3 answers
Alexander
Student
Brunswick, Ohio
1
Question
Updated
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How can I determine what I want my major to be?
I am currently 17 years old and have applied for college. Does anyone know how I would figure out what I want my major to be? Is it ok if I am not sure what I want to do yet?
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3 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer, TRIO Program Administrator
1009
Answers
Tacoma, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
You might start out by exploring your personal interests and strengths through activities like taking career assessments, at a local job or employment center. This will help you determine where your greatest strengths are, whether it be in things like Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Math, and other career concentrations.
Next, research different potential career paths by conducting informational interviews with people like college professors and people at the career center, and investigating national and regional job market trends.
Finally, consider your long-term goals and values, and remember that it is okay to be undecided and be willing to change things around as you get more experience and learn more about yourself and different fields. As we grow older we should definitely be willing to seek more education and engage in activities that will enable us to progress in life.
I have a basic formula, when it comes to determining a college major or even a future occupation. Choose something that you love to do, not just a passion, but really love. It must be something that you love so much, that even if they did not pay you to do it, you would still do it anyway. American historian, David McCullough, said it even more clearly. He stated that he loved writing about history so much, that he would have paid someone, so that he could do it every day. His love of his major and occupation was this great.
Next, research different potential career paths by conducting informational interviews with people like college professors and people at the career center, and investigating national and regional job market trends.
Finally, consider your long-term goals and values, and remember that it is okay to be undecided and be willing to change things around as you get more experience and learn more about yourself and different fields. As we grow older we should definitely be willing to seek more education and engage in activities that will enable us to progress in life.
I have a basic formula, when it comes to determining a college major or even a future occupation. Choose something that you love to do, not just a passion, but really love. It must be something that you love so much, that even if they did not pay you to do it, you would still do it anyway. American historian, David McCullough, said it even more clearly. He stated that he loved writing about history so much, that he would have paid someone, so that he could do it every day. His love of his major and occupation was this great.
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Alexander. You need to think about what you enjoy doing. What subjects do you like in school? Are there certain activities or hobbies that you really enjoy, like reading, drawing, solving puzzles, or helping others? If you like numbers and problem-solving, you might enjoy something like math, engineering, or economics. If you're drawn to working with people, psychology or education could be good options.
Next, you need to hink about what you're good at. Do you have strengths in certain areas like writing, working with technology, or organizing things? If you're great at explaining things to others or analyzing information, you might like a major in communications, business, or computer science. Don't worry if you don't think you're amazing at everything, the goal is to find something that fits your interests and skills.
It's also a good idea to explore different subjects in college. Many colleges offer introductory classes that let you try out different subjects before you choose your major. These classes can help you discover areas you may not have considered before. You can also talk to professors, counselors, or people working in different careers to get an idea of what different jobs are like and what kinds of majors might lead to them.
Hope this helps. All the best.
Next, you need to hink about what you're good at. Do you have strengths in certain areas like writing, working with technology, or organizing things? If you're great at explaining things to others or analyzing information, you might like a major in communications, business, or computer science. Don't worry if you don't think you're amazing at everything, the goal is to find something that fits your interests and skills.
It's also a good idea to explore different subjects in college. Many colleges offer introductory classes that let you try out different subjects before you choose your major. These classes can help you discover areas you may not have considered before. You can also talk to professors, counselors, or people working in different careers to get an idea of what different jobs are like and what kinds of majors might lead to them.
Hope this helps. All the best.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2397
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Many students have similar question. Firstly, you need to find out what careers you have interest. The relevant subjects are the major to consider.
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 musician, singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer, 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 counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue. Research on the college reviews on the relevant subjects
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, eg your hobbies, favourite subjects,etc and identify the related careers
Eg if you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer, 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 counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue. Research on the college reviews on the relevant subjects
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!