I Need To Know By Tuesday... Choosing A Major
“Pick a major that makes you excited to learn... the rest will follow.”
My mom still tells the story, a few decades later of how I came home from high school in a panic and I ran into the house shrieking,"I need to know what to be for the rest of my life by Tuesday!"
It was true...kind of. In your senior year neighbors, family members, teachers, and colleges are constantly asking, "What do you want to major in?" The what do you want to be when you grow up question, now has a deadline, and it's on your college application!
Some of you have known forever what you want to major in, and have a clear career path ahead, but for the majority of students applying to college, the decision of what to major in is a windy and confusing road. About 20-50% of students entering college chose undeclared as their major. Undeclared is an option, but with a little work, research, and soul searching you can save both time and money by having a strong inclination of the majors that interest you.
You need to know that while the decision isn't life or death, and 50-75 percent of college students change their major at least once, having a major give you some advantages:
You will get guidance, and a timeline as to which first two years courses will help you determine if the major is a good fit.
Your college advisor may have expertise in your major.
You can pick a school with strong programs in your areas of interest.
Some majors have a specific regimented order of classes.
Changing majors can take extra semesters to complete and add expense.
Internships, clubs, and activities to add to your resume often focus on your major.
If your major is a high interest one, entrance may be limited.
A major may lead you to another major or a minor of interest.
You can always change your major but a starting point helps with planning
So now that you know the advantages let's talk about how to choose a major that fits you perfectly. You will want to spend some time thinking about your interests, abilities, values, and passions. Consider if the career has longevity. Will you want to do it for years? Is it fun for you? Are there jobs in the market for that major? Will they last? Will it pay enough for a comfortable lifestyle?
Try some career choosing tests at balancedcareers.com or take the “What should I major in quiz by Loyola or the “college major personality test” from ThoughtCo. Several books such as The Complete Idiots Guide to Choosing a College Major and the College Majors Handbook can help you research the future of potential majors. Ultimately taking the time to dive into your interests will help you achieve your long-term goals.
To sum up, here are some things to consider when choosing a major...
Identify your interests
Consider your values, passions, and abilities
Think toward the future
Choose the right school for you and your major
Take the time you need
Be sure to look at the disadvantages of the major and the job market
Feel free to change your mind as you get more information
Keep in touch with your interests and abilities and do a reality check
Get help, experts can save you time and ultimately money
Choosing a major and ultimately a career can seem overwhelming, and everyone including the little old lady down the street has advice. But the most important thing, is to listen to yourself and your gut.
YOU know yourself best, and you can use that information to help you find your path to success. Ultimately you will have a successful career because it makes you happy.
Remember if you do something you love... you’ll never work a day in your life!
