3 answers
Oluwashindara
Student
Streamwood, Illinois
1
Question
Asked
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How do I decide on a major that may or may not directly influence my future career path? And after choosing, how then do I pick a school ?
I'm a high school senior trying to swim through the pool of life. I have support but it all just seems overwhelming sometimes. What to do? Where to go? How to go? THE QUESTIONS ARE ENDLESS
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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
I would go on a campus tour, for each college, to determine if the college (you are applying for admission to) is a right fit, and spend some time on campus getting to know the geography and where everything is located. These can usually be schedule through the college websites.
One thing, that I have observed in my career, is students coming to a college without really knowing anything about the campus, its environment, or the region.
Especially important information, like on where to find and utilize campus resources, academic majors, student life and housing, admissions, security and parking, library resources, and other elements of the campus.
The students who are the most comfortable with the campus environment, seem to be the ones who persist and experience less adversity, because they know where to find the resources they need to help them resolve their problems.
I have observed many students, (who never toured the campus or its environment), who just showed up, stayed for a few days, and then left for good.
It is best to spend time at the campus, talking with the students, departmental academic advisors and college staff, and getting a cognitive map of the region, to determine if it is the right fit for you.
Not only does it have to fit you, but it also needs to fit your family, because they are going to go through the experience of having you away from home, and potentially providing you with resources, that you will require in order to achieve your goals on campus.
One thing, that I have observed in my career, is students coming to a college without really knowing anything about the campus, its environment, or the region.
Especially important information, like on where to find and utilize campus resources, academic majors, student life and housing, admissions, security and parking, library resources, and other elements of the campus.
The students who are the most comfortable with the campus environment, seem to be the ones who persist and experience less adversity, because they know where to find the resources they need to help them resolve their problems.
I have observed many students, (who never toured the campus or its environment), who just showed up, stayed for a few days, and then left for good.
It is best to spend time at the campus, talking with the students, departmental academic advisors and college staff, and getting a cognitive map of the region, to determine if it is the right fit for you.
Not only does it have to fit you, but it also needs to fit your family, because they are going to go through the experience of having you away from home, and potentially providing you with resources, that you will require in order to achieve your goals on campus.
DENNIS BREEN
Lawyer
224
Answers
Cary, North Carolina
Updated
DENNIS’s Answer
Hi Oluwashindara: Just keep swimming forward! The pool of life has a lot of twists and turns. Deep ends and shallow ends. The purpose of college is to introduce you to new things. Open your eyes to what's out there. As long as you keep an open mind and keep swimming forward it will become clearer. As Wong notes, cost is also a factor. All these things go into the mix.
I had to work through college, grad school and law school.. Cost is a real factor.
Frankly, the fact that you are asking these questions as a senior is very impressive. You care. You are 3/4 of the way there. Just keep an open mind and be true to yourself and you'll be fine!
Relax, enjoy senior year and college. You will be great!
I had to work through college, grad school and law school.. Cost is a real factor.
Frankly, the fact that you are asking these questions as a senior is very impressive. You care. You are 3/4 of the way there. Just keep an open mind and be true to yourself and you'll be fine!
Relax, enjoy senior year and college. You will be great!
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Oluwashindara. When it comes to choosing a major, you should not put too much pressure on yourself to get it perfect right away. Many students switch majors at least once during their college years, so don't stress if you change your mind later on. Yu need to think about what you enjoy doing. What subjects do you like in school? Is there a hobby you're passionate about, like fashion, art, or science? Sometimes it helps to choose something that excites you, because if you enjoy what you're studying, it'll keep you motivated even when things get tough.
You can also think about possible careers later on. For example, if you love design, you might consider a major in fashion, graphic design, or something related. If you like working with numbers and strategy, a business major might be a good fit. Even though you're not expected to know exactly what your career will look like right now, it can help to consider what kinds of jobs might come from different majors. But also keep in mind that many majors are flexible and can lead to a lot of different jobs.
Another thing to think about is the kind of lifestyle you want. Do you want a job where you can work on creative projects, or do you prefer something more structured? Will you enjoy working in an office, or do you want a job with more flexibility?
Once you've thought about your major, it's time to choose a school. The first thing to think about is what kind of school will help you in your chosen field. Some colleges are known for being really good at certain majors, so if you have a specific area in mind, like fashion or business, check out the programs those schools offer.
Cost is also a big factor. College can be expensive, so make sure you think about how much it will cost and whether you can afford it. You can check out financial aid options, scholarships, and other ways to help pay for school. Some schools may be more expensive, but they might also offer more financial aid or other opportunities to reduce costs.
You can also think about possible careers later on. For example, if you love design, you might consider a major in fashion, graphic design, or something related. If you like working with numbers and strategy, a business major might be a good fit. Even though you're not expected to know exactly what your career will look like right now, it can help to consider what kinds of jobs might come from different majors. But also keep in mind that many majors are flexible and can lead to a lot of different jobs.
Another thing to think about is the kind of lifestyle you want. Do you want a job where you can work on creative projects, or do you prefer something more structured? Will you enjoy working in an office, or do you want a job with more flexibility?
Once you've thought about your major, it's time to choose a school. The first thing to think about is what kind of school will help you in your chosen field. Some colleges are known for being really good at certain majors, so if you have a specific area in mind, like fashion or business, check out the programs those schools offer.
Cost is also a big factor. College can be expensive, so make sure you think about how much it will cost and whether you can afford it. You can check out financial aid options, scholarships, and other ways to help pay for school. Some schools may be more expensive, but they might also offer more financial aid or other opportunities to reduce costs.