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How will I know what major is for me?
There is a large variety of majors so how do I narrow down the choices?
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3 answers
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T.J.’s Answer
Hello Anya!
The common advice you'll hear about college is don't worry about having your entire future mapped out.
That advice is true, because:
1. It is impossible to predict your future. Random events can change your plans.
Your interests and priorities in life will change too! There's too many variables in life to make sure everything is 100% going to go smoothly.
2. It puts too much pressure on yourself.
A bad habit I did in high school was worrying for weeks about choosing a major. I went through so much stress, which compromised my well-being.
Instead of finding "the right path" as a college freshman, or asking "What do I want to do for the rest of my life?"
Ask yourself, "What do I feel inspired to explore or do at this stage in my life?"
Give yourself permission to explore classes and coursework in your freshman year. It is OK to go in undeclared.
The only thing you should do is take *active steps* to explore and do things.
- You're interested in chemistry or [insert science here]? Take the science course.
- You want to learn media production or [insert other creative skill]? Take a intro course or join a club on campus.
- You want to work with children or the elderly? Volunteer at a after school program or care facility.
Another thing you can do is ask other students on campus questions about their majors. Talk to them about why they chose their field of study.
If you can talk to students in higher levels (juniors or seniors), they'll definitely have more experience to share.
Focus on doing and seeing what works for you, and constantly reflect on your experiences.
Eventually, you'll get closer to selecting what you want to do.
Sending you support as you pick your major :)
The common advice you'll hear about college is don't worry about having your entire future mapped out.
That advice is true, because:
1. It is impossible to predict your future. Random events can change your plans.
Your interests and priorities in life will change too! There's too many variables in life to make sure everything is 100% going to go smoothly.
2. It puts too much pressure on yourself.
A bad habit I did in high school was worrying for weeks about choosing a major. I went through so much stress, which compromised my well-being.
Instead of finding "the right path" as a college freshman, or asking "What do I want to do for the rest of my life?"
Ask yourself, "What do I feel inspired to explore or do at this stage in my life?"
Give yourself permission to explore classes and coursework in your freshman year. It is OK to go in undeclared.
The only thing you should do is take *active steps* to explore and do things.
- You're interested in chemistry or [insert science here]? Take the science course.
- You want to learn media production or [insert other creative skill]? Take a intro course or join a club on campus.
- You want to work with children or the elderly? Volunteer at a after school program or care facility.
Another thing you can do is ask other students on campus questions about their majors. Talk to them about why they chose their field of study.
If you can talk to students in higher levels (juniors or seniors), they'll definitely have more experience to share.
Focus on doing and seeing what works for you, and constantly reflect on your experiences.
Eventually, you'll get closer to selecting what you want to do.
Sending you support as you pick your major :)
Updated
Dave’s Answer
If you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life. Sounds simple, right? It all depends on what is most important to you. What are you passionate about? What do you want to achieve? It's ok to start with one thing and totally change your mind and do something else. If you're not totally sure on what to major in, you can start by going to a community college to save money while also figuring out what to major in. Talking with other students might also open up new ideas for you.
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
No matter what you choose, think about the financial benefit of the field. Work is work, no matter what you choose. If it was fun or inspiring, it would not be consider work. Choose a field that is in demand and has the maximum return for the cost of your education. It will not be fun if you have to payback 6 figures of loans with a job that pays you half as much.