4 answers
Audrey
Student
5
Questions
Asked
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How do I know if the major I choose in college is right for me?
I’m a bit indecisive when it comes to choosing certain things and I tend to avert my attention elsewhere when I get bored of what I’m already learning.
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4 answers
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1851
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Many students have similar question. The most important you have to find out what careers you have interest, then you would not feel bore.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc. and identify related careers
E.g. If you like music, would you like to be an musician, singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc.
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, 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 career. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc. and identify related careers
E.g. If you like music, would you like to be an musician, singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc.
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, 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 career. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Mei Abellon-Baniqued
Consultant
19
Answers
Philippines
Updated
Mei’s Answer
Hello Audrey. There's a lot of things to consider when choosing a major in college. And these things vary from person to person. I think it's important for you to really think things through and make a decision based on what is right for you. Here are items to get you started ---
1. Interests: What are you interested in? What would you like to study -- study more and deeper? Imagine your college life will be spent digging deep on this major so it should be something interesting for you. Something that will get you excited to go to school, read all those materials, write all those papers, etc.
2. Career: What kind of career would you like to build out of the major you'll be studying? While it is true that a lot of people are now in careers way different from what they studied, finding alignment at this point in time helps you picture a future of what you'll be doing day in /day out once you finish your studies. This future serves as your goal so that when the going gets tough during college, you say, I will go on and persevere because this path will lead me to where I want to be.
If you don't know yet what kind of career you want, perhaps choose a major that can be applied to multiple careers. I personally studied Psychology because it can get me to the academe, counseling, HR, law, medicine, etc. At that time, while I am set to pursue medicine, I wanted a pre-medicine major that will give me the flexibility in case at the last minute I change my mind.
3. Financial capacity: Some students have the financial capacity so 'start over' if they happen to be in the wrong major while others don't. Some want to be in a major that will allow them to get a job the fastest either because of need (need to help out the family for example) or they want financial independence the soonest. I am not sure what your situation is but this is something you may want to consider too.
Once you've thought through things and have shortlisted majors, you may want to talk to people who studied the same -- ask for their experiences, pros/cons, etc. This way you're making a decision not only based on what you think you know but you're factoring in the experiences of folks who have been there and done it.
All the best Audrey!
1. Interests: What are you interested in? What would you like to study -- study more and deeper? Imagine your college life will be spent digging deep on this major so it should be something interesting for you. Something that will get you excited to go to school, read all those materials, write all those papers, etc.
2. Career: What kind of career would you like to build out of the major you'll be studying? While it is true that a lot of people are now in careers way different from what they studied, finding alignment at this point in time helps you picture a future of what you'll be doing day in /day out once you finish your studies. This future serves as your goal so that when the going gets tough during college, you say, I will go on and persevere because this path will lead me to where I want to be.
If you don't know yet what kind of career you want, perhaps choose a major that can be applied to multiple careers. I personally studied Psychology because it can get me to the academe, counseling, HR, law, medicine, etc. At that time, while I am set to pursue medicine, I wanted a pre-medicine major that will give me the flexibility in case at the last minute I change my mind.
3. Financial capacity: Some students have the financial capacity so 'start over' if they happen to be in the wrong major while others don't. Some want to be in a major that will allow them to get a job the fastest either because of need (need to help out the family for example) or they want financial independence the soonest. I am not sure what your situation is but this is something you may want to consider too.
Once you've thought through things and have shortlisted majors, you may want to talk to people who studied the same -- ask for their experiences, pros/cons, etc. This way you're making a decision not only based on what you think you know but you're factoring in the experiences of folks who have been there and done it.
All the best Audrey!
anvitha kosanam
Student
10
Answers
New Brunswick, New Jersey
Updated
anvitha’s Answer
Choosing a major can be tricky, but don't be too overwhelmed. Take your time exploring different subjects and maybe try some introduction and general education courses. See what genuinely interests you and keeps your attention. Talk to professors or professionals in those fields to gain insights. Internships or part-time jobs related to potential majors can also provide hands-on experience. It's okay to change your mind and is very common to realize you don't like your major after you start. College is meant for learning more about yourself and your likes and dislikes so trust your instincts.
Ayesha Gomes
2
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Ayesha’s Answer
Hi Audrey, I completely understand your predicament, as I too recall the challenge of choosing my college major. I was torn between several areas that fascinated me - Accounting, Pre-Med, and Psychology. After narrowing my choices to these three fields, I spent my first year sampling classes from each track. This helped me gain deeper insights into each field and understand what my future career might entail.
At the same time, I took on a Marketing internship and fell in love with the field! By the end of my first year, I decided to focus on Accounting, but I didn't abandon my passion for marketing. I continued to seek job and internship opportunities in this field and chose marketing-related electives such as Promotional Management and Digital Marketing.
By my Junior year, I discovered that my true passion was Marketing and I decided to officially switch my major from Accounting to Marketing. I am so thankful for this decision as marketing has been a rewarding career that satisfies both my creative and analytical drive.
I'm grateful for the diverse experiences and job opportunities that guided me on this path. Therefore, I encourage you to use your college years to explore various areas that pique your interest. This will help you learn more about yourself and identify the fields you enjoy and those you don't. This exploration will greatly assist you in making your decision.
I hope my experience provides some guidance and I wish you all the best on your journey!
At the same time, I took on a Marketing internship and fell in love with the field! By the end of my first year, I decided to focus on Accounting, but I didn't abandon my passion for marketing. I continued to seek job and internship opportunities in this field and chose marketing-related electives such as Promotional Management and Digital Marketing.
By my Junior year, I discovered that my true passion was Marketing and I decided to officially switch my major from Accounting to Marketing. I am so thankful for this decision as marketing has been a rewarding career that satisfies both my creative and analytical drive.
I'm grateful for the diverse experiences and job opportunities that guided me on this path. Therefore, I encourage you to use your college years to explore various areas that pique your interest. This will help you learn more about yourself and identify the fields you enjoy and those you don't. This exploration will greatly assist you in making your decision.
I hope my experience provides some guidance and I wish you all the best on your journey!