4 answers
Harry
Student
Florida City, Florida
1
Question
4 answers
Uyen Nguyen
Student Support Center Consultant
1
Answer
Clemson, South Carolina
Updated
Uyen’s Answer
I am glad you are considering college for your next step. Deciding a college major is never easy. Millions of high school students looking to transition to college, including me, have stumbled upon the indecision of this question.
There are a lot of people who thought they wanted to study the major they declared for but ended up changing majors while taking classes and liking those classes; therefore, they wanted to study more about that topic. So don't fret. You will eventually figure out, if not right now, then later on when you accumulate more experiences to immerse more in college.
While considering your college major, it's important to:
- Consider your interests and strengths (do you like to be analytical or creative? Or both at once? Think about the characteristics that a person in different career fields possesses. However, it's not a make-a-break situation if you don't already have those traits like the people working in a career field since you can develop traits and grow along the learning and doing process. )
- The most helpful way to determine if you like to be in a certain field is to gain experience with that field. For example, if you are interested in Computer Science, you could learn how to develop a coding project by watching tutorials or free websites online. If you are interested in healthcare, you can volunteer at a hospital or take a health science class at your high school).
- Seeing what subjects you enjoy in school is another factor. I found math challenging to learn, but it instilled joy in me when I was doing it. What is something you really like and keep trying to excel at even if it's not easy to master? There are going to be times when you are discouraged since what you study will challenge you in ways that can stress you out, but if you find yourself getting back on your feet and still wanting to pursue it at the end of the day, it might be your passion.
- You can search "A day in the life of a [person in that career]." Like a day in the life of an artist, a doctor, a psychologist, an engineer, a cyber security specialist, and so on. This would help you see what responsibilities/tasks such people do in a day and whether that is a good fit for you.
You don't have to love a field of study entirely to pursue it. Maybe that passion can be developed gradually as you study it more. Consider what kind of career choices you see yourself in also helps you determine more closely what you might want to do. It's also important to look at the salary range of your job prospects if it matters to you.
Most importantly, you don't have to do this alone, and you can ask for help. Talk to your high school counselor and your college academic advisor. They can guide you to the next steps.
If you end up not knowing what major to declare, you can always declare an "undecided" major. Taking classes will help you realize what you enjoy.
Choosing a college major can be scary, but believe in yourself and know that you can count on yourself to get there eventually, even if you feel confused and lost. It is okay to feel those feelings.
There are a lot of people who thought they wanted to study the major they declared for but ended up changing majors while taking classes and liking those classes; therefore, they wanted to study more about that topic. So don't fret. You will eventually figure out, if not right now, then later on when you accumulate more experiences to immerse more in college.
While considering your college major, it's important to:
- Consider your interests and strengths (do you like to be analytical or creative? Or both at once? Think about the characteristics that a person in different career fields possesses. However, it's not a make-a-break situation if you don't already have those traits like the people working in a career field since you can develop traits and grow along the learning and doing process. )
- The most helpful way to determine if you like to be in a certain field is to gain experience with that field. For example, if you are interested in Computer Science, you could learn how to develop a coding project by watching tutorials or free websites online. If you are interested in healthcare, you can volunteer at a hospital or take a health science class at your high school).
- Seeing what subjects you enjoy in school is another factor. I found math challenging to learn, but it instilled joy in me when I was doing it. What is something you really like and keep trying to excel at even if it's not easy to master? There are going to be times when you are discouraged since what you study will challenge you in ways that can stress you out, but if you find yourself getting back on your feet and still wanting to pursue it at the end of the day, it might be your passion.
- You can search "A day in the life of a [person in that career]." Like a day in the life of an artist, a doctor, a psychologist, an engineer, a cyber security specialist, and so on. This would help you see what responsibilities/tasks such people do in a day and whether that is a good fit for you.
You don't have to love a field of study entirely to pursue it. Maybe that passion can be developed gradually as you study it more. Consider what kind of career choices you see yourself in also helps you determine more closely what you might want to do. It's also important to look at the salary range of your job prospects if it matters to you.
Most importantly, you don't have to do this alone, and you can ask for help. Talk to your high school counselor and your college academic advisor. They can guide you to the next steps.
If you end up not knowing what major to declare, you can always declare an "undecided" major. Taking classes will help you realize what you enjoy.
Choosing a college major can be scary, but believe in yourself and know that you can count on yourself to get there eventually, even if you feel confused and lost. It is okay to feel those feelings.
Sarah Castro
Teacher
2
Answers
Kaiserslautern, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
Updated
Sarah’s Answer
Hi Harry- thank you for your question. When it comes to setting and working towards any goal, it's important to know both what you want to achieve and your reasoning behind your aspiration. This is particularly important, because working toward goals can be challenging! When the going get's tough remind yourself why you decided to start and what exactly you want to achieve.
I recommend writing your goal down using the SMART format. SMART stands for specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. As you draft the wording of your goal, consider if you have specific information about the changes you would like to implement, how you will gauge progress, a clear finish line, and a date by which you would like to have achieved your goal. This will make it easier for you to track your progress as you work toward your goal and make small adjustments as needed if you are not seeing the kind of progress you would like. You can learn more about SMART goals using the attached resource from the University of California (https://www.ucop.edu/local-human-resources/_files/performance-appraisal/How%20to%20write%20SMART%20Goals%20v2.pdf).
Once you have a clear and actionable goal, it can be very helpful to share your goal with someone you trust to provide you with an additional layer of accountability. This person can check in with you periodically while you work toward your desired end to provide support when you struggle and celebrate your progress with you along the way. This accountability buddy might be a family member, friend, teacher, coach, or mentor.
There are many wonderful books about this topic as well. If you are interested in taking a deeper dive, consider looking for the following titles at your local library. Both are easy and engaging reads that provide many actionable steps and resources for setting, working toward, and achieving your goals.
- "Atomic Habits" by James Clear
- "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey
Best of luck to you!
I recommend writing your goal down using the SMART format. SMART stands for specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. As you draft the wording of your goal, consider if you have specific information about the changes you would like to implement, how you will gauge progress, a clear finish line, and a date by which you would like to have achieved your goal. This will make it easier for you to track your progress as you work toward your goal and make small adjustments as needed if you are not seeing the kind of progress you would like. You can learn more about SMART goals using the attached resource from the University of California (https://www.ucop.edu/local-human-resources/_files/performance-appraisal/How%20to%20write%20SMART%20Goals%20v2.pdf).
Once you have a clear and actionable goal, it can be very helpful to share your goal with someone you trust to provide you with an additional layer of accountability. This person can check in with you periodically while you work toward your desired end to provide support when you struggle and celebrate your progress with you along the way. This accountability buddy might be a family member, friend, teacher, coach, or mentor.
There are many wonderful books about this topic as well. If you are interested in taking a deeper dive, consider looking for the following titles at your local library. Both are easy and engaging reads that provide many actionable steps and resources for setting, working toward, and achieving your goals.
- "Atomic Habits" by James Clear
- "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey
Best of luck to you!
Rachel Brown
Project Management
1
Answer
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Updated
Rachel’s Answer
To reach your desired objective, no matter what it is, the simplest method is to divide the objective into smaller, manageable tasks. This strategy lets you experience a thrill of victory with each task you finish, and can serve as a powerful boost to your drive to continue. If you encounter obstacles, seek out a guide who can provide advice or answer questions to assist you in navigating the process. Finally, when you've achieved your objective, take the time to rejoice in your success.
Glory JyteDavis
Creative Writer
2
Answers
Abia, AB
Updated
Glory’s Answer
To reach your goals, start by jotting them down, say a prayer, and then put them into action. Sounds straightforward, right? However, you must adhere to these guidelines:
Establish a system of accountability. If you can't take responsibility for your progress towards your goals, you're not prepared.
Discipline is essential. You must learn to regulate your actions in pursuit of your goals.
Stay focused and set your sights high. Being resolute is a vital aspect of accomplishing goals.
Establish a system of accountability. If you can't take responsibility for your progress towards your goals, you're not prepared.
Discipline is essential. You must learn to regulate your actions in pursuit of your goals.
Stay focused and set your sights high. Being resolute is a vital aspect of accomplishing goals.
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