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How can I figure out what major is for me?
I am really stressed out about what I am going to do with my life. I want to make the most of my life and be happy. This stress is making my life so much harder. Id also like some tips on coping skills or mechanisms I can use.
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6 answers
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T.J.’s Answer
Hello, Amanda!
Choosing a major is Hard. It's crazy how much pressure students face to choose the right major.
I went through a couple of months in high school thinking around it heavily, so I have empathy for you.
I can share some tips that you could try:
1. Know Thyself :) | Your interests, likes & dislikes. Anyone you look up to for inspiration. Any jobs that have EVER came to mind. Use these facts about yourself.
2. Process of Elimination. | Okay, one weird thing I did in high school was going on to a college website.
Each college has separate schools. Even the separate schools have different departments!
So, I took the names of the schools and made a list:
Science - Medicine - Mathematics - Music - Visual Art & Design - Business - Engineering - Medicine - Health or Exercise
Technology or Computer Science - Natural Sciences - Law - Government & Politics - History - Theater - Communication
You get the idea.
Then, I went through each one by one and asked myself:
- What do I know about these fields and subjects?
- What do I like about them?
- What do I dislike about them?
- Are there jobs I can think of that I could get with this subject?
3. Job Vlogs. | YouTube helped me a lot! (The site became my BFF, basically ... So reliable and straight-forward 😄).
Earlier, I said keep a list of all of the careers that ever came to mind.
On YouTube, you can search "[insert-career] vlog" or "[insert-career] day in the life" or "how I would learn [insert-field] if I could start over again."
4. Visual Your Ideal Lifestyle | Yes, majors and careers are important. However, it's also good to figure what type of life you want to outside of your career.
You are more than your degree and job title after all :)
While looking at careers, see which careers can help you balance the type of life you want.
5. Job Market Research | Now, you can look up the job details.
You can find information about salary and responsibilities on sites like BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics), Indeed, Glassdoor, etc.
One pro-tip for using BLS: Google the current job population and take the percentage of job growth out of current workers.
EX: job growth is 30% and a field has 1,000,000 workers. 30% of 1,000,000 is ~300,000 jobs
So, the reason for doing the math is to help you know which fields are quickly growing.
Fast growing fields usually mean more job openings, and that means you may have more jobs opportunities available after college!
That was a lot of info, wasn't it? :)
Well... Last thing:
To ease your anxiety, know that you're not alone.
Many other humans are in the same shoes of uncertainty. Many people don't know what they're gonna do in life.
Some are your age. Some are in their 40s, 50s, 60s.
You cannot perfectly map out the future, or make the right decisions all the time.
You can only make decisions with the best information you have right now.
Allow yourself to focus on things you can control.
If you feel anxiety come up, you can step away and do something fun & relaxing, or talk to the people in your life for support.
Breathe. Whatever you decide to major in college, you can always change your program mid-way, or change into a new field afterwards :)
Sending you support & encouragement as you navigate life :)
Choosing a major is Hard. It's crazy how much pressure students face to choose the right major.
I went through a couple of months in high school thinking around it heavily, so I have empathy for you.
I can share some tips that you could try:
1. Know Thyself :) | Your interests, likes & dislikes. Anyone you look up to for inspiration. Any jobs that have EVER came to mind. Use these facts about yourself.
2. Process of Elimination. | Okay, one weird thing I did in high school was going on to a college website.
Each college has separate schools. Even the separate schools have different departments!
So, I took the names of the schools and made a list:
Science - Medicine - Mathematics - Music - Visual Art & Design - Business - Engineering - Medicine - Health or Exercise
Technology or Computer Science - Natural Sciences - Law - Government & Politics - History - Theater - Communication
You get the idea.
Then, I went through each one by one and asked myself:
- What do I know about these fields and subjects?
- What do I like about them?
- What do I dislike about them?
- Are there jobs I can think of that I could get with this subject?
3. Job Vlogs. | YouTube helped me a lot! (The site became my BFF, basically ... So reliable and straight-forward 😄).
Earlier, I said keep a list of all of the careers that ever came to mind.
On YouTube, you can search "[insert-career] vlog" or "[insert-career] day in the life" or "how I would learn [insert-field] if I could start over again."
4. Visual Your Ideal Lifestyle | Yes, majors and careers are important. However, it's also good to figure what type of life you want to outside of your career.
You are more than your degree and job title after all :)
While looking at careers, see which careers can help you balance the type of life you want.
5. Job Market Research | Now, you can look up the job details.
You can find information about salary and responsibilities on sites like BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics), Indeed, Glassdoor, etc.
One pro-tip for using BLS: Google the current job population and take the percentage of job growth out of current workers.
EX: job growth is 30% and a field has 1,000,000 workers. 30% of 1,000,000 is ~300,000 jobs
So, the reason for doing the math is to help you know which fields are quickly growing.
Fast growing fields usually mean more job openings, and that means you may have more jobs opportunities available after college!
That was a lot of info, wasn't it? :)
Well... Last thing:
To ease your anxiety, know that you're not alone.
Many other humans are in the same shoes of uncertainty. Many people don't know what they're gonna do in life.
Some are your age. Some are in their 40s, 50s, 60s.
You cannot perfectly map out the future, or make the right decisions all the time.
You can only make decisions with the best information you have right now.
Allow yourself to focus on things you can control.
If you feel anxiety come up, you can step away and do something fun & relaxing, or talk to the people in your life for support.
Breathe. Whatever you decide to major in college, you can always change your program mid-way, or change into a new field afterwards :)
Sending you support & encouragement as you navigate life :)
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3938
Answers
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Subject: Discovering Your Ideal Major and Managing Stress
Dear Amanda,
Unleashing Your Potential: Discovering Your Interests and Strengths
Identifying the perfect major for you requires an in-depth exploration of your passions, talents, and principles. Here are some proactive steps to guide you in making an enlightened choice:
Self-Discovery: Dedicate some time to ponder over the subjects or activities that spark your interest. Think about the topics that ignite your enthusiasm and keep you engrossed.
Personality Evaluations: Contemplate taking personality evaluations like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) or the Holland Code (RIASEC) test. These evaluations can shed light on your personality attributes and how they correspond with various career trajectories.
Investigate Majors: Delve into the different majors offered by colleges and universities. Examine the curriculum, courses, and career prospects linked with each major.
Consult Academic Advisors: Arrange appointments with academic advisors at your college or university. They can offer advice on selecting a major that resonates with your interests and objectives.
Internships and Job Shadowing: Think about engaging in internships or job shadowing opportunities related to fields you are curious about. This practical experience can offer you a clearer picture of what a specific major involves.
Networking: Forge connections with professionals in fields that pique your interest. Networking can offer invaluable insights into various career paths and assist you in making enlightened decisions about your major.
Handling Stress: Effective Coping Strategies
The pressure of selecting a major can be daunting, but there are coping strategies that can aid you in managing this anxiety:
Mindfulness and Meditation: Adopt mindfulness techniques or meditation to help soothe your mind and decrease stress levels.
Physical Activity: Participating in physical exercise can help alleviate stress and enhance your overall well-being.
Time Management: Cultivate robust time management skills to organize tasks efficiently and prevent feeling swamped.
Seek Support: Converse with friends, family members, or a counselor about your worries. Often, expressing your feelings can offer relief and a fresh perspective.
Healthy Lifestyle: Ensure you are getting sufficient sleep, consuming nutritious meals, and taking breaks when necessary to preserve your mental health.
Remember, it's perfectly normal to feel unsure about selecting a major, and it's common to experience stress during this journey. Take your time to explore your options, seek help when required, and have faith that with thoughtful deliberation, you'll discover a major that harmonizes with your interests and goals.
Top 3 Credible Sources Consulted:
Harvard University Career Services
The Princeton Review
American Psychological Association (APA)
These sources were referenced for their authority in offering guidance on selecting majors, career exploration, stress coping strategies, and academic advising services at esteemed institutions.
May God Bless You!
JC.
Dear Amanda,
Unleashing Your Potential: Discovering Your Interests and Strengths
Identifying the perfect major for you requires an in-depth exploration of your passions, talents, and principles. Here are some proactive steps to guide you in making an enlightened choice:
Self-Discovery: Dedicate some time to ponder over the subjects or activities that spark your interest. Think about the topics that ignite your enthusiasm and keep you engrossed.
Personality Evaluations: Contemplate taking personality evaluations like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) or the Holland Code (RIASEC) test. These evaluations can shed light on your personality attributes and how they correspond with various career trajectories.
Investigate Majors: Delve into the different majors offered by colleges and universities. Examine the curriculum, courses, and career prospects linked with each major.
Consult Academic Advisors: Arrange appointments with academic advisors at your college or university. They can offer advice on selecting a major that resonates with your interests and objectives.
Internships and Job Shadowing: Think about engaging in internships or job shadowing opportunities related to fields you are curious about. This practical experience can offer you a clearer picture of what a specific major involves.
Networking: Forge connections with professionals in fields that pique your interest. Networking can offer invaluable insights into various career paths and assist you in making enlightened decisions about your major.
Handling Stress: Effective Coping Strategies
The pressure of selecting a major can be daunting, but there are coping strategies that can aid you in managing this anxiety:
Mindfulness and Meditation: Adopt mindfulness techniques or meditation to help soothe your mind and decrease stress levels.
Physical Activity: Participating in physical exercise can help alleviate stress and enhance your overall well-being.
Time Management: Cultivate robust time management skills to organize tasks efficiently and prevent feeling swamped.
Seek Support: Converse with friends, family members, or a counselor about your worries. Often, expressing your feelings can offer relief and a fresh perspective.
Healthy Lifestyle: Ensure you are getting sufficient sleep, consuming nutritious meals, and taking breaks when necessary to preserve your mental health.
Remember, it's perfectly normal to feel unsure about selecting a major, and it's common to experience stress during this journey. Take your time to explore your options, seek help when required, and have faith that with thoughtful deliberation, you'll discover a major that harmonizes with your interests and goals.
Top 3 Credible Sources Consulted:
Harvard University Career Services
The Princeton Review
American Psychological Association (APA)
These sources were referenced for their authority in offering guidance on selecting majors, career exploration, stress coping strategies, and academic advising services at esteemed institutions.
May God Bless You!
JC.
Updated
Gabriel’s Answer
First off, PLEASE take everything I say with a grain of salt. I have worked in financial aid for 20 years. Did I go to college for that? No!
I want to take nothing away from my esteemed colleagues who have offered advice, because they are brilliant in what they said. I’m going to be the black sheep of the family now…
There is no law or rule that says what you major in will dictate your future. PLEASE get that out of your head ASAP. My sister, who has a Masters in Library Sciences, and could be a librarian, works as a webmaster…she and her husband are very happy and live a good life.
Please apologize to your folks in advance…I went to college initially, and had no parental support. I “tested well” in high school so they let me double-major, triple minor.
The biggest mistake I EVER made was leaving college after three semesters because I didn’t know what I “wanted to do”. It wasn’t until after I left that an academic advisor told me…”you don’t go to school to learn a skill” (unless something very focused like legal, medical, trade-based), you go to school to learn to learn.
I will tell you what I tell my daughter…breathe. She is much younger, but I know it’s coming.
Please just remember that your major does not define you. It’s a good guidepost if you know what you want to do, but your major doesn’t carry the weight that a degree does.
So whatever you do…when you start college…don’t quit until you are done. Your life will be SO much better for it...
I want to take nothing away from my esteemed colleagues who have offered advice, because they are brilliant in what they said. I’m going to be the black sheep of the family now…
There is no law or rule that says what you major in will dictate your future. PLEASE get that out of your head ASAP. My sister, who has a Masters in Library Sciences, and could be a librarian, works as a webmaster…she and her husband are very happy and live a good life.
Please apologize to your folks in advance…I went to college initially, and had no parental support. I “tested well” in high school so they let me double-major, triple minor.
The biggest mistake I EVER made was leaving college after three semesters because I didn’t know what I “wanted to do”. It wasn’t until after I left that an academic advisor told me…”you don’t go to school to learn a skill” (unless something very focused like legal, medical, trade-based), you go to school to learn to learn.
I will tell you what I tell my daughter…breathe. She is much younger, but I know it’s coming.
Please just remember that your major does not define you. It’s a good guidepost if you know what you want to do, but your major doesn’t carry the weight that a degree does.
So whatever you do…when you start college…don’t quit until you are done. Your life will be SO much better for it...
Updated
Racheal’s Answer
Hello,
First I think its great to consider what you want to do while you are young rather than try to wing it. It's great to have a plan, because "chance favors the prepared!"
Reflection is the best step toward discovering self and asking those "what" question so that it feels as if you are ready to take action. What is your purpose? Is often the hallmark toward identifying one's path, because it about the opportunity to learn more about yourself and the contributions you can envision yourself making as you learn more about life. Additionally, purpose allows for an individual to think about their legacy as well.
If you desire to make change in the world and use your personality, knowledge, skills, and abilities, that's the career path for you, that's where you should want to be part of that and be open to increasing your intellectual wellness along the way.
Choose that major.
Some coping skills:
I would suggest meeting with a licensed professional to receive coping skills. Sometimes there can be a need for on-going guidance and process that is helpful that you should seek out professional support on how to use them and monitor if they are working for you.
Best of luck!!
First I think its great to consider what you want to do while you are young rather than try to wing it. It's great to have a plan, because "chance favors the prepared!"
Reflection is the best step toward discovering self and asking those "what" question so that it feels as if you are ready to take action. What is your purpose? Is often the hallmark toward identifying one's path, because it about the opportunity to learn more about yourself and the contributions you can envision yourself making as you learn more about life. Additionally, purpose allows for an individual to think about their legacy as well.
If you desire to make change in the world and use your personality, knowledge, skills, and abilities, that's the career path for you, that's where you should want to be part of that and be open to increasing your intellectual wellness along the way.
Choose that major.
Some coping skills:
I would suggest meeting with a licensed professional to receive coping skills. Sometimes there can be a need for on-going guidance and process that is helpful that you should seek out professional support on how to use them and monitor if they are working for you.
Best of luck!!
Updated
Marcelius Levites’s Answer
Hey Amanda! First of all, remember that it's completely normal to feel overwhelmed or uncertain about your career path. But I promise, everything will work out just fine. Take a moment to breathe and think about your passions. What activities or hobbies bring you joy? Your ideal career is one that excites you and makes it a pleasure to get up each morning.
Trust me, you have the power to make a positive impact in this world. There are various quizzes and resources available to help you explore different career options. So don't worry, my dear – you'll find your perfect fit!
Why not try these activities to relax and regain focus: yoga, meditation, dancing, or reading? They can work wonders!
To help you along the way, check out these resources:
- Career Aptitude Test: https://365tests.com/job-tests/career-assessment-test/
- How To Choose a Career Path in 9 Steps (With Examples): https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/choosing-a-career-path
- Career Quiz: What Job Fits My Life: https://www.glassdoor.com/blog/quiz-what-job-best-fits-your-life/
Remember, Amanda, whatever path you choose, you're destined for greatness. Keep believing in yourself and stay true to who you are and where you come from. You've got this!
Work hard and Play even harder
Stay Focus on you Goals
When you fall, don't forget to get backup again
Love yourself first before loving anyone else
Its okay to struggle, but make sure your struggles make you stronger not weaker.
Trust me, you have the power to make a positive impact in this world. There are various quizzes and resources available to help you explore different career options. So don't worry, my dear – you'll find your perfect fit!
Why not try these activities to relax and regain focus: yoga, meditation, dancing, or reading? They can work wonders!
To help you along the way, check out these resources:
- Career Aptitude Test: https://365tests.com/job-tests/career-assessment-test/
- How To Choose a Career Path in 9 Steps (With Examples): https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/choosing-a-career-path
- Career Quiz: What Job Fits My Life: https://www.glassdoor.com/blog/quiz-what-job-best-fits-your-life/
Remember, Amanda, whatever path you choose, you're destined for greatness. Keep believing in yourself and stay true to who you are and where you come from. You've got this!
Marcelius Levites recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Think about what you have interest to do. Just relax and find out your interest.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what your have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favorite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
E.g. If you are interested in Maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc.
If you are interested in Music, would you like to be a singer, music teacher, musician, music composer, music producer, etc.
2. Find out more on these career and identify 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 career you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in the college
You would have fun on the journey to find out the career you have interest. Enjoy the journey! Don't give too much stress to yourself!
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what your have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favorite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
E.g. If you are interested in Maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc.
If you are interested in Music, would you like to be a singer, music teacher, musician, music composer, music producer, etc.
2. Find out more on these career and identify 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 career you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in the college
You would have fun on the journey to find out the career you have interest. Enjoy the journey! Don't give too much stress to yourself!
Hope this helps! Good Luck!