Choosing Your College Major
By Jennifer Werts
Still struggling to decide on a major? Here are some things to consider when choosing your future career.
These days, if you know exactly what you wish to study when you enter college, you can count yourself lucky. Many students spend five, six, or even seven years at university just figuring out what they want to do. You don’t need to fall into this trap, though. The following are some tips to help make choosing your college major easier.
1) List your hobbies
What do you enjoy doing in your free time? Come up with as many interests as possible. Even pastimes that don’t readily scream “future career” might help trigger other possibilities. Whether you enjoy knitting, writing, playing baseball, doing puzzles, or building model cars, you’ll have a better sense of yourself and ideas for your college major if you get it all on paper.
2) Consider your personality
Are you the life of the party, or do you prefer to keep to yourself? Does the thought of working outside all day turn your stomach, or do you crave life in the great outdoors? Are you meticulous and patient, or do you prefer immediate results? Your personality can tell you a lot about the type of career that would suit you best. For example, if you enjoy being around people, you’ll most likely do well in a position that involves teamwork and frequent interaction. A career in marketing, advertising, or sales may be just the ticket for you.
3) Think about your academic strengths
In high school, where do you excel? Do you have a passion for calculus or an affinity for animal biology? Does the prospect of writing short stories and poems thrill you? Even if nothing jumps out at you initially, there’s probably at least one area in school where you produce your best work. Think about what you like about the subject and how you might apply this to a career.
4) Talk to your friends and family
Think about the careers of your closest friends and family. For example, say your father is a dentist. Is this a career you see yourself pursuing? Why or why not? Jot down qualities of careers you know about that you think you would enjoy. This will help you to zero in on a career focus of your own.
5) Peruse your university course catalog
Whether you’ve decided where you’ll attend college or not, take a look at the course catalogs of universities that interest you. Make a note of any courses you think you would enjoy, as well as those you’d ideally like to avoid.
6) Hold off on your decision until sophomore year
Even if you’re entering college next fall, don’t feel that you need to decide on a major immediately. Many liberal arts universities require you to enroll in General Education courses, covering all of the basic areas such as Biology, Chemistry, History, English Literature, and Psychology. Taking these courses can help you to make a decision if you’re having a difficult time.
7) Include a college minor
If you’re debating between two career paths, you can always major in one and minor in the other. If you don’t have a strong preference for one over the other, try to think about which interest would most readily transfer to a career once you have finished college.
Choosing a college major is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make, but try not to let it stress you out too much. Considering all of the tips outlined above can help you find the right career path for you.
2009
