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What are some ways to figure out what major is best for you in college?
Currently in my third college semester psychology major(BA) but considering switching majors.
#choosing-a-major #liberal-arts-major #psychology #college-advice #collegesuccess
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Tracey’s Answer
Hi Martha,
Congrats on being in your third semester at college. The best way to determine what major is best for you is figure out what you want to do after graduation as a career. If you are not quite sure on what you want to do after college, there are a ton of skillset questionnaires on the internet that ask you a set of questions and based on your answers will give you a list of possible career options. You also want to talk to your advisor to also see what are your options. Changing majors beyond your sophomore year in college may greatly delay graduation because you will have to take additional pre-requisite courses for your new major.
Best of luck to you.
Congrats on being in your third semester at college. The best way to determine what major is best for you is figure out what you want to do after graduation as a career. If you are not quite sure on what you want to do after college, there are a ton of skillset questionnaires on the internet that ask you a set of questions and based on your answers will give you a list of possible career options. You also want to talk to your advisor to also see what are your options. Changing majors beyond your sophomore year in college may greatly delay graduation because you will have to take additional pre-requisite courses for your new major.
Best of luck to you.
Updated
Nancy’s Answer
Martha, when I was in college I wondered about my major, too. I liked it but didn’t know whether I could get a job doing it. I went to my college career center and signed up for a career advising seminar. We took the Strong Campbell Interest Inventory and got feedback on what careers fit our interests. I decided to keep my major but to add electives which would help me get into graduate school. I suggest seeing a counselor in the career center as a start.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
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James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Martha,
How to Determine Your Ideal College Major
Selecting an ideal major in college is a crucial decision that requires careful thought and planning. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you determine the most suitable major for you:
1. Personal Reflection: Spend some time introspecting about your hobbies, strengths, and passions. Identify the subjects or topics that truly ignite your enthusiasm and where your talents lie.
2. Investigate Potential Careers: Delve into various career paths associated with your current major (psychology) and any other majors you're contemplating. Examine job opportunities, expected salaries, and growth prospects in these fields.
3. Consult Academic Advisors: Arrange appointments with academic advisors from both the psychology department and the departments of the majors you're considering. They can offer crucial insights into course prerequisites, career possibilities, and potential trajectories within each major.
4. Enroll in Introductory Courses: If feasible, sign up for beginner courses in the majors you're thinking about. This will provide you with a glimpse of what studying those subjects involves and assist you in determining if it aligns with your interests.
5. Find Mentors: Establish connections with professors, professionals, or alumni in the fields you're interested in. They can provide guidance, share their experiences, and offer valuable advice on major selection.
6. Reflect on Your Goals: Contemplate your long-term objectives and how various majors correspond with them. Consider aspects like job satisfaction, work-life harmony, and personal fulfillment when making your decision.
7. Try Elective Courses: Enroll in elective courses outside of your major to explore other areas of interest. This could widen your knowledge and possibly help you uncover a new passion.
8. Conduct Informational Interviews: Contact professionals in fields related to the majors you're considering. Conduct informational interviews to understand their daily tasks, career paths, and advice for students entering the field.
9. Participate in Career Fairs: Attend career fairs organized by your college or university to engage with employers from diverse industries. This can provide insights into various career paths and assist you in narrowing down your choices.
10. Reflect on Your Values: Consider your values and how they correlate with different majors. Reflect on aspects such as societal contribution, ethical implications, and personal values when selecting a major that resonates with you.
By adhering to these steps, you can gain a clearer understanding of the major that best aligns with your interests, goals, and aspirations.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
The Princeton Review: The Princeton Review provides extensive resources on college majors, career exploration, and academic advice for students on their educational path.
U.S. News & World Report: U.S. News & World Report offers rankings of colleges and universities along with invaluable insights into major selection, career paths, and strategies for academic success.
National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE): NACE provides research-based information on career development trends, job market forecasts, and best practices for students seeking advice on major selection and career planning.
May God bless you!
James Constantine Frangos.
How to Determine Your Ideal College Major
Selecting an ideal major in college is a crucial decision that requires careful thought and planning. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you determine the most suitable major for you:
1. Personal Reflection: Spend some time introspecting about your hobbies, strengths, and passions. Identify the subjects or topics that truly ignite your enthusiasm and where your talents lie.
2. Investigate Potential Careers: Delve into various career paths associated with your current major (psychology) and any other majors you're contemplating. Examine job opportunities, expected salaries, and growth prospects in these fields.
3. Consult Academic Advisors: Arrange appointments with academic advisors from both the psychology department and the departments of the majors you're considering. They can offer crucial insights into course prerequisites, career possibilities, and potential trajectories within each major.
4. Enroll in Introductory Courses: If feasible, sign up for beginner courses in the majors you're thinking about. This will provide you with a glimpse of what studying those subjects involves and assist you in determining if it aligns with your interests.
5. Find Mentors: Establish connections with professors, professionals, or alumni in the fields you're interested in. They can provide guidance, share their experiences, and offer valuable advice on major selection.
6. Reflect on Your Goals: Contemplate your long-term objectives and how various majors correspond with them. Consider aspects like job satisfaction, work-life harmony, and personal fulfillment when making your decision.
7. Try Elective Courses: Enroll in elective courses outside of your major to explore other areas of interest. This could widen your knowledge and possibly help you uncover a new passion.
8. Conduct Informational Interviews: Contact professionals in fields related to the majors you're considering. Conduct informational interviews to understand their daily tasks, career paths, and advice for students entering the field.
9. Participate in Career Fairs: Attend career fairs organized by your college or university to engage with employers from diverse industries. This can provide insights into various career paths and assist you in narrowing down your choices.
10. Reflect on Your Values: Consider your values and how they correlate with different majors. Reflect on aspects such as societal contribution, ethical implications, and personal values when selecting a major that resonates with you.
By adhering to these steps, you can gain a clearer understanding of the major that best aligns with your interests, goals, and aspirations.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
The Princeton Review: The Princeton Review provides extensive resources on college majors, career exploration, and academic advice for students on their educational path.
U.S. News & World Report: U.S. News & World Report offers rankings of colleges and universities along with invaluable insights into major selection, career paths, and strategies for academic success.
National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE): NACE provides research-based information on career development trends, job market forecasts, and best practices for students seeking advice on major selection and career planning.
May God bless you!
James Constantine Frangos.
Updated
Richard’s Answer
Join pre-professional organizations. Apply for internships in your proposed field. Try to join a research lab to see if their projects interest you.
Updated
Rachel’s Answer
Choose something that interests you but will also be a stepping stone to a career that you would enjoy for years to come. To be frank, pick something that will help you get a job and make money to support yourself. Ideally you would enjoy that profession.