Deciding what to major in during college is one of the biggest decisions in your life so far. After all, what you major in is likely what you’ll be working in until retirement. As most college first-year students are only 18-years-old, it’s terrifying trying to decide the rest of your life at such a young age.
While your major doesn’t exactly determine what you’ll be doing forever, and there are plenty of people working in fields vastly different than what they studied during college, it is still an important decision nonetheless. If you’re still not sure what you should choose to major in, here are a few tips to help you decide.
Career prep
Is there a specific career that you know you want to work in? Have you dreamed of being a doctor since you were young? Then choosing a major related to that field is your best option. Before you declare the major, you can take a class or two in that discipline, or shadow someone working in the field for a day, just to confirm that the career is what you want.
Earning potential
While money isn’t everything, it is important. Before picking a major, research what the average graduate in the field can expect to earn in that field. Another important factor is growth potential. Are there advancement opportunities in your chosen field? Having a career that you can grow with is very important.
Subject you love
Choosing a major because it’s based around a subject you love can be a good choice. If you love reading and writing, English may be a good fit of major. You’re more likely to be engaged in the course material and perform well in class because you are passionate about the field. Some students may worry about this because there doesn’t seem to be jobs for English graduates besides teaching, but you shouldn’t let that discourage you. Liberal arts degrees prepare students for a lot of different working environments by instilling critical thinking and writing skills.
Don’t feel you have to figure it out yet
If you’re about to enter college and still don’t know what you want to major in, that’s okay! There is nothing wrong with being undecided. Use it as an opportunity to learn more about your interests and strengths by taking classes in a variety of disciplines. The majority of colleges don’t make you declare a major until your sophomore or junior year, so you have plenty of time to find out what works for you.
How to Choose your Major in College
