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How do you know what best major suites you ?
#college-major #major #college
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5 answers
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Adam’s Answer
Hi Jayelyn!
There is almost never an easy answer to this question. The answer can only really come from you. Let me offer some things to think about...
1. What motivates you? What do you like to do?
2. What are your interests?
3. Does any of the above point to a specific career?
We should also determine what we like to do. When I was younger, I liked to argue, read, do research and paperwork. Due to these interests, I thought that I wanted to be a lawyer. I did all of the research, looked at colleges and tried to decide where I wanted to attend and what was the best major to select when I applied. As I did my research and selected a major, I learned that the classes that were required and the direction this career choice would take me isn't what I desired. Due to this, I chose a different path and to this day, I am very happy.
I guess I am trying to say is that you have to turn inward and determine what you want to do. Career paths are usually not straightforward. I recommend doing your homework...what does the major entail? Does it lead you to the place that you want to be? Will you enjoy what you are doing? Also, be aware that choosing your major more than likely will impact your college experience as it prepares you to enter into postgraduate life. Make sure that your major will sustain your interests as you enter the workforce. Long story short, find a major that interests you and that you see carrying you into the foreseeable future.
There is almost never an easy answer to this question. The answer can only really come from you. Let me offer some things to think about...
1. What motivates you? What do you like to do?
2. What are your interests?
3. Does any of the above point to a specific career?
We should also determine what we like to do. When I was younger, I liked to argue, read, do research and paperwork. Due to these interests, I thought that I wanted to be a lawyer. I did all of the research, looked at colleges and tried to decide where I wanted to attend and what was the best major to select when I applied. As I did my research and selected a major, I learned that the classes that were required and the direction this career choice would take me isn't what I desired. Due to this, I chose a different path and to this day, I am very happy.
I guess I am trying to say is that you have to turn inward and determine what you want to do. Career paths are usually not straightforward. I recommend doing your homework...what does the major entail? Does it lead you to the place that you want to be? Will you enjoy what you are doing? Also, be aware that choosing your major more than likely will impact your college experience as it prepares you to enter into postgraduate life. Make sure that your major will sustain your interests as you enter the workforce. Long story short, find a major that interests you and that you see carrying you into the foreseeable future.
Updated
Bill’s Answer
Similar to other answers, it is not an easy or straightforward task. Knowing what you like, trying different things, or even talking to someone would help! I am sure there are resources from your college. For example, if one loves to play video games, then asking questions like, how are the video games made? how long does it take to develop a video game? etc. then trying to talk to someone working in the industry, like computer engineer, coding for user interface, etc. then thinking about whether you want to do that for a long period of time. Hope these ideas help you find your good fit.
Updated
Darakhshan’s Answer
Hi J,
There's no defined and straightforward approach to identify it. You've to try out multiple relevant courses relevant to one major, maybe watch documentaries, try some initial practice (through online paltforms), and maybe read about it as well. If doing so excites you, you'll know you like it. Also, you have to test if your skill set also aligns with it. In some cases, you might like one major yet later on want another one. It happens and it's normal to change when you want to. What I can tell you is that the whole process is a 'Trial & error approach'. Be willing to try out new fields and be flexible to shift (in case you want to).
I hope it helps. Cheers!!
There's no defined and straightforward approach to identify it. You've to try out multiple relevant courses relevant to one major, maybe watch documentaries, try some initial practice (through online paltforms), and maybe read about it as well. If doing so excites you, you'll know you like it. Also, you have to test if your skill set also aligns with it. In some cases, you might like one major yet later on want another one. It happens and it's normal to change when you want to. What I can tell you is that the whole process is a 'Trial & error approach'. Be willing to try out new fields and be flexible to shift (in case you want to).
I hope it helps. Cheers!!
Updated
Sarah’s Answer
Figuring out what you want to do for your career is never an easy task. Do not worry, you are not alone. Many people are overwhelmed with having to make the decision of what you want to do the rest of your life. There are two different schools of thought when trying to figure this out. The first would be to find something that you love. By finding a career you love to do you will enjoy most of your days at work. The downside to this would be that sometimes the salary for enjoyable jobs is less than adequate for your lifestyle. The trade off to having a job you love to do may mean that you are not able to do things you love like travel or have the possessions you like. Second school of thought would be to think of what type of lifestyle you would like to live and calculate how much money you will have to make each year to support that lifestyle. The next step would be to start researching careers that make a salary on average the amount you would need to support that lifestyle. From that list of careers, read about the requirements to obtain the job as well as what the job entails and pick careers that interest you. Once you have some choices do more research and apply for some internships or speak with someone who currently has that job and even do a job shadow. The trade off here is that you may not be incredibly happy everyday but you will be able to support the lifestyle you wish to maintain. Do not stress too much. Its never too late to start a new career or go back to school!
Updated
Zahid’s Answer
That depends on how well do you know yourself.
Do you know what abilities you have?
Abilities are what you are able to do, generally speaking. Understanding what areas you have skills in and which areas could use work is a great way to start the elimination process when choosing a university major.
Do you know what your values are?
Choosing a major based on your core beliefs will normally lead to work that is more rewarding and encouraging. University is a time of experimentation and self-discovery, and most people solidify their values during their college years.
Do you know what your interests are?
Your interests are a fine way of determining which major to choose in college. I mean, if you like doing something, why not get paid for it, right? But do keep in mind that interests may change over time.
Do you know what your passions are?
Passions are areas of deep interest but they also incorporate your values and abilities into something that becomes a burning, lifelong desire. Following your passions is one of the best ways to choose a major, and it generally has the least second-guessing later on.
Also, will you still enjoy it years from now?
You may have all of the above but how would you feel 10 years from today or 20 or 30? If you’re not so sure how to answer this question, consider something more general or broad in scope - such as medicine instead of dentist.
Other things you need to consider is...
is your major employable?
will you find a job easily or have hard time? Liberal arts majors usually have a lot harder time then stem field majors.
will it be around later in life?
Think about the helicopter pilot and the news camera man sitting on it to give you aerial view of the news in 2010 vs a drone with a camera in 2020 that took both of their jobs.
Lastly, how is the pay?
Some majors will pay you at poverty level and will take lifetime to increase whereas others will start out at a very high level. For example, a teacher may start out at $40,000 and will work for 40 years before she is making $80,000 and by that time she is already about to retire. Compare that to a software developer who may start out at $80,000 and would jump another $10,000 in pay every year.
Do you know what abilities you have?
Abilities are what you are able to do, generally speaking. Understanding what areas you have skills in and which areas could use work is a great way to start the elimination process when choosing a university major.
Do you know what your values are?
Choosing a major based on your core beliefs will normally lead to work that is more rewarding and encouraging. University is a time of experimentation and self-discovery, and most people solidify their values during their college years.
Do you know what your interests are?
Your interests are a fine way of determining which major to choose in college. I mean, if you like doing something, why not get paid for it, right? But do keep in mind that interests may change over time.
Do you know what your passions are?
Passions are areas of deep interest but they also incorporate your values and abilities into something that becomes a burning, lifelong desire. Following your passions is one of the best ways to choose a major, and it generally has the least second-guessing later on.
Also, will you still enjoy it years from now?
You may have all of the above but how would you feel 10 years from today or 20 or 30? If you’re not so sure how to answer this question, consider something more general or broad in scope - such as medicine instead of dentist.
Other things you need to consider is...
is your major employable?
will you find a job easily or have hard time? Liberal arts majors usually have a lot harder time then stem field majors.
will it be around later in life?
Think about the helicopter pilot and the news camera man sitting on it to give you aerial view of the news in 2010 vs a drone with a camera in 2020 that took both of their jobs.
Lastly, how is the pay?
Some majors will pay you at poverty level and will take lifetime to increase whereas others will start out at a very high level. For example, a teacher may start out at $40,000 and will work for 40 years before she is making $80,000 and by that time she is already about to retire. Compare that to a software developer who may start out at $80,000 and would jump another $10,000 in pay every year.