Once you decide on which college you will be going to, the next decision you have to make is considerable...choosing the right major for your successful future. You want to pick one that suits your abilities, your interests, and meets your career goals.
Your college experience is designed to help to prepare you for what the future brings. It is common that many people find this all very overwhelming and have no idea which route to take. Relax, you are not alone. Some people are solid on their major at first and then have second thoughts after they decide.
On the plus side, the majority of college programs are established to allow students to enjoy some academic exploration prior to choosing their program. Eventually, you will need to relinquish your undeclared status and decide on your major.
Some students end up changing their major down the road and this can add time to your college experience and potentially extend your graduation date. The following strategies can help you pick your major from the start. Be honest with your abilities and interests as you conduct an intense self-assessment.
Defining Your Academic Passions
Once you have finished high school, you may have decided which topics you are interested in, which courses are the hardest and where your academic passions are. Do you enjoy working with numbers and using logic to solve problems? Are you interested in discussing and contemplating by utilizing your creative thinking skills?
When you look into the future at your work scenario, do you want to tackle an entrepreneurial path, a start-up venture, or are you drawn to the corporate world? Would you like to become an educator? Do you prefer to work alone? Is collaboration something that you enjoy? Asking yourself questions such as these can help you determine which areas you will enjoy studying in the future.
Speak to College Advisors
Your college advisors can help you figure out what is involved with picking your major. They can discuss what lies ahead when choosing an academic path.
Speaking with students and professors in the majors you are curious about can shed some insight and deliver extra input regarding course selection and what you will learn about. They can provide more detail about what your expected outcome may look like. It is better to find out early on which study subjects have some wiggle room and which ones do not.
Are you hoping for a professional career in something like business, occupational therapy, or pharmacy? These programs commonly require separate applications and offer a set curriculum.
Look to Your Core Classes For Clues
Regardless of which major you choose, there will be specific courses that you will be required to complete. Most students take the bulk of these classes during their freshman and sophomore years. This tactic enables you to sample a variety of subjects. This is typically how students find their major.
Don't stress if you pick a major and then decide to change trajectory. No education is a mistake. You will have the option to choose a different path if you desire. Of course, if you decide to change majors, this can affect your graduation date.
Ensure you think everything through and don't make an impulsive decision. However, if you know deep down that a change is essential, don't put it off. Finding your true path is a significant process that takes time and energy. Picking the major that is right for you can positively influence your future.
Be Honest With Yourself
While getting caught up in the severity of picking your future can seem daunting, embrace this time to be excited and think outside of the box. Many students have been programmed by their parents as to which career path they ‘should take.’
Follow your individual passions and be honest with yourself. It will only be more expensive and time-consuming to switch gears down the road. After all, you want to be satisfied and love your career. Picking a field due to how much money you will earn is not the smartest way to go.
Challenging Courses
If there is a major that catches your eye, you will want to ensure there are no difficult roadblocks en route. Certain majors will be more challenging compared to others. These may have a high dropout rate that you will want to know about ahead of time.
Review each class that is required so that you have an idea of what is in store before you commit. Take note of the different skill sets you will have to develop for success.
The skills you develop are essential. It is not always about the courses that you are required to complete to have ideal career prep. The experiences you will enjoy and your chance to apply everything you learn will all factor into how well you do.
Many businesses choose to hire liberal arts graduates because of their communication skills and critical thinking skills they are known for developing. This is especially true and even more sought after if you can enjoy successful internships.
