6 answers
Zadia
Student
Childersburg, Alabama
1
Question
Asked
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How do you decide on one major?
I'm struggling to choose a major
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6 answers
Tracy Rutherford
Events and Content
3
Answers
Plainfield, Illinois
Updated
Tracy’s Answer
If you haven't selected a college yet, then I suggest looking for one with an exploratory/undecided program. This allows the student to take classes in several different subjects, with frequent counselor check-ins, to narrow down your interests. It's also very common for college students to change their major at least once, sometimes more. At most schools you will take your gen ed classes your first year, so it gives you some time to figure things out. Also there are many people working in a field unrelated to their major in college.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Zadia,
Choosing a Major in College
Choosing a major in college is a significant decision that can have a long-lasting impact on your academic and professional future. It is common for students to feel overwhelmed or uncertain when faced with the task of selecting a major, as there are numerous factors to consider. Here are some steps to help you make an informed decision:
Self-Reflection: Start by reflecting on your interests, strengths, values, and goals. Consider what subjects you enjoy studying, what activities you excel in, and what kind of career you envision for yourself in the future.
Research Majors: Take the time to research different majors offered at your college or university. Look into the course requirements, potential career paths, job outlook, and salary prospects associated with each major. This information can help you narrow down your options based on your preferences and goals.
Meet with Academic Advisors: Academic advisors are valuable resources who can provide guidance and support in choosing a major. Schedule meetings with advisors from different departments to discuss your interests and receive personalized recommendations based on your academic background and career aspirations.
Explore Your Options: Consider taking introductory courses in various fields to get a sense of what each major entails. Participating in internships, volunteering, or joining student organizations related to different majors can also give you practical experience and insight into potential career paths.
Consider Your Future Goals: Think about how your choice of major aligns with your long-term career goals. Consider whether the major you are interested in will provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue your desired profession or further education.
Seek Advice from Peers: Talk to current students or alumni who have pursued majors you are considering. Hearing about their experiences can give you valuable perspectives and insights that may help you make a more informed decision.
Don’t Rush the Decision: Remember that it is okay to be undecided or change your major during your college journey. Take the time to explore different options, seek guidance from mentors, and make an informed decision that aligns with your interests and goals.
Ultimately, choosing a major is a personal decision that should reflect your passions, strengths, and aspirations. By engaging in self-reflection, conducting research, seeking advice from advisors and peers, exploring various options, and considering your future goals, you can make a well-informed choice that sets you on the path towards academic and professional success.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
The College Board: The College Board is a reputable organization that provides valuable resources for students navigating the college admissions process. Their website offers comprehensive information on choosing a major, including tips for decision-making and exploring different academic pathways.
U.S. News & World Report: U.S. News & World Report is known for its rankings of colleges and universities across various categories. They also offer insightful articles on topics related to higher education, including guidance on selecting a major that aligns with one’s interests and career goals.
National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE): NACE is a trusted source for information on career development and employment trends for college graduates. Their research reports often include data on popular majors among students as well as insights into emerging fields of study that may lead to promising job opportunities after graduation.
God Bless You,
JC.
Choosing a Major in College
Choosing a major in college is a significant decision that can have a long-lasting impact on your academic and professional future. It is common for students to feel overwhelmed or uncertain when faced with the task of selecting a major, as there are numerous factors to consider. Here are some steps to help you make an informed decision:
Self-Reflection: Start by reflecting on your interests, strengths, values, and goals. Consider what subjects you enjoy studying, what activities you excel in, and what kind of career you envision for yourself in the future.
Research Majors: Take the time to research different majors offered at your college or university. Look into the course requirements, potential career paths, job outlook, and salary prospects associated with each major. This information can help you narrow down your options based on your preferences and goals.
Meet with Academic Advisors: Academic advisors are valuable resources who can provide guidance and support in choosing a major. Schedule meetings with advisors from different departments to discuss your interests and receive personalized recommendations based on your academic background and career aspirations.
Explore Your Options: Consider taking introductory courses in various fields to get a sense of what each major entails. Participating in internships, volunteering, or joining student organizations related to different majors can also give you practical experience and insight into potential career paths.
Consider Your Future Goals: Think about how your choice of major aligns with your long-term career goals. Consider whether the major you are interested in will provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue your desired profession or further education.
Seek Advice from Peers: Talk to current students or alumni who have pursued majors you are considering. Hearing about their experiences can give you valuable perspectives and insights that may help you make a more informed decision.
Don’t Rush the Decision: Remember that it is okay to be undecided or change your major during your college journey. Take the time to explore different options, seek guidance from mentors, and make an informed decision that aligns with your interests and goals.
Ultimately, choosing a major is a personal decision that should reflect your passions, strengths, and aspirations. By engaging in self-reflection, conducting research, seeking advice from advisors and peers, exploring various options, and considering your future goals, you can make a well-informed choice that sets you on the path towards academic and professional success.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
The College Board: The College Board is a reputable organization that provides valuable resources for students navigating the college admissions process. Their website offers comprehensive information on choosing a major, including tips for decision-making and exploring different academic pathways.
U.S. News & World Report: U.S. News & World Report is known for its rankings of colleges and universities across various categories. They also offer insightful articles on topics related to higher education, including guidance on selecting a major that aligns with one’s interests and career goals.
National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE): NACE is a trusted source for information on career development and employment trends for college graduates. Their research reports often include data on popular majors among students as well as insights into emerging fields of study that may lead to promising job opportunities after graduation.
God Bless You,
JC.
Faraz Farooq
Account Manager
7
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Faraz’s Answer
Hello Zadia, it's totally ok to not know what major you want to go into. Most people don't know at your age.
Many have already suggested it, but choosing to be undecided initially is a fantastic approach. This decision gives you the freedom to delve into various fields and discover what truly piques your interest. Even after you've selected a major, it's completely fine if you're still uncertain about your next steps. Universities offer career guidance services where you can explore various career options, and they may even provide you with internship opportunities to experience different professions first-hand. Remember, it's not unusual for people to switch careers as their interests evolve over time.
All this to say, give yourself grace and use this time to explore to see what is out there. I am confident you'll find something you enjoy and something you can make a career out of :)
Many have already suggested it, but choosing to be undecided initially is a fantastic approach. This decision gives you the freedom to delve into various fields and discover what truly piques your interest. Even after you've selected a major, it's completely fine if you're still uncertain about your next steps. Universities offer career guidance services where you can explore various career options, and they may even provide you with internship opportunities to experience different professions first-hand. Remember, it's not unusual for people to switch careers as their interests evolve over time.
All this to say, give yourself grace and use this time to explore to see what is out there. I am confident you'll find something you enjoy and something you can make a career out of :)
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1860
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Many students have similar question. Have you thought about what careers you have interest? The relevant subjects of the careers you have interest would be the major and minor you can consider.
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 like music, would you like to become a musician, singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc.
If you have interest in maths, would like to be an 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 these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, your school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue. The relevant subjects are the major and minor you can consider.
5. Explore the entry criteria in these subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
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 like music, would you like to become a musician, singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc.
If you have interest in maths, would like to be an 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 these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, your school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue. The relevant subjects are the major and minor you can consider.
5. Explore the entry criteria in these subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Thomas O'Shea
Music Producer, Composer, Live Sound Engineer, Musician
119
Answers
Madison, Wisconsin
Updated
Thomas’s Answer
A few things here.
1. If you don't know what you want to do yet, THAT IS OK. You are still young and have PLENTY of time to figure that out.
2. You don't need to know exactly what you want to study- you don't even have to know what industry you want to go in. Go start college as an "undecided major" and take classes in many areas of study. I promise you will find something interesting.
3. You are allowed to double or even triple major. Here's the thing. If you are really interested in a lot of things and truly can't choose, study all the things you enjoy and choose after you get your degree(s)
4. Keep in mind, some people's paths don't include college and that is OK too. I'm not saying don't go to college of course- I'm a HUGE advocate for college but it's not for everyone.
I really hope this helps!
1. If you don't know what you want to do yet, THAT IS OK. You are still young and have PLENTY of time to figure that out.
2. You don't need to know exactly what you want to study- you don't even have to know what industry you want to go in. Go start college as an "undecided major" and take classes in many areas of study. I promise you will find something interesting.
3. You are allowed to double or even triple major. Here's the thing. If you are really interested in a lot of things and truly can't choose, study all the things you enjoy and choose after you get your degree(s)
4. Keep in mind, some people's paths don't include college and that is OK too. I'm not saying don't go to college of course- I'm a HUGE advocate for college but it's not for everyone.
I really hope this helps!
Jim Nguyen
Senior Contract Sourcing Manager
45
Answers
South Plainfield, New Jersey
Updated
Jim’s Answer
Hello Zadia,
Pick the subject you like most in high school, and study or major that in college. You can visit Career Center in college to study and explore the opportunities within your major. You can discuss with your school counselor. Internship is another way to explore your future career. You can start working in the industry which you are interested in. If you know someone or any related professionals, you can also ask and discuss your interest with them.
Good luck!
Pick the subject you like most in high school, and study or major that in college. You can visit Career Center in college to study and explore the opportunities within your major. You can discuss with your school counselor. Internship is another way to explore your future career. You can start working in the industry which you are interested in. If you know someone or any related professionals, you can also ask and discuss your interest with them.
Good luck!