8 answers
m
Student
Wichita, Kansas
1
Question
Asked
459 views
What do I do if I can't pick a college major?
I have many subjects/fields I am interested in and I can't narrow it down. What if I did an interdisciplinary/design-your-own major? Will that look okay to employers?
Login to comment
8 answers
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1879
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, M !
To solve this, you will have to research colleges that offer customized Majors as well as be sure of at least four interests that you have that you'd like to study. Those four interests should be ones that you can have a career in. Try to pick subjects that are marketable and not subjects that one doesn't need a degree to build a career with.
I will be very honest in that Liberal Arts will not be advisable because it will not focus on anything specific. You run the risk of not having the degree that employers want, and when it comes to starting and obtaining work, it's rather important. Employers do not even ask for people with degrees in Liberal Arts. I have some ideas for you that would work for a combination of certain subjects.
First research colleges that allow you to customize your own major. Even though some may not mention it online, call and ask. I have left three links to colleges in Wichita that do allow students to create their own major. Now, you didn't mention what your interests are, but the "inter-disciplinary" part comes with having to take courses in different departments focused on your major, not many different courses one or two in each interest. Find out what you want to major in and obtain the degree in it.
Another thing that you can do is to start at a community college and Major in one interest and Minor in another interest. Then transfer to a four year college and do the same, majoring in another interest and minoring in an additional interest. This is all going to depend on what the subjects are, though. Two community colleges in Wichita do offer students the opportunity to customize their majors. One is Butler Community College and the other is Wichita Area Technical College (WSU Tech). Explore these colleges for the courses they offer and decide which one or ones would best be suited for what you want to do as well as offer the best degree for a career when you graduate. You can also consider going for a Masters Degree in something additional that you're interested in.
It's actually a great thing to have many interests and it doesn't mean that you have to obtain a degree in every one. Having many interests will give you rich and exciting life experiences and not all interests have to be a career.
When an employer evaluates your college degree, they look to see that the college is accredited, if the degree is relevant to the job they are offering, and some employers even read your transcripts to see what courses you took, grades and GPA. I don't know how often that actually happens but it could. Mostly, employers want to know that your degree prepared you for job specific skills, the job you would be considered for. So, this is a process and employers receive many resumes that they evaluate, so you are going to want to get your degree in something that aligns with the career work you plan to do. Just attending college, you will sharpen your soft skills which are useful for a career in any field.
So, a customized major will look great to employers if it is targeted to a specific field of work. Your best bet would be to have the academic counselor at your college help you design the major. They can suggest various subjects from different departments that would enhance the subject you want to major in. You can start on this now by making a list of all of your interests and than narrowing it down based on which subjects align with each other. I am really sure you will do fine with this and customized majors offer an exciting academic experience.
Best wishes in all you do and do not hesitate to return here to ask more specific questions !
WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY https://wichita.edu/
FRIENDS UNIVERSITY https://friends.edu/
NEWMAN UNIVERSITY https://newmanu.edu/
BUTLER COMMUNITY COLLEGE https://butlercc.edu/
WICHITA AREA TECHNICAL COLLEGE https://www.wsutech.edu/
To solve this, you will have to research colleges that offer customized Majors as well as be sure of at least four interests that you have that you'd like to study. Those four interests should be ones that you can have a career in. Try to pick subjects that are marketable and not subjects that one doesn't need a degree to build a career with.
I will be very honest in that Liberal Arts will not be advisable because it will not focus on anything specific. You run the risk of not having the degree that employers want, and when it comes to starting and obtaining work, it's rather important. Employers do not even ask for people with degrees in Liberal Arts. I have some ideas for you that would work for a combination of certain subjects.
First research colleges that allow you to customize your own major. Even though some may not mention it online, call and ask. I have left three links to colleges in Wichita that do allow students to create their own major. Now, you didn't mention what your interests are, but the "inter-disciplinary" part comes with having to take courses in different departments focused on your major, not many different courses one or two in each interest. Find out what you want to major in and obtain the degree in it.
Another thing that you can do is to start at a community college and Major in one interest and Minor in another interest. Then transfer to a four year college and do the same, majoring in another interest and minoring in an additional interest. This is all going to depend on what the subjects are, though. Two community colleges in Wichita do offer students the opportunity to customize their majors. One is Butler Community College and the other is Wichita Area Technical College (WSU Tech). Explore these colleges for the courses they offer and decide which one or ones would best be suited for what you want to do as well as offer the best degree for a career when you graduate. You can also consider going for a Masters Degree in something additional that you're interested in.
It's actually a great thing to have many interests and it doesn't mean that you have to obtain a degree in every one. Having many interests will give you rich and exciting life experiences and not all interests have to be a career.
When an employer evaluates your college degree, they look to see that the college is accredited, if the degree is relevant to the job they are offering, and some employers even read your transcripts to see what courses you took, grades and GPA. I don't know how often that actually happens but it could. Mostly, employers want to know that your degree prepared you for job specific skills, the job you would be considered for. So, this is a process and employers receive many resumes that they evaluate, so you are going to want to get your degree in something that aligns with the career work you plan to do. Just attending college, you will sharpen your soft skills which are useful for a career in any field.
So, a customized major will look great to employers if it is targeted to a specific field of work. Your best bet would be to have the academic counselor at your college help you design the major. They can suggest various subjects from different departments that would enhance the subject you want to major in. You can start on this now by making a list of all of your interests and than narrowing it down based on which subjects align with each other. I am really sure you will do fine with this and customized majors offer an exciting academic experience.
Best wishes in all you do and do not hesitate to return here to ask more specific questions !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Karissa Helton
Teacher
202
Answers
Miami, Florida
Updated
Karissa’s Answer
Knowing which major to pick may not be a one-time decision. You may have to take unnecessary classes or even major in the wrong thing only to have to go to graduate school later to get the degree that you can use. Here are a few tips:
1) Are there any classes you enjoyed in high school? Try majoring in that subject. As you take more classes you will be able to see what careers are available.
2) Read “What Color is Your Parachute by Richard Nelson Bolles. This book helps you figure out which career paths match your personality and interests.
3) If you are in college go to the counseling center. Make an appointment with a counselor and ask about a career test.
4) Did you enjoy working in groups in high school? For some people the answer is no. If you did not then working with other people may not be for you.
5) Go through the college catalogue and read through each degree program’s courses. Cross out the ones you know for sure are not right for you.
Unfortunately, my answer about a "create your own major" is do not do it. Pick a major that the college believes will prepare you for a career. The college is doing everything they can to prepare you for a career or graduate school.
1) Are there any classes you enjoyed in high school? Try majoring in that subject. As you take more classes you will be able to see what careers are available.
2) Read “What Color is Your Parachute by Richard Nelson Bolles. This book helps you figure out which career paths match your personality and interests.
3) If you are in college go to the counseling center. Make an appointment with a counselor and ask about a career test.
4) Did you enjoy working in groups in high school? For some people the answer is no. If you did not then working with other people may not be for you.
5) Go through the college catalogue and read through each degree program’s courses. Cross out the ones you know for sure are not right for you.
Unfortunately, my answer about a "create your own major" is do not do it. Pick a major that the college believes will prepare you for a career. The college is doing everything they can to prepare you for a career or graduate school.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1816
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Many students have similar question. Firstly, you have to find out what careers you have interest.
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 be a musician, musical artist, singer, music composer, music producer, etc.
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, banker, engineer, 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 careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry of relevant 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 be a musician, musical artist, singer, music composer, music producer, etc.
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, banker, engineer, 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 careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Tony Wang
Intern
2
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Tony’s Answer
Hi!
First of all, it is not uncommon for someone to have many interests and be somewhat uncertain about what career options their major could hold. That being said, having an interdisciplinary major may not be the most recommended, especially if there are no practical industry applications. Make sure that, in addition to your interests, you learn practical skills that can help make you seem more marketable to employers such as coding. In doing so, your interests in addition to your skills can put you ahead of other applicants for the same career.
Best
Tony
First of all, it is not uncommon for someone to have many interests and be somewhat uncertain about what career options their major could hold. That being said, having an interdisciplinary major may not be the most recommended, especially if there are no practical industry applications. Make sure that, in addition to your interests, you learn practical skills that can help make you seem more marketable to employers such as coding. In doing so, your interests in addition to your skills can put you ahead of other applicants for the same career.
Best
Tony
Daniil Turpitka
Software Engineering
4
Answers
Sunnyvale, California
Updated
Daniil’s Answer
The simplest approach is to enroll as an undeclared major. Spend your initial year exploring subjects that pique your interest. Sometimes, you might discover that a subject you thought you liked doesn't suit you in a scholarly environment.
Alternatively, consider beginning at a community college and then transitioning to a four-year institution once you've determined your preferred field of study. It's often simpler to register for classes at a community college, as universities typically prioritize major-specific students when scheduling classes. Plus, community college can be a cost-effective choice.
The most crucial tip is to always keep your future career in mind. Consider if your chosen major will lead to promising career prospects, the ease of securing a job, and the potential salary. While it's vital to enjoy your work, a good income is also key. If a career path doesn't excite you but offers high earning potential and suits your skills, it could be worth pursuing. Essentially, weigh if the potential earnings offset your lack of interest in the career.
Alternatively, consider beginning at a community college and then transitioning to a four-year institution once you've determined your preferred field of study. It's often simpler to register for classes at a community college, as universities typically prioritize major-specific students when scheduling classes. Plus, community college can be a cost-effective choice.
The most crucial tip is to always keep your future career in mind. Consider if your chosen major will lead to promising career prospects, the ease of securing a job, and the potential salary. While it's vital to enjoy your work, a good income is also key. If a career path doesn't excite you but offers high earning potential and suits your skills, it could be worth pursuing. Essentially, weigh if the potential earnings offset your lack of interest in the career.
Joseph Ford
170
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
Sure, many students will major in Liberal Arts when they are undecided about what to major. Sometimes it takes a while to make that decision especially when you have a vast of interest in subjects. Employers are usually looking for individuals that make themselves marketable, so it doesn't hurt to customize your selections early, but you may want to streamline once you reach JR.
lachee payne
Academic Advisor
4
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
lachee’s Answer
Begin by focusing your career options based on the current job market. Remember, the economy has evolved and not all majors offer the same job opportunities as before. After you've narrowed down your options, rank them from your most to least preferred.
Investigate if your school permits a double major. If not, consider pursuing certificate programs. These programs provide a fast track to gaining the necessary educational foundation in your chosen field.
Wishing you a pleasant evening,
LPayne
Investigate if your school permits a double major. If not, consider pursuing certificate programs. These programs provide a fast track to gaining the necessary educational foundation in your chosen field.
Wishing you a pleasant evening,
LPayne
Gustensen Dabresil
College Student in Computer Science
13
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Gustensen’s Answer
Hey! Feeling lost about picking a major is normal. You have options!
1- Explore your interests: Talk to a school counselor and take quizzes to see what clicks.
2- Check out interdisciplinary majors: These combine subjects you like, maybe science and art or whatever you prefer.
3- Don't sweat employers: They value skills, and interdisciplinary degrees can give you great ones like communication and problem-solving.
Focus on what you enjoy and the skills you gain. Good luck!
1- Explore your interests: Talk to a school counselor and take quizzes to see what clicks.
2- Check out interdisciplinary majors: These combine subjects you like, maybe science and art or whatever you prefer.
3- Don't sweat employers: They value skills, and interdisciplinary degrees can give you great ones like communication and problem-solving.
Focus on what you enjoy and the skills you gain. Good luck!