! Little by little, if you take your major seriously, a lot can happen from the smallest things. For example, to help increase social media engagement at a company I interned for over the summer, I tested different emoticons on the feed and saw huge improvements. It’s just a drop in the bucket in terms of how big the field of communications is, but something as small as this can go a long way and can help further your interest in your major.
5. You’re Happy
The golden rule in picking your major: Make sure you’re going to be happy! This major should keep you interested and intrigued, wanting to learn more and smiling.
You obviously don’t want to go through college half-heartedly with a major that adds a sour taste to your college experience. If you’re feeling compelled to tell your friends about the rad, cool things that are happening in your major classes and are content with where you are at in your college life, the best bet is that you finally found the perfect major for you!
You have to understand that no matter what your major may be, there is a big chance that it will not reflect the type of job you will have in the future. You do not have to be tied down to certain jobs because of your major; there’s so much out there! Do what you want and let your major be a stepping stone into what you really want to become.
I hope this helps!
Here are five ways to tell if you’re in the right major:
1. You’re Not Dying of Boredom (or Dreading the Future)
We’ve all had those days where we wake up, realize which class we hit that snooze alarm for and nonchalantly burrow deeper into the softness of our beds.
While not all classes will be a jolly good time even if you love your major, having a general appreciation for your classes, professors and studies is very important. Being anxious about not just one, but multiple present and future classes may be a sign that the major is not quite what you expected it to be, so might not be for you.
That being said, it does take some time to conquer those tedious intro classes to get into real material, so give it some time!
2. You’re Not Bothered By Other People’s Opinions of Your Major
Majors are very peculiar in the sense that we sometimes may let other people’s opinions get to us, so we end up choosing the wrong major and going down the wrong path. That’s not to say you shouldn’t listen to other people’s opinions at all; however, you should ultimately be the main decider of your own career path.
Don’t let comments of others lower your enthusiasm, because in the end, you know what you love better than anyone else!
3. You’re Not Afraid of the Consequences That Come With Your Major
Every major (and I mean, every major) has downsides. Whether it is having to sell your soul to your studies or entering a field that may not have the best starting income, there are trade-offs going into any area of study.
There is not a lot that can be done to avoid these, and at some point, you have to figure out if these consequences will be worth it in the long run. If they are, then the sacrifices you make will be worth the benefits!
On a personal note, when my sister switched from an accounting major, which has been known to be a high-paying job even from the start, to a communications major, which varies and is a mystery as far as the money, it wasn’t as big of a deal as some might think. In the end, it came down to her being happy with what she did rather than dreading her work every day.
4. You Already Have New Ideas for How to Contribute to Your Field
When the light bulb in your brain turns on and you know you have the next big idea help your field, you may have found your calling!
If it looks to you that you are doing work in your major classes quickly and even doing your own extra research to further your own understanding, that really says a lot about how dedicated you are to the major and your potential industry.
New ideas don’t even have to be revolutionary in a sense either! Little by little, if you take your major seriously, a lot can happen from the smallest things. For example, to help increase social media engagement at a company I interned for over the summer, I tested different emoticons on the feed and saw huge improvements. It’s just a drop in the bucket in terms of how big the field of communications is, but something as small as this can go a long way and can help further your interest in your major.
5. You’re Happy
The golden rule in picking your major: Make sure you’re going to be happy! This major should keep you interested and intrigued, wanting to learn more and smiling.
You obviously don’t want to go through college half-heartedly with a major that adds a sour taste to your college experience. If you’re feeling compelled to tell your friends about the rad, cool things that are happening in your major classes and are content with where you are at in your college life, the best bet is that you finally found the perfect major for you!
You have to understand that no matter what your major may be, there is a big chance that it will not reflect the type of job you will have in the future. You do not have to be tied down to certain jobs because of your major; there’s so much out there! Do what you want and let your major be a stepping stone into what you really want to become.
I hope this helps!
Sophia Villegas
Customer Service Rep
6
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Sophia’s Answer
You know you have chosen the right major when you have true passion for what you do . If you decided to be a doctor for example and you go to clinicals and you hate it or you get very irritated it is probably not the right feel for you. You know its right for you when it comes easy when you are interested when even though it may get hard you decide to keep going because you know that to get to were you wanna be in the future you have to work hard in the present that's when you know its right.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1858
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. A lot of students have the same question.
Firstly, have your thought about what career you have interest?
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 like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc.
If you are interested in Music, would you like to be a singer, musician, music composer, music teacher, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers
3. Speak to someone working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 career you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant in the college
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Firstly, have your thought about what career you have interest?
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 like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc.
If you are interested in Music, would you like to be a singer, musician, music composer, music teacher, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers
3. Speak to someone working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 career you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant in the college
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Atul Bhankharia
Sales
477
Answers
Mount Laurel, New Jersey
Updated
Atul’s Answer
If you want to know if you have picked/selected the right major, answer following questions:
1) Do you enjoy the courses you have taken and are you learning?
2) Is this your passion of what you want to become by taking this major?
3) Are you doing well in the quiz and midterm exams?
Keep in mind some courses are not easy but if you do not grasp what you are learning, you have taken the wrong course.
What prompted you to pick the major you are taking now?
Keep in mind that the first two years of the college are generic and universal courses while last two years are specific to the major.
If you go to the state university you will have a chance to switch the major with minimal impact on the financial situation.
For instance: I have seen people taking major of Computer Science only to learn that they are biting more than what they can chew. Net result is that they wind up majoring in business administration with minor in MIS which is related to computer science but not too heavy to get overwhelmed.
Net-net: Know your strengths and know your limits. If you made a mistake - it is good to correct at early stages than regret later and waste valuable time and money.
Do not imitate others but follow what your heart tells you.
Finally, answer one question - can I put food on the table and job prospects are higher of what you are majoring in vs working at a restaurant as a server (I do respect what they do) after four year college degree to make ends meet.
1) Do you enjoy the courses you have taken and are you learning?
2) Is this your passion of what you want to become by taking this major?
3) Are you doing well in the quiz and midterm exams?
Keep in mind some courses are not easy but if you do not grasp what you are learning, you have taken the wrong course.
What prompted you to pick the major you are taking now?
Keep in mind that the first two years of the college are generic and universal courses while last two years are specific to the major.
If you go to the state university you will have a chance to switch the major with minimal impact on the financial situation.
For instance: I have seen people taking major of Computer Science only to learn that they are biting more than what they can chew. Net result is that they wind up majoring in business administration with minor in MIS which is related to computer science but not too heavy to get overwhelmed.
Net-net: Know your strengths and know your limits. If you made a mistake - it is good to correct at early stages than regret later and waste valuable time and money.
Do not imitate others but follow what your heart tells you.
Finally, answer one question - can I put food on the table and job prospects are higher of what you are majoring in vs working at a restaurant as a server (I do respect what they do) after four year college degree to make ends meet.