6 answers
Junior
Student
Concord, North Carolina
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How to figure out what you want to study in college?
How to determine what you should major in.
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6 answers
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
607
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
It’s ok if you don’t know. You can get a general studies associates degree while exploring different schools and educational opportunities.
During that time, looking at internships and careen fairs can go a long way.
Many people start college without having it all figured out. It’s ok to figure things out as you go. You have time.
During that time, looking at internships and careen fairs can go a long way.
Many people start college without having it all figured out. It’s ok to figure things out as you go. You have time.
Jacob Taylor
Production Manager
521
Answers
Stafford, Virginia
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
Determining what to study in college and choosing a major is a significant decision that can shape your future career and life. Here's a thoughtful approach to help you figure out your path:
1. **Self-Reflection:** Start by reflecting on your interests, passions, and strengths. What subjects or activities genuinely excite you? Think about the classes or hobbies you've enjoyed the most in high school.
2. **Skills Assessment:** Consider your skills and aptitudes. Are you particularly good at math, writing, problem-solving, or working with people? Identifying your strengths can guide you toward fields where those skills are valued.
3. **Long-Term Goals:** Think about your long-term career goals. What kind of job or profession do you envision for yourself in the future? Some careers have specific academic requirements, so knowing your goals can narrow down your choices.
4. **Research:** Explore different academic fields and majors. Look into the course offerings, career prospects, and job opportunities associated with each. Talk to current college students, professors, and professionals in those fields to gain insights.
5. **Consider Your Values:** Think about your values and what's important to you. Are you passionate about social justice, the environment, business, or healthcare? Your values can align with certain fields or majors.
6. **Flexibility:** Keep in mind that it's okay to be uncertain initially. Many students change their majors during college, so choose something you're genuinely interested in, even if you're not 100% sure.
7. **Internships and Experience:** Participate in internships, job shadowing, or volunteer work in fields you're curious about. Practical experience can give you a real sense of what a career in that field entails.
8. **Academic Advising:** Consult with academic advisors or career counselors at your college. They can provide guidance, suggest suitable majors, and help you align your academic choices with your goals.
9. **Course Sampling:** Take a variety of introductory courses in your first year of college. This can help you explore different subjects and discover new interests.
10. **Follow Your Passion:** Ultimately, choose a major that aligns with your passion and curiosity. College is not just about getting a job; it's also about personal growth and intellectual development.
11. **Be Open to Change:** Remember that your major doesn't necessarily dictate your entire career path. Many careers are open to graduates from various majors, especially if you gain relevant skills and experience.
12. **Graduate School Consideration:** If you have aspirations for specific careers that require advanced degrees (e.g., medicine, law, academia), factor in the prerequisite coursework and graduate program requirements.
Choosing a major is a process that evolves over time. It's perfectly normal to explore different options before settling on one. Embrace the journey of self-discovery, and don't be afraid to seek guidance from mentors, advisors, and peers. Ultimately, the key is to choose a path that excites you, aligns with your goals, and allows you to grow both personally and professionally.
1. **Self-Reflection:** Start by reflecting on your interests, passions, and strengths. What subjects or activities genuinely excite you? Think about the classes or hobbies you've enjoyed the most in high school.
2. **Skills Assessment:** Consider your skills and aptitudes. Are you particularly good at math, writing, problem-solving, or working with people? Identifying your strengths can guide you toward fields where those skills are valued.
3. **Long-Term Goals:** Think about your long-term career goals. What kind of job or profession do you envision for yourself in the future? Some careers have specific academic requirements, so knowing your goals can narrow down your choices.
4. **Research:** Explore different academic fields and majors. Look into the course offerings, career prospects, and job opportunities associated with each. Talk to current college students, professors, and professionals in those fields to gain insights.
5. **Consider Your Values:** Think about your values and what's important to you. Are you passionate about social justice, the environment, business, or healthcare? Your values can align with certain fields or majors.
6. **Flexibility:** Keep in mind that it's okay to be uncertain initially. Many students change their majors during college, so choose something you're genuinely interested in, even if you're not 100% sure.
7. **Internships and Experience:** Participate in internships, job shadowing, or volunteer work in fields you're curious about. Practical experience can give you a real sense of what a career in that field entails.
8. **Academic Advising:** Consult with academic advisors or career counselors at your college. They can provide guidance, suggest suitable majors, and help you align your academic choices with your goals.
9. **Course Sampling:** Take a variety of introductory courses in your first year of college. This can help you explore different subjects and discover new interests.
10. **Follow Your Passion:** Ultimately, choose a major that aligns with your passion and curiosity. College is not just about getting a job; it's also about personal growth and intellectual development.
11. **Be Open to Change:** Remember that your major doesn't necessarily dictate your entire career path. Many careers are open to graduates from various majors, especially if you gain relevant skills and experience.
12. **Graduate School Consideration:** If you have aspirations for specific careers that require advanced degrees (e.g., medicine, law, academia), factor in the prerequisite coursework and graduate program requirements.
Choosing a major is a process that evolves over time. It's perfectly normal to explore different options before settling on one. Embrace the journey of self-discovery, and don't be afraid to seek guidance from mentors, advisors, and peers. Ultimately, the key is to choose a path that excites you, aligns with your goals, and allows you to grow both personally and professionally.
Olayinka Durojaye
Environmental Engineer
30
Answers
Columbus, Indiana
Updated
Olayinka’s Answer
Hello Junior. Thank you for this great question!
Personally I will say the following-
1. Do a research and find something that really interests you. For instance If you love designs, giving healthcare to people etc.
2. Try to see what it takes to become what really interests you for instance (a) getting a college degree (b) getting some professional experience (c) having some skills etc.
3. Then assess if the items in number 2 are within your reach and you can successfully carry them out.
4. When you can, get a role model in the field you want to study and try connecting so you can ask them more questions.
5. Final tip, go for something that interests you, you do seamlessly, and can make a positive impact in your family and environment.
Personally I will say the following-
1. Do a research and find something that really interests you. For instance If you love designs, giving healthcare to people etc.
2. Try to see what it takes to become what really interests you for instance (a) getting a college degree (b) getting some professional experience (c) having some skills etc.
3. Then assess if the items in number 2 are within your reach and you can successfully carry them out.
4. When you can, get a role model in the field you want to study and try connecting so you can ask them more questions.
5. Final tip, go for something that interests you, you do seamlessly, and can make a positive impact in your family and environment.
Kevonie Crooks
Pharmacy Technician
2
Answers
James Hill, Clarendon
Updated
Kevonie’s Answer
Hello , I hope this finds you well. First question I would ask you is what's your passion in life what do you see yourself doing? What are the things you love to do or enjoy? Take your time and find what you love and you will find your answer in what to major in.
Amalya Sukiasyan
ESOL teacher at Washington English Center
297
Answers
Yerevan
Updated
Amalya’s Answer
It is an important question. You should try to understand your interests and academic passions. What really makes you inspired and also matches your abilities and skills, can be a good career option.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1817
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. This is a very common to many students. First of all, you may need to find out what careers you have interest to determine your major and minor.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favorite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
E.g. If you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical actor, music composer, music producer, etc.
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, banker, financial analyst, engineer, maths teacher, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, parents, school career counsellor, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue.
5. Explore the college review on the relevant subjects in the college and find out the entry criteria
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favorite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
E.g. If you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical actor, music composer, music producer, etc.
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, banker, financial analyst, engineer, maths teacher, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, parents, school career counsellor, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue.
5. Explore the college review on the relevant subjects in the college and find out the entry criteria
Hope this helps! Good Luck!