11 answers
Jenna
Student
Acworth, Georgia
1
Question
Asked
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How do I know what major I want to pick in college?
What do I do if I’m undecided
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11 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
745
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
I would look for something that you love to do, and in which you can achieve positive results both academically and professionally.
During my college advising career I encountered many students, who selected majors for questionable reasons. Most decisions were made for monetary reasons and not for academic reasons which would ultimately lead to success.
Many, as a result, ended up not enjoying their majors and several dropped out of school.
So, find something you love. Because if you love what you are doing, and are good at it, the high compensation will eventually follow you.
During my college advising career I encountered many students, who selected majors for questionable reasons. Most decisions were made for monetary reasons and not for academic reasons which would ultimately lead to success.
Many, as a result, ended up not enjoying their majors and several dropped out of school.
So, find something you love. Because if you love what you are doing, and are good at it, the high compensation will eventually follow you.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1821
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Many students have similar question. Firstly, you need to identify the careers you have interest. The relevant subjects will be your major and minor in the college.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
E.g. If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, banker, engineer, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc
If you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music producer, music composer, etc.
2. Find out more on these subjects and determine 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. The relevant subjects will be your major and minor in the college.
5. Explore the college review on these subjects 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, favourite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
E.g. If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, banker, engineer, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc
If you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music producer, music composer, etc.
2. Find out more on these subjects and determine 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. The relevant subjects will be your major and minor in the college.
5. Explore the college review on these subjects and find out the entry criteria
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Fernando Iriarte
Freelance Writer & Editor
151
Answers
Puerto Rico
Updated
Fernando’s Answer
Start by asking yourself what is it you like? What hobbies, subject matter or activities bring out your curiosity? Write down anything that comes to mind and see what career fields are tied to what you wrote. After that it's all about finding the college or university that offers a degree in that field. Take your time when sorting through your options and be sure to research any and all colleges that interest you. Whatever you do don't rush to a decision or let someone pressure you into making a quick decision.
Megan McCoy
Career Coach
162
Answers
Lakeland, Florida
Updated
Megan’s Answer
Hi Jenna,
If you are in high school, I would talk to your counselor if you are in college, I would talk to your academic or career counselor. They may have some resources available to you to help you look into majors.
Here are some resources you can use to help you explore majors and careers.
https://www.16personalities.com/
This is a personality test but it also gives career suggestions based on your personality
https://www.onetonline.org/ lets you explore careers and see what skills, degrees, etc you need as well as look at salary and job outlooks
There is also an interest test you can take to help you explore options https://www.mynextmove.org/explore/ip
Hopefully these will help you!
If you are in high school, I would talk to your counselor if you are in college, I would talk to your academic or career counselor. They may have some resources available to you to help you look into majors.
Here are some resources you can use to help you explore majors and careers.
https://www.16personalities.com/
This is a personality test but it also gives career suggestions based on your personality
https://www.onetonline.org/ lets you explore careers and see what skills, degrees, etc you need as well as look at salary and job outlooks
There is also an interest test you can take to help you explore options https://www.mynextmove.org/explore/ip
Hopefully these will help you!
Olayinka Durojaye
Environmental Engineer
30
Answers
Columbus, Indiana
Updated
Olayinka’s Answer
Hello Jenna! To know what major to study in college-
1. Do a self assessment on your strength and weakness in different subject areas such as science, arts etc.
2. Go with the one you are most comfortable and confident in.
1. Do a self assessment on your strength and weakness in different subject areas such as science, arts etc.
2. Go with the one you are most comfortable and confident in.
PwC Impact
575
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
PwC’s Answer
Don’t be afraid to explore. Your first choice in major doesn’t have to be your only option. Don’t feel pressured the journey is your own, and it’s OK not to follow a conventional path. Anything is possible. Many universities allow you to go undecided, which will help you explore your options.
PwC Impact
575
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
PwC’s Answer
Consider what your passions are, and do some research. Be curious and try new things. Also, It’s OK to pick some random and then change it later while you’re in college!
Job Hall
Real Estate Manager
126
Answers
Reno, Nevada
Updated
Job’s Answer
I would not go to college until you have an idea of what you want to do with your life. Select something you enjoy and are good at.
You are training yourself for your economic and emotional life. Look into what majors are available and pick one.
If you are truly interested in something you will do much better at it and enjoy your working career .
This is a difficult decision but at 16 I entered Stanford and knew I wanted to have a very financially rewarding career. I studied economics and accounting.
I then worked on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, and then to law school.
Pick a goal and make it happen.
Good luck.
You are training yourself for your economic and emotional life. Look into what majors are available and pick one.
If you are truly interested in something you will do much better at it and enjoy your working career .
This is a difficult decision but at 16 I entered Stanford and knew I wanted to have a very financially rewarding career. I studied economics and accounting.
I then worked on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, and then to law school.
Pick a goal and make it happen.
Good luck.
Sydney Washington
Software test engineer
7
Answers
Sacramento, California
Updated
Sydney’s Answer
Hello! I would suggest reflecting on your performance in school and things that interest you. If you do really well in history and you like helping people maybe consider law. You can start off undeclared and just take general education classes and see if anything interests you. Then if you still aren’t sure you can pursue a major like business that is useful in multiple fields.
Shelia Bereszniewicz
Seller enblement
92
Answers
Woodstock, Georgia
Updated
Shelia’s Answer
Choosing a career is a significant decision, and it's crucial to find something you're truly passionate about. Understand your motivations and ensure your choice aligns with them. Never opt for a career solely based on others' expectations unless it genuinely excites you. Remember, you're the one who will be investing time and effort into acquiring the necessary skills or degree.
Based on what type of career you may want, look at the related majors. Remember, it's okay if the path you initially chose needs to be altered. You can always switch to a new major, and you might find that a new direction suits you even better.
Based on what type of career you may want, look at the related majors. Remember, it's okay if the path you initially chose needs to be altered. You can always switch to a new major, and you might find that a new direction suits you even better.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6193
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hey Jenna!
Discovering What You Love
Deciding on a college major can feel like a big deal, but don't worry! There are a few things you can do to make this choice easier. Start by thinking about what you love. What subjects have always fascinated you? What classes or clubs have made you excited to learn more? What topics do you love to chat about? These are all clues that might lead you to your perfect major.
Understanding Your Talents and Abilities
Another key thing to think about is what you're good at. What subjects do you shine in? What activities do you enjoy and excel at? By understanding your strengths, you can choose a major that suits your abilities. This way, you're more likely to enjoy and succeed in your studies.
Investigating Possible Careers
Looking into different careers can also help guide your decision. Try to learn about various jobs and industries to see what kind of work you might do with different majors. You might even want to talk to people who work in fields you're interested in. They can give you a real-world view of what those careers are like.
Getting Advice from Experts
If you're still not sure what to study, don't be afraid to ask for help. Academic advisors, professors, or mentors can give you great advice. They can tell you about different majors, what classes you'd need to take, and what jobs you might get with those degrees.
Looking at Combined Studies
If you're interested in lots of different things, you might want to look into combined or interdisciplinary studies. This could be a great choice if you have a wide range of interests and can't pick just one major.
Trying Out Different Classes
Another good idea is to take some introductory classes in different subjects. This can help you get a feel for different areas of study and see which ones you like best.
Gaining Real-World Experience
Internships, volunteer work, or other hands-on experiences can also be really helpful. These opportunities can give you a taste of what it's like to work in different fields. They can help you see if a certain major is a good fit for your interests, talents, and career goals.
Keeping an Open Mind
Remember, it's totally okay if you don't know what to major in right away. Lots of students start college without a clear plan, and that's perfectly fine. Stay open to new ideas and be ready to change your mind as you learn and grow.
Top 3 Trusted Sources:
The College Board
U.S. News & World Report
National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC)
These sources have lots of great info on college majors, career exploration, academic advising, and advice for undecided students.
May you be blessed with abundance!
James.
Discovering What You Love
Deciding on a college major can feel like a big deal, but don't worry! There are a few things you can do to make this choice easier. Start by thinking about what you love. What subjects have always fascinated you? What classes or clubs have made you excited to learn more? What topics do you love to chat about? These are all clues that might lead you to your perfect major.
Understanding Your Talents and Abilities
Another key thing to think about is what you're good at. What subjects do you shine in? What activities do you enjoy and excel at? By understanding your strengths, you can choose a major that suits your abilities. This way, you're more likely to enjoy and succeed in your studies.
Investigating Possible Careers
Looking into different careers can also help guide your decision. Try to learn about various jobs and industries to see what kind of work you might do with different majors. You might even want to talk to people who work in fields you're interested in. They can give you a real-world view of what those careers are like.
Getting Advice from Experts
If you're still not sure what to study, don't be afraid to ask for help. Academic advisors, professors, or mentors can give you great advice. They can tell you about different majors, what classes you'd need to take, and what jobs you might get with those degrees.
Looking at Combined Studies
If you're interested in lots of different things, you might want to look into combined or interdisciplinary studies. This could be a great choice if you have a wide range of interests and can't pick just one major.
Trying Out Different Classes
Another good idea is to take some introductory classes in different subjects. This can help you get a feel for different areas of study and see which ones you like best.
Gaining Real-World Experience
Internships, volunteer work, or other hands-on experiences can also be really helpful. These opportunities can give you a taste of what it's like to work in different fields. They can help you see if a certain major is a good fit for your interests, talents, and career goals.
Keeping an Open Mind
Remember, it's totally okay if you don't know what to major in right away. Lots of students start college without a clear plan, and that's perfectly fine. Stay open to new ideas and be ready to change your mind as you learn and grow.
Top 3 Trusted Sources:
The College Board
U.S. News & World Report
National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC)
These sources have lots of great info on college majors, career exploration, academic advising, and advice for undecided students.
May you be blessed with abundance!
James.