4 answers
Andres
Student
Delavan, Wisconsin
2
Questions
Asked
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What can I do to help me choose a college-major?
I'm in 8th grade and wonder what can help me choose a college-major so I could study it in highschool.
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4 answers
Mahi Patel
Student Advisor and Dental
99
Answers
Davie, Florida
Updated
Mahi’s Answer
Self-assessment:
Reflect on your interests, strengths, and passions. Consider subjects that genuinely engage you and make you curious.
Identify your skills and areas where you excel. Think about the activities that energize you and bring you a sense of accomplishment.
Research:
Explore different majors and their corresponding career paths. Look into the courses offered in each major to get an idea of what you will be studying.
Talk to professors, professionals in the field, and current students to gain insights into the practical aspects of each major.
Career exploration:
Research potential careers associated with different majors. Consider the job market, salary expectations, and growth opportunities in each field.
Use career assessment tools or visit your college's career center to get personalized insights into careers that align with your interests and skills.
Internships and shadowing:
Gain hands-on experience through internships, co-op programs, or job shadowing in fields you are considering. This can help you understand the day-to-day responsibilities and work environment.
Talk to professionals:
Reach out to professionals who are working in the fields you are interested in. Conduct informational interviews to learn more about their experiences and gather advice.
Network with alumni:
Connect with alumni from your college who pursued the majors you are considering. Alumni can provide valuable perspectives on how their college major influenced their career paths.
Consider your values:
Think about your personal values and how they align with the values of different professions. Consider the impact you want to make and the work environment that suits you best.
Flexibility and Growth:
Choose a major that allows for flexibility and growth. Consider fields that are evolving and have room for continuous learning and development.
Seek guidance:
Consult with academic advisors, career counselors, and mentors who can provide guidance based on your academic performance, interests, and goals.
Stay open-minded:
Keep in mind that it's okay to change your major or career path if your interests and goals evolve. College is a time for exploration and self-discovery.
Reflect on your interests, strengths, and passions. Consider subjects that genuinely engage you and make you curious.
Identify your skills and areas where you excel. Think about the activities that energize you and bring you a sense of accomplishment.
Research:
Explore different majors and their corresponding career paths. Look into the courses offered in each major to get an idea of what you will be studying.
Talk to professors, professionals in the field, and current students to gain insights into the practical aspects of each major.
Career exploration:
Research potential careers associated with different majors. Consider the job market, salary expectations, and growth opportunities in each field.
Use career assessment tools or visit your college's career center to get personalized insights into careers that align with your interests and skills.
Internships and shadowing:
Gain hands-on experience through internships, co-op programs, or job shadowing in fields you are considering. This can help you understand the day-to-day responsibilities and work environment.
Talk to professionals:
Reach out to professionals who are working in the fields you are interested in. Conduct informational interviews to learn more about their experiences and gather advice.
Network with alumni:
Connect with alumni from your college who pursued the majors you are considering. Alumni can provide valuable perspectives on how their college major influenced their career paths.
Consider your values:
Think about your personal values and how they align with the values of different professions. Consider the impact you want to make and the work environment that suits you best.
Flexibility and Growth:
Choose a major that allows for flexibility and growth. Consider fields that are evolving and have room for continuous learning and development.
Seek guidance:
Consult with academic advisors, career counselors, and mentors who can provide guidance based on your academic performance, interests, and goals.
Stay open-minded:
Keep in mind that it's okay to change your major or career path if your interests and goals evolve. College is a time for exploration and self-discovery.
Kate O'Grady
HR
1
Answer
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Updated
Kate’s Answer
Knowing what you are truly interested in and then speaking to people you know who have careers in that field to get more insights into that area.
Carol Waldmann
Managing Real Estate
2
Answers
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Updated
Carol’s Answer
The initial year at university is designed to provide you with a wide-ranging academic experience. You'll be exposed to a diverse array of courses, offering you a taste of various potential paths. As you navigate through this first year, you'll discover which courses truly ignite your passion and which ones don't resonate as much with you. When the time comes to select your courses for the second year, your choices will be more targeted based on your first-year experiences. Gradually, your academic interests will become clearer, guiding you towards a specific area of focus that suits you best.
Tara Ataya
People person
1
Answer
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Updated
Tara’s Answer
Self-assessment: Reflect on your interests, strengths, and passions. Consider what subjects or activities you enjoy the most and excel in. Think about the skills you want to develop further and the types of tasks you find fulfilling.
Career exploration: Research different careers and industries to understand their requirements, job outlook, salary potential, and job satisfaction. Look into the skills and qualifications needed for various roles to see if they align with your interests and strengths.
Talk to professionals: Reach out to professionals working in fields you're interested in and ask them about their experiences, daily tasks, and educational backgrounds. Their insights can provide valuable perspective and help you make an informed decision.
Consider future prospects: While it's essential to pursue a major you're passionate about, it's also important to consider the job market and employment prospects for graduates in that field. Think about the demand for professionals with your chosen major and whether it offers opportunities for growth and advancement.
Keep an open mind: Don't feel pressured to choose a major right away, and don't be afraid to explore different options. Take introductory courses in various subjects, participate in internships or volunteer work, and talk to academic advisors to gain a better understanding of your interests and strengths.
Consider your long-term goals: Think about your long-term career goals and how your choice of major can support them. Consider whether you'll need to pursue additional education or training beyond your undergraduate degree to achieve your objectives.
Trust your instincts: Ultimately, trust your instincts and choose a major that feels right for you. Remember that your college major is just one aspect of your education and career journey, and you can always change direction or pursue further studies in the future.
Career exploration: Research different careers and industries to understand their requirements, job outlook, salary potential, and job satisfaction. Look into the skills and qualifications needed for various roles to see if they align with your interests and strengths.
Talk to professionals: Reach out to professionals working in fields you're interested in and ask them about their experiences, daily tasks, and educational backgrounds. Their insights can provide valuable perspective and help you make an informed decision.
Consider future prospects: While it's essential to pursue a major you're passionate about, it's also important to consider the job market and employment prospects for graduates in that field. Think about the demand for professionals with your chosen major and whether it offers opportunities for growth and advancement.
Keep an open mind: Don't feel pressured to choose a major right away, and don't be afraid to explore different options. Take introductory courses in various subjects, participate in internships or volunteer work, and talk to academic advisors to gain a better understanding of your interests and strengths.
Consider your long-term goals: Think about your long-term career goals and how your choice of major can support them. Consider whether you'll need to pursue additional education or training beyond your undergraduate degree to achieve your objectives.
Trust your instincts: Ultimately, trust your instincts and choose a major that feels right for you. Remember that your college major is just one aspect of your education and career journey, and you can always change direction or pursue further studies in the future.