Choosing the right college major and career path can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. For some people, choosing a major wasn’t a hard anxiety-inducing decision for them. But for others, it doesn’t come so easily and that’s okay too. If you’re one of those people, here are a few tips to make choosing your major a bit easier.
1. Don’t Panic
The first step in choosing the right college major for you is to not panic. The good thing to remember is that you don’t have to make the decision right after high school. The average college student changes their major at least twice. It’s okay to not know what you want to do as a career as soon as you turn 18 years old and are accepted into a college. It’s not the end of the world if you don’t know what you want to major in, although it may feel like that at first. During this process, remind yourself that you are in charge of your own future, and everyone has doubts sometimes. The important thing is to calm down and make sure you’re thinking clearly about your future.
2. Focus on Your Interests
Most people doubt their degree at one point or another because there is no guarantee of anything. That’s why it’s best to study something as an undergraduate that you are passionate about. When you’re thinking about the right college major for you, instead of thinking about how much money a major can potentially bring you, think about what career path will genuinely please you. Ask yourself what you are interested in. Figure out what exactly you are interested in and could see yourself doing and go explore those interests in your first year of college. For example, if you have many interests like business and the criminal justice system, take some courses about business management and criminology your freshman year to decide between the two. Finding a major that will eventually lead to a job doesn’t have to be as overwhelming as it seems, it’s all about picking something that interests you. Even a hobby you enjoy can clue you in as to what you’d like to major in.
3. Do Some Research
Meet with your advisor and conduct research on your own to determine which major is right for you. You can look at the courses required for each major and see if these courses sound appealing to you or not. Research online the job opportunities within the major to find out if you can see yourself doing one of those. Reading books and articles on a variety of subjects can also help you figure out what interests you academically. Researching on your own can give you some clues as to what you might want to learn more about during your time at college and what to major in.
4. Talk to People in Fields That Interest You
While doing some research about potential majors, you can reach out to someone who chose the major you’re considering. Sometimes friends and family members can provide much-needed perspective. Ask your friends and family if they know of anyone in the field you are interested in and hopefully they will be able to put you in contact with someone willing to help. If you can’t find anyone to chat with through your friends and family, you could ask the career center at your college to put you in contact with professionals or use Linkedin. Linkedin is a great resource for contacting professionals in different career paths, just search up the field or company you want to work for and cold message an employee for advice.
5. Undecided? Take Time to Explore Your Interests
If you have no idea what you want to major in or what your interests are, that’s okay too. Remind yourself what step one says, don’t panic. Since many schools don’t require students to declare a major until sophomore year (double-check that yours doesn’t), take your freshman year to explore your interests by taking a variety of classes. Make the most out of your required general education courses by researching and choosing ones that interest you. Talk to the professors and students in different departments to learn more about the major. Exploring your interests is key to finding the perfect major and future career for you.
