5 Things to Remember When Choosing a College Major

Going to college is undoubtedly an unforgettable experience full of new opportunities, friends, experiences and immeasurable growth.

One of the main reasons for attending college in the first place is to pick a course of study to prepare for your future career and to gain expertise in a field of your choice. This is no easy task for most, and for many students it’s a very daunting decision to decide upon a major and the classes you will take for the rest of your college career. It can be overwhelming to think:

I’ve got to know what I want to be for the rest of my life when I hardly know what the world has to offer! I’ve just graduated High School and have a hard time picking an outfit to wear!

Let us ease your troubled mind a little bit. Nearly everyone, except the few who have known since they were 7 years old that they wanted to be a doctor, goes through a period of uncertainty when deciding upon a major. Many of us even end up changing our mind, perhaps more than once, throughout the course of our college careers.

Below is a list of tips and advice to keep in mind when it comes to deciding upon a major:

See also:  Frisbee for College Students

1. Take some time to ponder your natural abilities and also what interests truly drive and inspire you.

Perhaps you’ve always been a math-whiz. Perhaps you have a knack for writing. Maybe you feel very passionate about the arts or about history. Realizing right off the bat where your talents and passions lie will assist you as you explore options. If you know you hate science, you can already rule out being a Biology major or aiming to become a Physics Professor.

2. Recognize that the first couple of years of college are typically devoted to getting your general education done.

This means that you do not have to immediately determine what you will decide to study. Taking general education courses will provide you with a chance to explore your options and discover what is available to you. You may come to find that being a good communicator and good at public speaking for instance might prompt you to take courses in political science, in public relations, in teaching, in journalism and so forth.

See also:  3 Tips for Meeting People While in College

3. Elicit the help of college advisors and peers.

As you attend college and take general education courses, you may be surprised at just how many careers endeavors and unique courses of study are available. Being aware that your options are diverse and getting advice from advisors or observing what paths others have chosen may help in picking a major that’s right for you. Advisors are available to schedule personal appointments with and it’s their job to assist students with classes, future careers options, and academic questions. Make use of this this valuable resource. Joining clubs and speaking with professors and fellow students can help you as well.

4. Observe the current market and what types of careers are in high demand or on the rise.

Though it’s very important to have passion and a legitimate interest in whatever you decide to do, it’s also important to consider what type of careers in are available in particular fields, what the competition will be like, and what type of preparation is required. Being aware of the economy and the growth of certain areas will help you make informed decisions in your education and preparation for the future.

See also:  Quick Guide to College for Freshmen

5. Recognize that just because you pick a certain major doesn’t mean you’re forever destined to pursue that field.

Countless people have chosen majors and fields of study and after graduation have used their educational background in careers which weren’t always precisely related. This doesn’t always apply of course but it certainly isn’t unlikely.

Whichever major you declare, make certain that you give your classes your all. Future employers may be just as concerned, if not more so in some situations, with your grades and extracurricular involvement than on which major you chose. College is to be enjoyed, learning is rewarding, and you’ll find your horizons expand regardless of which major you choose.