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How do I know if I’m choosing the right major?
Im a senior in high school and have multiple options of what I want to major on, but I can’t get myself to choose one I’m more passionate about.
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James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
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James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Mariana,
According to www.iAsk.ai Ask Ai Questions Search Engine:
How to Know If You’re Choosing the Right Major
Choosing a major can be a daunting decision, especially when you have multiple options and are unsure about which one aligns best with your passions and goals. Here are some steps to help you determine if you’re choosing the right major:
1. Self-Reflection: Take some time to reflect on your interests, strengths, values, and goals. Consider what subjects or activities excite you the most and where your skills lie. Think about what kind of career you envision for yourself in the future.
2. Research Different Majors: Explore the different majors you are considering. Look into the course requirements, potential career paths, job outlook, and salary prospects for each major. Consider talking to professionals in those fields to gain insights into what it’s like to work in those areas.
3. Try Out Courses or Internships: If possible, take introductory courses in the majors you are interested in or participate in internships related to those fields. This hands-on experience can give you a better understanding of whether a particular major is the right fit for you.
4. Seek Guidance: Talk to academic advisors, career counselors, professors, and professionals in the industries you are considering. They can provide valuable guidance and advice based on their expertise and experience.
5. Consider Your Long-Term Goals: Think about how each major aligns with your long-term career goals and aspirations. Consider factors such as job satisfaction, work-life balance, growth opportunities, and personal fulfillment.
6. Follow Your Passion: While practical considerations are important, don’t underestimate the value of pursuing something you are truly passionate about. Choosing a major that genuinely interests you can lead to a more fulfilling college experience and future career.
7. Stay Flexible: Remember that it’s okay to change your major if you realize it’s not the right fit for you. College is a time for exploration and growth, so don’t feel pressured to stick with a major that doesn’t resonate with you.
By following these steps and considering various aspects of each major option, you can make a more informed decision about choosing the right major that aligns with your interests, skills, and future goals.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
The Princeton Review
U.S. News & World Report
National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)
These sources were consulted for their comprehensive information on choosing majors, career prospects, academic advising, and industry insights relevant to college students making decisions about their academic paths.
GOD BLESS YOU,
JC.
According to www.iAsk.ai Ask Ai Questions Search Engine:
How to Know If You’re Choosing the Right Major
Choosing a major can be a daunting decision, especially when you have multiple options and are unsure about which one aligns best with your passions and goals. Here are some steps to help you determine if you’re choosing the right major:
1. Self-Reflection: Take some time to reflect on your interests, strengths, values, and goals. Consider what subjects or activities excite you the most and where your skills lie. Think about what kind of career you envision for yourself in the future.
2. Research Different Majors: Explore the different majors you are considering. Look into the course requirements, potential career paths, job outlook, and salary prospects for each major. Consider talking to professionals in those fields to gain insights into what it’s like to work in those areas.
3. Try Out Courses or Internships: If possible, take introductory courses in the majors you are interested in or participate in internships related to those fields. This hands-on experience can give you a better understanding of whether a particular major is the right fit for you.
4. Seek Guidance: Talk to academic advisors, career counselors, professors, and professionals in the industries you are considering. They can provide valuable guidance and advice based on their expertise and experience.
5. Consider Your Long-Term Goals: Think about how each major aligns with your long-term career goals and aspirations. Consider factors such as job satisfaction, work-life balance, growth opportunities, and personal fulfillment.
6. Follow Your Passion: While practical considerations are important, don’t underestimate the value of pursuing something you are truly passionate about. Choosing a major that genuinely interests you can lead to a more fulfilling college experience and future career.
7. Stay Flexible: Remember that it’s okay to change your major if you realize it’s not the right fit for you. College is a time for exploration and growth, so don’t feel pressured to stick with a major that doesn’t resonate with you.
By following these steps and considering various aspects of each major option, you can make a more informed decision about choosing the right major that aligns with your interests, skills, and future goals.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
The Princeton Review
U.S. News & World Report
National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)
These sources were consulted for their comprehensive information on choosing majors, career prospects, academic advising, and industry insights relevant to college students making decisions about their academic paths.
GOD BLESS YOU,
JC.
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Firstly, you may find out what careers you have interest. Hence, you can determine your major in the college.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what you have interest, eg your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc and identify the related careers
Eg if you like music, would you like to be a singer, musician, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc
If you have interest in Maths, would like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc
2. Find out more in these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects (your major) in the college
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what you have interest, eg your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc and identify the related careers
Eg if you like music, would you like to be a singer, musician, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc
If you have interest in Maths, would like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc
2. Find out more in these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects (your major) in the college
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
I agree 150% with the 3rd point! It's very important to get some who is in your field of interest so that you can ask him/her questions in order to better understand that field, what you need to succeed in it and other priceless advice you can't get from the average career counsellor.
Richeal Makinde
Bonnie Pollack, Ph.D.
Part-time Consultant in Human Capital Management, I-O Psychology, People Analytics
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Bonnie’s Answer
Hi Mariana,
In many colleges and universities you can choose “undeclared” in your acceptance form. If the college/university of your choice allows you to choose this option, “go for it”! There is no need to put additional pressure on yourself at this time to choose a major. Then for your first term, sign up for courses that either interest you and/or fulfill general requirements for graduation. Once you’re there, you’ll start developing more thoughts and feelings about what majors might appeal to you based on your classes and talking with other students, professors, and advisors.
If you have to choose a major beforehand, follow the advice of the previous response (from Rebecca), which contains some terrific suggestions.
Bonnie
In many colleges and universities you can choose “undeclared” in your acceptance form. If the college/university of your choice allows you to choose this option, “go for it”! There is no need to put additional pressure on yourself at this time to choose a major. Then for your first term, sign up for courses that either interest you and/or fulfill general requirements for graduation. Once you’re there, you’ll start developing more thoughts and feelings about what majors might appeal to you based on your classes and talking with other students, professors, and advisors.
If you have to choose a major beforehand, follow the advice of the previous response (from Rebecca), which contains some terrific suggestions.
Bonnie
Updated
Varun’s Answer
Hello Mariana, there's no need to stress excessively about having a burning passion for your major or future profession. The key is to discover work that you find both intriguing and fulfilling.
Intriguing work doesn't necessarily mean you're captivated by the subject matter or the task itself. It could simply imply that you enjoy doing it, you believe you have the potential to excel at it, and you're eager to expand your knowledge in that area.
Fulfillment can take various forms. It could be emotionally satisfying, intellectually stimulating, or financially beneficial.
If you select a major that you believe will be intriguing and fulfilling and it turns out not to be the right fit, don't worry. You always have the option to switch it up later and keep exploring until you discover a major that is both intriguing and fulfilling. Keep in mind that hobbies and passions can also be pursued outside of work!
If financial reward is most important to you then pick the major from the list that's most interesting to you: https://www.cnbc.com/2023/09/29/top-10-highest-paying-college-majors-of-2023.html
If you don't know whats interesting to you then read 1 article each from the following publications. Nature, Wall Street Journal, Time, National Geographic. See what you like the most and look up related majors.
Intriguing work doesn't necessarily mean you're captivated by the subject matter or the task itself. It could simply imply that you enjoy doing it, you believe you have the potential to excel at it, and you're eager to expand your knowledge in that area.
Fulfillment can take various forms. It could be emotionally satisfying, intellectually stimulating, or financially beneficial.
If you select a major that you believe will be intriguing and fulfilling and it turns out not to be the right fit, don't worry. You always have the option to switch it up later and keep exploring until you discover a major that is both intriguing and fulfilling. Keep in mind that hobbies and passions can also be pursued outside of work!
Varun recommends the following next steps: