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What should I consider when choosing a college major ?
When choosing a college major, consider your interests, skills, and career goals. Think about what subjects excite you, what you're naturally good at, and what kind of work you see yourself doing in the future. Research the job opportunities, salary potential, and growth outlook for different fields. Also, look into the course requirements and whether you're willing to commit to the workload. Talk to advisors, professionals, or students in those majors to get real insights. Most importantly, choose something that aligns with both your passion and long-term plans.
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Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer, TRIO Program Administrator
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Paul’s Answer
There are several things that you can do in order to determine what you want to major in when you attend college.
Remember, you will have two years to make a final determination, of what you want to do. So, definitely take advantage of this time and complete your General University Requirements (during your first two years), so you can eventually progress into a major.
You might start out by exploring your personal interests and strengths through activities like career assessments and the courses that you will be taking in your first two years. There will be a variety of things, that you will be taking. This includes Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Math, and other courses. So definitely use these classes to determine where your strongest interests are.
Next, research different majors, their course content, and potential career paths by conducting informational interviews with professors and people at the college career center, and investigating job market trends.
Finally, consider your long-term goals and values, and remember that it is okay to start as an undecided student and change your major as you learn more about yourself and different fields.
Remember, you will have two years to make a final determination, of what you want to do. So, definitely take advantage of this time and complete your General University Requirements (during your first two years), so you can eventually progress into a major.
You might start out by exploring your personal interests and strengths through activities like career assessments and the courses that you will be taking in your first two years. There will be a variety of things, that you will be taking. This includes Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Math, and other courses. So definitely use these classes to determine where your strongest interests are.
Next, research different majors, their course content, and potential career paths by conducting informational interviews with professors and people at the college career center, and investigating job market trends.
Finally, consider your long-term goals and values, and remember that it is okay to start as an undecided student and change your major as you learn more about yourself and different fields.
Updated
Matt’s Answer
Hi Xinming, one thing I’d add in addition to the other great responses is to research the return on investment (ROI) of different majors at different schools. Choosing a college and a major is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make, so it’s worth considering carefully. Ideally, you’ll want to pursue a major that not only interests you but also positions you for a well-paying job after graduation — one that covers your living expenses, allows you to save, and helps you pay off any student loans responsibly.
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Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Many students have similar question. Firstly, you have to think about what careers you have interest.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favorite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
E.g. If you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music producer, music composer, etc.
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc.
2. Find out more on 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 in colleges
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favorite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
E.g. If you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music producer, music composer, etc.
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc.
2. Find out more on 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 in colleges
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Melissa D Goldsmith, SIP, CST, MMT, MLD-C, NCTMB, LMT, RYT
Professional Massage Therapy and Rolfing
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Melissa D’s Answer
After high school, I chose a different path than my friends and didn't go straight to college. Instead, I pursued my passion for photography with 35mm cameras and worked with Kodak. As technology shifted to digital, I decided to explore my creative side and trained to become a massage therapist. Over the years, I've taken college courses in General Education to prepare for future opportunities. Now, after 20+years of working as a massage therapist, I've discovered my true interest and am pursuing a degree in English.