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Major decision
What are some things to consider when choosing a major?
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4 answers
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Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I think this is question what you have interest.
Below is my suggestions :
1. Think about your hobbies, your favorite subjects, etc. and identify what the related career
E.g. If you are interested in maths, would you like to be an accountant, banker, engineer, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc.
If you are interested in music, would you like to be a singer, musician, composer, music producer, music teacher, etc.
2. Find out more on these career and identify the ones you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these career. Seek guidance from your mentor, school counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 career you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in the college
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Below is my suggestions :
1. Think about your hobbies, your favorite subjects, etc. and identify what the related career
E.g. If you are interested in maths, would you like to be an accountant, banker, engineer, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc.
If you are interested in music, would you like to be a singer, musician, composer, music producer, music teacher, etc.
2. Find out more on these career and identify the ones you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these career. Seek guidance from your mentor, school counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 career you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in the college
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Jonathan
Updated
Melissa’s Answer
When choosing a major, it is always best to consider what fields interest you, while also checking the school's required curriculum to see how many hours are needed and in what courses. If you have no idea at all as to what you might like to do after college, then start your first year by taking some of the required general education required courses and an elective or two that you think sounds interesting. If you declare a major your first year and then decide you don't like that field, don't be afraid to change it. I always tell people to do something they like to do, and not to pick a field because they think it will pay well. You can also ask the college if you can sit in on a class of a field that you think sounds interesting so you can get a feel for what the classwork will be like. Many colleges and universities will arrange this as a part of a campus visit or tour.
Select some electives that you think sound interesting.
Try to sit in on a class to observe.
Read the college course catalog to determine the required classes for any major you think you might be interested in,
Melissa recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Sean’s Answer
When I was in high school and considering a career as an Industrial Engineer, I sought out someone in that field and then spent a day shadowing that person to better understand what a day in the life of an industrial engineer looks like. I think anytime you can spend work time with someone in the profession it gives you a good opportunity to see what a day in the life looks like and allows you to ask questions about the profession to someone who works in it every day.
Updated
Suriya’s Answer
To add to what others have said, I would like to add that you could consider taking courses that are challenging. It need not be tedious, but something that requires dedication and hard work and also rewarding at the end. College is the best time to learn the fundamentals required in most fields! In terms of overall major, the two natural things to consider are your interest and future career prospects, but both of these are likely to change over time, so it is good to keep an open mind and take broad set of courses. Beyond that, a few other things to consider are:
- Which major/courses has good teachers at your university/college?
- Reach out to seniors in the different departments and talk to them about their experiences.
- If you are interested in grad school, consider departments where there is a culture of involving undergrads in research projects.
- If you are interested to start working right after, consider internships in relevant fields - look for departments that have a good track record of students getting into careers they like.
- Which major/courses has good teachers at your university/college?
- Reach out to seniors in the different departments and talk to them about their experiences.
- If you are interested in grad school, consider departments where there is a culture of involving undergrads in research projects.
- If you are interested to start working right after, consider internships in relevant fields - look for departments that have a good track record of students getting into careers they like.