Austin
How do I know what I want to major in? What if I can't figure it out?
Do I even have to figure it out or can I just walk into college not knowing my major. Will I miss out on any scholarship opportunities this way. #college #college-major #major
3 answers
Ken Simmons
Ken’s Answer
Hi Austin!
- talk to your favorite teachers to see into which fields they might see you fitting
- talk to your school counselor to see about coop, intern, and shadowing programs that might be available to allow you to see the inside of career areas
- talk to your school counselor about taking interest and aptitude tests, if you are still not sure of an area of interest
- talk to the alumni relations person at your school to see if there are graduates of your school working in your area of interest to allow you to visit and learn from them.
Send thank you notes to those who help you. Please keep me informed, I would like to follow your progress!
Thank you so much!
Austin
You are welcome! Good luck with your educational and career goals. Please keep me posted! I would like to follow your progress!
Ken Simmons
Lisa Milani
Lisa’s Answer
Many people do not know what major to declare when they first start college so they tend to take their prereqs first. I talked with my advisor several times and took some career tests. I also took the Myers Briggs to help determine areas that fit well with my personality.
I second this comment. For free Myers Briggs personality test use this website : https://personalityhacker.com/genius-personality-test/
Then do some research on your personality type - explore which careers are best for your type. This will give you an idea of some classes to take in your first year to “try out.”
Aubrey Turner
Nicole Baillie
Nicole’s Answer
I echo the sentiment that there are many, many cases where new students walk into college and aren't clear, in the beginning, about what they want to study. And I echo the idea that not knowing in the beginning, is ok. Understanding what you want to do as a career is a big decision and should be handled with care. Also recognize that many people, even after their college journey or even during/after their first job, recognize that what they thought about their career and what the job actually is doesn't match their needs or what they want from a career.
What I will share is that there is a point in your college career where a lack of a decision can affect your journey in negative ways. Specifically as you spend time trying to figure out what want to study and what degree you want to graduate with, you may find your self taking many additional classes, which can lead to a longer time to finish your degree and can lead to increased costs.
As difficult as it may be do do before you start college, it may be worth the time to really dig into and nail down what you want to study. When you give yourself the time to figure this out, before starting your college journey, you are doing it during a time when you don't have the pressure of classes and costs breathing down your neck. You have the time to do a little leg work by researching and asking around to give yourself the guidance you need to make a decision you can feel good about.
Taking the time to figure out what you want to do is really about investing in yourself. Investing in yourself is a decision that you will likely do many, many times in your professional journey so starting with the milestone of deciding what you want to major in for college is a good start.
Best of luck to you!
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