4 answers
Kristin
Student
Daly City, California
1
Question
Asked
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College major and career decisions
What should I do to figure out what I should major in for college? What internships and jobs cover aspects of many careers so I can effectively figure out what I align with? What programs are out there?
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4 answers
Jacob Taylor
Production Manager
521
Answers
Stafford, Virginia
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
Finding the right college major and career path can be a meaningful journey. Here are some steps to help you navigate this process effectively:
1. **Self-Assessment:** Start by assessing your interests, strengths, and values. What subjects or activities genuinely excite you? What are you naturally good at? Reflecting on your passions and values can provide valuable insights.
2. **Research Majors:** Explore the majors offered by colleges and universities. Look into the courses, requirements, and career prospects associated with each major. Consider how they align with your interests and goals.
3. **Talk to Advisors:** Meet with academic advisors or career counselors at your school. They can provide guidance, suggest majors based on your interests, and help you understand the career paths associated with different majors.
4. **Internships and Job Shadowing:** Seek out internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer opportunities in fields you're curious about. This hands-on experience can give you a real-world perspective on various careers and help you determine what you enjoy.
5. **Informational Interviews:** Connect with professionals in fields of interest for informational interviews. Ask questions about their career paths, daily responsibilities, and job satisfaction. This can provide valuable insights and networking opportunities.
6. **Online Resources:** Explore career exploration websites and tools like O*NET, CareerBuilder, or LinkedIn to research job descriptions, required skills, and educational paths for various careers.
7. **General Education Courses:** Take a variety of general education courses in your first year of college to expose yourself to different subjects. You might discover a passion you hadn't considered before.
8. **Career Assessment Tests:** Consider taking career assessment tests or quizzes to identify potential matches based on your personality, interests, and values.
9. **Seek Mentorship:** If possible, find a mentor who is established in a field you're interested in. They can provide guidance and valuable advice on career choices.
10. **Join Student Organizations:** Join clubs or organizations related to your potential majors or interests. This can help you connect with like-minded peers and gain additional exposure to your areas of curiosity.
Remember that it's okay to change your major or career direction if you discover new interests along the way. Many people don't find their true calling until they've gained more experience and self-awareness. The key is to stay open-minded, explore, and gather as much information as possible to make informed decisions about your college major and future career.
1. **Self-Assessment:** Start by assessing your interests, strengths, and values. What subjects or activities genuinely excite you? What are you naturally good at? Reflecting on your passions and values can provide valuable insights.
2. **Research Majors:** Explore the majors offered by colleges and universities. Look into the courses, requirements, and career prospects associated with each major. Consider how they align with your interests and goals.
3. **Talk to Advisors:** Meet with academic advisors or career counselors at your school. They can provide guidance, suggest majors based on your interests, and help you understand the career paths associated with different majors.
4. **Internships and Job Shadowing:** Seek out internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer opportunities in fields you're curious about. This hands-on experience can give you a real-world perspective on various careers and help you determine what you enjoy.
5. **Informational Interviews:** Connect with professionals in fields of interest for informational interviews. Ask questions about their career paths, daily responsibilities, and job satisfaction. This can provide valuable insights and networking opportunities.
6. **Online Resources:** Explore career exploration websites and tools like O*NET, CareerBuilder, or LinkedIn to research job descriptions, required skills, and educational paths for various careers.
7. **General Education Courses:** Take a variety of general education courses in your first year of college to expose yourself to different subjects. You might discover a passion you hadn't considered before.
8. **Career Assessment Tests:** Consider taking career assessment tests or quizzes to identify potential matches based on your personality, interests, and values.
9. **Seek Mentorship:** If possible, find a mentor who is established in a field you're interested in. They can provide guidance and valuable advice on career choices.
10. **Join Student Organizations:** Join clubs or organizations related to your potential majors or interests. This can help you connect with like-minded peers and gain additional exposure to your areas of curiosity.
Remember that it's okay to change your major or career direction if you discover new interests along the way. Many people don't find their true calling until they've gained more experience and self-awareness. The key is to stay open-minded, explore, and gather as much information as possible to make informed decisions about your college major and future career.
Prativa Gautam
Nutrition
23
Answers
Sterling, Virginia
Updated
Prativa’s Answer
To figure out what major to pursue in college and explore potential careers, here’s a step-by-step approach:
1. Self-Assessment: Start by assessing your interests, strengths, and passions. Consider what subjects or activities genuinely excite you. Think about the subjects you perform well in and enjoy studying.
2. Research Majors: Research different majors available at colleges and universities. Look into their course requirements and descriptions to see if any align with your interests.
3. Talk to Advisors and Professors: Speak with college advisors and professors. They can provide valuable insights into various majors, career paths, and the skills required.
4. Internships and Part-Time Jobs: Look for internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer opportunities related to fields you’re interested in. This hands-on experience can help you gain insights into the day-to-day work and confirm your interests.
5. Informational Interviews: Reach out to professionals in fields you’re curious about and request informational interviews. Ask them about their career paths, daily responsibilities, and what they like/dislike about their jobs.
6. Online Resources: Utilize online resources like career assessment tools, LinkedIn, and industry-specific websites to explore potential careers.
7. College Programs: Some colleges offer programs that allow you to explore multiple majors before deciding. Look for institutions with such flexible options.
8. Networking: Attend career fairs, workshops, and networking events to meet people from various industries and learn about their experiences.
9. Consider the Future: Think about the long-term prospects of the careers you’re interested in. Research job availability, potential salary ranges, and job market trends.
10. Balance Passion and Practicality: While it’s important to pursue your passions, also consider the practical aspects, such as job stability and income potential.
11. Consult with Career Counselors: Many colleges have career counseling services that can provide guidance and resources for major and career decisions.
1. Self-Assessment: Start by assessing your interests, strengths, and passions. Consider what subjects or activities genuinely excite you. Think about the subjects you perform well in and enjoy studying.
2. Research Majors: Research different majors available at colleges and universities. Look into their course requirements and descriptions to see if any align with your interests.
3. Talk to Advisors and Professors: Speak with college advisors and professors. They can provide valuable insights into various majors, career paths, and the skills required.
4. Internships and Part-Time Jobs: Look for internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer opportunities related to fields you’re interested in. This hands-on experience can help you gain insights into the day-to-day work and confirm your interests.
5. Informational Interviews: Reach out to professionals in fields you’re curious about and request informational interviews. Ask them about their career paths, daily responsibilities, and what they like/dislike about their jobs.
6. Online Resources: Utilize online resources like career assessment tools, LinkedIn, and industry-specific websites to explore potential careers.
7. College Programs: Some colleges offer programs that allow you to explore multiple majors before deciding. Look for institutions with such flexible options.
8. Networking: Attend career fairs, workshops, and networking events to meet people from various industries and learn about their experiences.
9. Consider the Future: Think about the long-term prospects of the careers you’re interested in. Research job availability, potential salary ranges, and job market trends.
10. Balance Passion and Practicality: While it’s important to pursue your passions, also consider the practical aspects, such as job stability and income potential.
11. Consult with Career Counselors: Many colleges have career counseling services that can provide guidance and resources for major and career decisions.
Aubrei Lucas
Real estate agent/student
2
Answers
Las Vegas, Nevada
Updated
Aubrei’s Answer
If you are unsure, you can always go undecided and take general courses to get started. I would say to write down the careers you are really interested in and look at the degree requirements for each of them. It's very possible they have the same general requirements and you can make a final decision later. If there is one career that sticks out the most and makes you excited about the future that might be the one for you. Just remember you may change your mind, and that's absolutely ok. My older sister changed her major 5 times over the course of her college career. I hope this helps.
Atul Bhankharia
Sales
476
Answers
Mount Laurel, New Jersey
Updated
Atul’s Answer
What are your strong subjects?
If you've got a knack for analysis and math, why not consider diving into the world of engineering or finance?
If chemistry is your thing, the pharmaceutical industry might be just the right fit for you.
Physics whizzes should definitely take a look at geology and aeronautics.
If you've got a gift for connecting with people, a career in sales with a Bachelor's degree in Marketing could be your calling.
For all the history buffs out there, Political Science might be an interesting path to follow.
Remember, it's always smart to choose a major in a field that's in high demand and has fewer professionals.
The end goal? To earn a living doing something you love, without feeling frustrated or annoyed.
If you've got a knack for analysis and math, why not consider diving into the world of engineering or finance?
If chemistry is your thing, the pharmaceutical industry might be just the right fit for you.
Physics whizzes should definitely take a look at geology and aeronautics.
If you've got a gift for connecting with people, a career in sales with a Bachelor's degree in Marketing could be your calling.
For all the history buffs out there, Political Science might be an interesting path to follow.
Remember, it's always smart to choose a major in a field that's in high demand and has fewer professionals.
The end goal? To earn a living doing something you love, without feeling frustrated or annoyed.