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Where can I go to get a better grip on what to major in college?
I'm a junior in high school just trying to understand what I like to do after high school and that is probably college but many things come up when I think about college such as where would I be attending, what major fits me, etc.
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Kim Eldred, MS
Career Counselor, Educator and Higher Education Consultant
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Kim’s Answer
There is so much pressure to "know" what you want to do as you are applying to college, but the truth is that your interests will evolve and change over time. Unless you are feeling drawn to a career that requires specific training like nursing or architecture, you will be able to do some exploration in college. Here are my suggestions when I talk to students (including my own) in your position:
1. Think about what you like to do and what you are good at. Not just in school, but if you have a part-time job or volunteer. Focus in on the tasks or work you do in these experiences to understand what you are drawn to. It can help you find similar careers that may require the same type of knowledge or skill. For example, when I was working with my daughter, we discussed the job she was doing in retail. She liked understanding what was selling, what was not, and the like. After much discussion she started to explore buying and supply chain as a career to learn more.
2. Think about where you think you want to live. Are you a big city person? Looking to stay local in a small community? Is where you'll live important to you? If so, this may factor into the type of career you want to pursue. If you hate cities, working in Investment Banking wouldn't be ideal, but if you liked finance you might consider corporate finance. These small things can help shape your thinking in these early days.
3. Have you ruled anything out? This can be the easiest place to start if you are willing to be reflective and consider WHY you don't like these things. It is a great way to narrow down what might interest you.
Finally, don't stress too much. It is okay to start undecided as long as you go to a place large enough to explore and change your mind. Most students will switch majors at least once, many several times. Allow yourself some flexibility to change as you grow.
Good luck as you explore!
1. Think about what you like to do and what you are good at. Not just in school, but if you have a part-time job or volunteer. Focus in on the tasks or work you do in these experiences to understand what you are drawn to. It can help you find similar careers that may require the same type of knowledge or skill. For example, when I was working with my daughter, we discussed the job she was doing in retail. She liked understanding what was selling, what was not, and the like. After much discussion she started to explore buying and supply chain as a career to learn more.
2. Think about where you think you want to live. Are you a big city person? Looking to stay local in a small community? Is where you'll live important to you? If so, this may factor into the type of career you want to pursue. If you hate cities, working in Investment Banking wouldn't be ideal, but if you liked finance you might consider corporate finance. These small things can help shape your thinking in these early days.
3. Have you ruled anything out? This can be the easiest place to start if you are willing to be reflective and consider WHY you don't like these things. It is a great way to narrow down what might interest you.
Finally, don't stress too much. It is okay to start undecided as long as you go to a place large enough to explore and change your mind. Most students will switch majors at least once, many several times. Allow yourself some flexibility to change as you grow.
Good luck as you explore!
Updated
Luke’s Answer
There are many resources available to help you figure out what to major in college. Here are a few ideas:
Talk to your guidance counselor. Your guidance counselor can help you explore your interests and figure out what majors are a good fit for you. They can also help you with the college application process.
Take a career assessment test. There are many career assessment tests available online and in libraries. These tests can help you identify your interests and skills, and they can suggest potential career paths.
Shadow someone in your desired field. This is a great way to get a firsthand look at what a career in your field is actually like. You can find people to shadow through your school, your local chamber of commerce, or online.
Volunteer or intern in your desired field. This is another great way to get experience in your field and to make connections with people who work in your field. You can find volunteer and internship opportunities through your school, your local chamber of commerce, or online.
Talk to people who work in your desired field. Ask them about their jobs, what they like and don't like about their jobs, and how they got started in their careers. You can find people to talk to through your school, your local chamber of commerce, or online.
Do some research on your desired field. Read books and articles about your field, and visit websites and blogs that are related to your field. This will help you to learn more about your field and to make informed decisions about your future.
The most important thing is to explore your interests and to try new things. The more you know about your options, the better equipped you will be to make a decision about your future career.
Here are some additional tips for choosing a college major:
Don't be afraid to change your mind. It's perfectly normal to change your major one or more times during college. In fact, many students do.
Consider your interests and skills. When choosing a major, it's important to consider your interests and skills. What are you passionate about? What are you good at?
Think about your future career goals. What do you want to do with your life? What kind of job do you want to have?
Do your research. Before you choose a major, it's important to do your research. Learn about different majors and what they entail. Talk to people who work in different fields.
Talk to your academic advisor. Your academic advisor can help you choose a major that's a good fit for you. They can also help you with the college application process.
Talk to your guidance counselor. Your guidance counselor can help you explore your interests and figure out what majors are a good fit for you. They can also help you with the college application process.
Take a career assessment test. There are many career assessment tests available online and in libraries. These tests can help you identify your interests and skills, and they can suggest potential career paths.
Shadow someone in your desired field. This is a great way to get a firsthand look at what a career in your field is actually like. You can find people to shadow through your school, your local chamber of commerce, or online.
Volunteer or intern in your desired field. This is another great way to get experience in your field and to make connections with people who work in your field. You can find volunteer and internship opportunities through your school, your local chamber of commerce, or online.
Talk to people who work in your desired field. Ask them about their jobs, what they like and don't like about their jobs, and how they got started in their careers. You can find people to talk to through your school, your local chamber of commerce, or online.
Do some research on your desired field. Read books and articles about your field, and visit websites and blogs that are related to your field. This will help you to learn more about your field and to make informed decisions about your future.
The most important thing is to explore your interests and to try new things. The more you know about your options, the better equipped you will be to make a decision about your future career.
Here are some additional tips for choosing a college major:
Don't be afraid to change your mind. It's perfectly normal to change your major one or more times during college. In fact, many students do.
Consider your interests and skills. When choosing a major, it's important to consider your interests and skills. What are you passionate about? What are you good at?
Think about your future career goals. What do you want to do with your life? What kind of job do you want to have?
Do your research. Before you choose a major, it's important to do your research. Learn about different majors and what they entail. Talk to people who work in different fields.
Talk to your academic advisor. Your academic advisor can help you choose a major that's a good fit for you. They can also help you with the college application process.
Updated
T.J.’s Answer
Hello Jim!
It is hard to plan the future. Your goals and direction in life will change as you grow and explore new things.
One suggestion I have is you can take a gap year. Gap years will give you time away from academia to think about yourself.
Going to school for eighteen years and then feeling intense pressure to choose to a path at a young age is...Exhausting. So, it might help to give your mind a break and figure out what you need.
During a gap year, you could enter the workforce with a part-time or full-time job. You'll gain work experience and make some money that you can use now or later. (Full time work could help pay off tuition if you save the checks you earn).
Another suggestion is: You can go to school. But instead of a 4-year college, you can go to community college.
Community college could let you work part-time. Also, you can explore classes, save money, and explore the workforce. Plus, you'll finish your general education and save money.
Plus, you could take a "break" in between community college and university, by working at a job for a while with your Associate's Degree, and then transfer to a big school.
Doing community college or a gap year can give you a chance to think about your future with less pressure.
Sending you support as you navigate life after high school :)
Look into community colleges near you.
Check out this guide on gap years: Taking a Gap Year - Scholarship360 | https://scholarships360.org/college-admissions/what-is-a-gap-year/
It is hard to plan the future. Your goals and direction in life will change as you grow and explore new things.
One suggestion I have is you can take a gap year. Gap years will give you time away from academia to think about yourself.
Going to school for eighteen years and then feeling intense pressure to choose to a path at a young age is...Exhausting. So, it might help to give your mind a break and figure out what you need.
During a gap year, you could enter the workforce with a part-time or full-time job. You'll gain work experience and make some money that you can use now or later. (Full time work could help pay off tuition if you save the checks you earn).
Another suggestion is: You can go to school. But instead of a 4-year college, you can go to community college.
Community college could let you work part-time. Also, you can explore classes, save money, and explore the workforce. Plus, you'll finish your general education and save money.
Plus, you could take a "break" in between community college and university, by working at a job for a while with your Associate's Degree, and then transfer to a big school.
Doing community college or a gap year can give you a chance to think about your future with less pressure.
Sending you support as you navigate life after high school :)
T.J. recommends the following next steps:
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