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How do I pick a college major and stick to it?

I'm currently a senior in high school taking college courses. I'm expected to pick a major in the future, but how do I pick a college major and stick to it?

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Nneka’s Answer

Hi Tien,

This question is one question every high school student battles with. I had such confusion, trying to pick either Law or Accountancy. I ended up picking Law but did not eventually study Law. I studied Mass Communication and I currently practice as a Journalist.

Funny yea? Yea , priorities changed for me when I was about to go into college and this was because I have passion for writing. I didn't want to be pressured during College studies. I wanted to study and still be comfortable doing other hubbies.

So here comes my advice: Assess yourself and your interests. Take time to self -study and know where you find strength in doing somethings without pressure. Sometimes pressure helps to bring out the best in you but not the type that keeps you unhappy.

Go for what gives you conviction, go for where you excel the most and make your decision in peace.

I'm wishing you a great future.
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Robyn’s Answer

Start by jotting down all the things you enjoy doing. What activities do you find most fulfilling? When you have some leisure time, what are your preferred ways to spend it? Look for any patterns or recurring themes in your list. Do you enjoy interacting with others? Are you fascinated by technology? Do you have a passion for subjects like science, math, or art?

Once you have your list, consider which careers might align with your interests. Seek advice from your high school counselor, family members like parents or grandparents, or other trusted adults. Which professions might incorporate your favorite activities or subjects?

Compile a list of these potential careers and spend some time researching them on the internet. During your summer vacation, try to arrange opportunities to shadow individuals who are working in these fields. Reach out to them directly, or contact their office or organization, to request a day of job shadowing.

Additionally, speak with representatives from the college or technical school you plan to attend. Ask to discuss these career options with some professors, and consult with your academic counselor about the necessary requirements for these careers. They may also be able to connect you with professionals in the field who you could shadow for a day.

Choosing a major that aligns with your interests and personality can make your classes more engaging, stimulate your desire to learn, and lead to a career that you look forward to every day. Best of luck on your journey!
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Alan’s Answer

Your goal shouldn't be to "stick to it." It should be to explore and discover what you're passionate about, what you feel competent in, what you think will make your life meaningful. There are some very good professional tests, like "My Plan Career Assessment Tests," that can help you start narrowing down your choices based on your interests, skills and values. But unless you already have a strong sense of what you'd like to do with your life, there's going to be some trial and error. Along with whatever courses are required each semester, always take one or two that you think could either lead you somewhere or else fulfill something inside you, and be open to surprises. The worst thing you could do is feel obligated to stay with something that's already feeling like it doesn't fit. You're young, you shouldn't expect to have all the answers to questions you're just starting to ask.
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Yassine’s Answer

To stick to a college major, you will need to:
Reflect on your interests, skills, and values.
Research potential career opportunities related to your chosen major.
Stay committed, but be open to exploring new opportunities.
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Jacob’s Answer

Choosing a college major and sticking to it is a significant decision that can shape your future. Here are some advice-oriented steps to help you navigate this process:

1. Self-Reflection: Take time to reflect on your interests, passions, and strengths. Consider what subjects or activities excite you the most and where you excel naturally. Identifying your genuine interests can lead to a more fulfilling major.

2. Research: Explore different majors and career paths related to your interests. Look into course offerings, potential job opportunities, and salary prospects. Gathering information can help you make an informed decision.

3. Seek Guidance: Talk to your school counselors, teachers, and professionals in fields you're interested in. Their insights can provide valuable perspectives and help you understand what each major entails.

4. Flexibility: Understand that it's okay to change your mind along the way. Many students switch majors during their college journey as they learn more about themselves and their interests. Be open to adapting your plans if needed.

5. Trial Courses: If possible, take introductory courses in subjects you're considering before committing to a major. Hands-on experience can give you a better sense of whether you truly enjoy a particular field of study.

6. Set Goals: Define your long-term goals and envision how your chosen major aligns with them. Understanding the potential outcomes can motivate you to stick with your decision.

7. Overcome Challenges: College can be demanding, and you might face challenges in your major. Seek support from professors, academic advisors, or study groups to overcome difficulties and stay motivated.

8. Embrace Growth: Remember that college is a time for personal and intellectual growth. Allow yourself to explore new ideas and be open to learning beyond your chosen major.

9. Internships and Networking: Engage in internships or part-time jobs related to your major. Networking within your field can provide valuable connections and real-world insights.

10. Listen to Yourself: Trust your instincts and listen to what your heart tells you. Remember that it's okay to reevaluate your decision if you find yourself truly unhappy with your major choice.

Ultimately, selecting a college major is a process of self-discovery and learning. Embrace the journey, stay true to yourself, and remember that each experience will contribute to your personal and professional growth.
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Rebecca’s Answer

Thank you for your question. Many students have similar question. The most important is to find out what you have interest.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what you have interest, eg your hobbies, favourite subjects and identify the related careers
Eg if you are interested in music, would you like to be a singer, musician, music producer, music actor, music composer, music teacher, etc
If you like maths, would you like to be an accountant, banker, engineer, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc
2. Explore more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, parents, school career counsellor, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in the college
Hope this helps!Good Luck!
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Cynthia’s Answer

I can say that I know many people who have changed their major at least once through out their journey. I changed my major 3 times! And many times it ca be that life happens and you end up somewhere else or your passion changes. It's important to try things and get to know yourself to know what you are really passionate about it. I had started in Psychology major but ended in Business Administration in Human Resources and I still feel that I love psychology and currently using it in my current job working with people and helping them in a way. Don't feel pressured to stick to something because you may regret sticking to something you don't like. Don't be afraid of change and how long your journey takes; it's not a race!
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ana’s Answer

Explore and investigate areas that spark your curiosity. Recognize your genuine passions and your strengths. Take into account the financial aspect, potential career paths, and the opportunities that lie ahead. Remember, your interests can lead you to amazing places, so dive in with confidence and enthusiasm!

ana recommends the following next steps:

discover and research based on your interests. Know what you are really interested in and what you are good at. Consider cost, career and possibilites
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Elizabeth’s Answer

Choose a college that will simplify your career decision-making process.
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Jerome’s Answer

Give yourself space to know that you have time. I was half way through my Associates Degree before I knew what my major was. Unless you have a specific career in mind, use your first couple of years in college to take general Ed and explore different classes.

I don’t think you have to have everything figured out, there is time! That and many people switch careers. We are all figuring out as we go.
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Doctorate Student’s Answer

The most important thing is to follow your passion, and everything else will naturally align. To save both time and money, consider starting with General Education courses at a Community College, which are usually tuition-free. This will also give you a taste of what subjects truly captivate you. Don't hesitate to consult with a college or career counselor, as their guidance can be incredibly beneficial. Here's to your success! Best of luck and warm wishes on your journey!
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Molly’s Answer

Hello Tien!

This is a great question! Simply answered, I would recommend to step your foot into multiple areas. If you find that what you are currently in or studying does not satisfy and appeal to what you want to do in the future, then you can easily shift away from that one area and focus in another. In college, I knew that I wanted to focus my studies in general business. However, that is all I knew. After focusing my studies in multiple areas of business, I found my way into Human Resources where I currently am working in today. I received my MBA focusing specifically in Organizational Behavior and Human Resources, and currently have a position as an Human Resources Administrator for a Sam's Club distribution and fulfillment center. You will never know what you like until you dip your foot in the water and tread through several areas!
Dimply put, you do not have to settle on the first major that you decide. You never know what you'll find until you step your foot out there and test the waters!

I hope this helped, and good luck in your endeavors!

Thank You
Molly H.
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James Constantine’s Answer

Dear Tien,

Making the Right College Major Choice and Sticking to It

The decision to select a college major is a pivotal one, with enduring implications for your future professional trajectory. Here's a practical guide to help you select and steadfastly pursue a college major:

Introspection: Allocate time for introspection, considering your passions, strengths, values, and aspirations. Identify the subjects or activities that you relish and your areas of proficiency. Envision the career you aspire to in the future.

Investigation: Delve into the various majors offered by educational institutions. Examine the syllabus, courses, career prospects, and potential income associated with each major. Consider consulting academic advisors, professors, and professionals in fields you are intrigued by.

Exploration: Leverage introductory courses or electives to delve into various subjects before finalizing a major. Engaging in internships, job shadowing, or volunteering can provide practical exposure to diverse fields.

Goal Setting: Establish precise academic and career objectives. Draft a plan delineating the steps required to accomplish these goals within your chosen major. A clear roadmap can enhance focus and motivation.

Mentorship: Seek advice from mentors, career advisors, or alumni who can offer invaluable insights and guidance based on their experiences. They can assist you through the decision-making process and provide support throughout your journey.

Adaptability: It's perfectly fine to switch your major if you discover it doesn't suit you. College is a period of exploration and personal growth, so don't hesitate to change direction if needed. Maintain an open mind and be ready to adjust as you gain deeper self-understanding and discover new interests.

Commitment: Once you've selected a major, dedicate yourself to it entirely. Engage actively in your coursework, participate in extracurricular activities related to your field, and seize opportunities for professional growth.

Regular Review: Periodically reassess your choice of major to confirm it remains in sync with your interests and objectives. It's natural for priorities to evolve over time, so regularly touch base with yourself to ensure you're on the right track.

By adhering to these steps and remaining authentic to yourself, you can select a college major that truly resonates with you and work diligently towards achieving success in your chosen field.

Top 3 Credible Sources Consulted:

The College Board
U.S. News & World Report
National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)

May God Bless You!
James Constantine.
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Dave’s Answer

This is an important question for anyone seeking a college education. Based on my experience the most important factor in selecting a college major is to think about the kind of career you would like to have after graduating. You can explore different subjects while in college, but the courses you take for your major should support the kind of career you want after completing your education. It’s my opinion that the old rule of thumb that a general liberal arts education will give you the skills for many occupations is no longer valid (if it ever was). There are exceptions where a general liberal arts education could be helpful, for example, in subsequent law school studies. In this case a broad liberal arts background would be helpful. Depending on the type of law you are interested in, other majors would be useful. For example, if you are interested in patent law, s science major would be beneficial.

Instead of being a liberal arts generalist, you can begin by deciding whether you are more interested in a career mostly in involving interactions with people, or interested in the the way things work. If you are interested in people, psychology, education, sociology, marketing, or business are a few majors out of many you can consider. If it is things you are interested in, then science, engineering, mathematics, physics and biology are a few of many possible majors.

The key thing to remember is to try to figure out the kind of work you would like and realistically see yourself doing following graduation. A good college counselor at your high school (or an independent one) should be able to help you work through these questions. I hope I have been of some assistance in answering your question.
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Tewele’s Answer

When it comes to selecting your major, I'm confident that focusing on two key aspects will guide you to the right decision.
1. Discover what truly sparks your interest.
2. Research the job market to understand the employment prospects in that field.

Remember, your passion combined with a practical approach can lead to a fulfilling and successful career. You've got this!
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Kevin’s Answer

Listen to your instincts and follow the path they guide you to. There's absolutely nothing wrong with exploring different majors before settling on the one that truly resonates with you. I myself navigated through three different majors during my college years, and even transferred schools. Yet, I managed to graduate on time without any extraneous credits.

I initially pursued Musical Theatre for a year, only to realize it wasn't my true calling. I then shifted to Business Administration, but found it too general for my specific interests. Eventually, I transferred and earned my degree in Media & Arts Management. It was then that I discovered it was the perfect match for me.

What I'm trying to convey is that there's no obligation to stick with a major if it doesn't feel right. If you start off as an "undecided major", it allows you to complete your core classes while still exploring what truly captivates you. Remember, it's not uncommon for people to graduate with a degree they initially thought they'd utilize forever, only to end up not using it at all. So, be open to exploration and you'll surely find your perfect fit.
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Doris’s Answer

Applauding you for already taking college courses! So great that you’re thinking so proactively about your future.

I encourage you to not feel the pressure to “stick with it” and remember that you still have time to explore, even in college (personally, I changed my major twice during my sophomore year).

With regards to picking a major, I recommend:

1. Making time to explore - Utilize college, the internet, people you meet, and new experiences to help inform what interests you.

2. If unable to decide, pick a major with transferable skills - I’ve come across many people who did not major in something directly related to their career. Having a major with transferable skills + relevant projects / experiences will set you up to find opportunities for your early career.
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