What's your major?
This is probably the second most asked question directed to college students, right behind what school do you go to? It's an important question, too. Your major is something that will shape the direction of your life, so it's crucial to choose it wisely. This multi-part post will give you some guidance on ways to successfully search for a major that works for you.
Choosing a major is not a one-time decision for most college students. There are, of course, those who have decided firmly what they are going to be when they grow up from an early age and have stuck to that decision. For the rest of us, however, choosing a major is a process made in steps, hopefully starting around the time one attends middle school. Yes, you read that right, middle school. In my considered opinion, the common practice of waiting unless a student is a junior or senior in high school to discuss college is counter-productive. At that point, many students are feeling so much pressure from contemplating what comes next that it is difficult to truly give the choice of a major the attention it deserved.
A major should be chosen by balancing several important factors. Let's take a look at a couple of them and do some brainstorming, either by yourself on paper or with the assistance of someone who knows you well.
Interests. Since we spend a majority of our waking hours as adults engaged in work, doing something you like as your career helps make life more meaningful and your work life more enjoyable Make a list of your interests, academic, professional, and personal. Look at both the big picture (for example, “I like helping people”) and the details (“I’m really interested in improving the nutrition of children in our country”). Don’t worry that an interest of yours might not be marketable at this point; just get as much interest information down as possible.
Skills. This is where having a friend or family member who knows you well can come in handy. Sometimes we are not as aware of skills we have as those who observe us. We also might have the tendency to sell ourselves short as to the strength of our talents and abilities. Again, look at both a broad perspective (“I communicate with people well”) and a more narrow approach (“I’m good at being able to calm people down in a crisis situation”). List everything, no matter how big or small the skill may be.
Part 2 on career paths, financial aspects, and growth potential is on its way tomorrow.
