7 answers
Natalie
Student
Covington, Georgia
1
Question
Asked
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How should I choose a college major ?
I'm in 10th grade and feel like I should start thinking about college but have no idea what to do.
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7 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
657
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
I would choose something that you enjoy doing, something that you are good amd proficient at doing, and that will lead to an occupation or career that you will love to do.
There are always going to be those voices telling you to pursue a major where the "money is located." But that will not guarantee that you will like it, or that you will love what the eventual occupation that it leads to.
So, you will need to determine what your strengths are academically and professionally, and start making preparations to major in that area.
When you love what you are doing, and are good at your occupation, the money and higher compensation will eventually follow you.
There are always going to be those voices telling you to pursue a major where the "money is located." But that will not guarantee that you will like it, or that you will love what the eventual occupation that it leads to.
So, you will need to determine what your strengths are academically and professionally, and start making preparations to major in that area.
When you love what you are doing, and are good at your occupation, the money and higher compensation will eventually follow you.
Ka Ng
Product Manager
29
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Ka’s Answer
I can recall being in a similar situation when I was in 10th grade. No one in my family had ever been to college, which made the whole process quite confusing.
One strategy you can use is to consider the subjects you enjoy most in high school, then look for a college that excels in teaching those areas. Depending on the subjects you're interested in, there will be a multitude of options available.
Connecting with individuals who have attended the colleges you're considering can be very helpful. You can reach out to them directly or use platforms like LinkedIn to connect. Alumni usually enjoy sharing their college experiences, so don't hesitate to engage with them. Try to focus on recent graduates, as their experiences will be more relevant than mine, given that I graduated 30 years ago.
Additionally, don't forget to discuss with your peers. Their insights could be valuable as you navigate through this process.
If you're unsure about what subject you want to pursue, that's perfectly okay. You have ample time to decide on a major. For instance, I didn't choose mine until halfway through college, between my sophomore and junior years.
One strategy you can use is to consider the subjects you enjoy most in high school, then look for a college that excels in teaching those areas. Depending on the subjects you're interested in, there will be a multitude of options available.
Connecting with individuals who have attended the colleges you're considering can be very helpful. You can reach out to them directly or use platforms like LinkedIn to connect. Alumni usually enjoy sharing their college experiences, so don't hesitate to engage with them. Try to focus on recent graduates, as their experiences will be more relevant than mine, given that I graduated 30 years ago.
Additionally, don't forget to discuss with your peers. Their insights could be valuable as you navigate through this process.
If you're unsure about what subject you want to pursue, that's perfectly okay. You have ample time to decide on a major. For instance, I didn't choose mine until halfway through college, between my sophomore and junior years.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1512
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Many students have similar question. You better think about what careers you have interest first.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your favourite subjects, hobbies, etc. and identify the related careers
E.g. If you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music producer, music composer, etc.
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, financial analyst, banker, maths teacher, etc.
2. Find out more on these subjects and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you have would like to pursue
5. The relevant subjects of these careers will be the major and minor you can target in the college. And, you can choose the relevant subjects in high school.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your favourite subjects, hobbies, etc. and identify the related careers
E.g. If you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music producer, music composer, etc.
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, financial analyst, banker, maths teacher, etc.
2. Find out more on these subjects and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you have would like to pursue
5. The relevant subjects of these careers will be the major and minor you can target in the college. And, you can choose the relevant subjects in high school.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Conor Hartman
Financial Analyst
4
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Conor’s Answer
My best advice is to choose a college major based on what you are truly interested/passionate about. If you don't see yourself in a career aligning to your major long term, it is likely you will get burnt out and become unhappy. I would suggest doing some self-reflection on what kinds of things and subjects you enjoy as well as talk to peers and mentors about what may be a good fit for you.
On a different note, I think an important aspect of deciding our major is to think about where your long term values lie. How do you rank thinks such as, work life balance, financial stability, happiness, working with others, etc. and let that guide you to a career and major that aligns to what you want out of life.
I would recommend the book Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans - it provides great guidance on self exploration and discovery.
On a different note, I think an important aspect of deciding our major is to think about where your long term values lie. How do you rank thinks such as, work life balance, financial stability, happiness, working with others, etc. and let that guide you to a career and major that aligns to what you want out of life.
I would recommend the book Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans - it provides great guidance on self exploration and discovery.
Shelia Bereszniewicz
Seller enblement
62
Answers
Woodstock, Georgia
Updated
Shelia’s Answer
Hi Rebecca - You've already gathered some fantastic insights!
Choosing a career is a significant decision, and it's crucial to find something you're truly passionate about. Understand your motivations and ensure your choice aligns with them. Never opt for a career solely based on others' expectations unless it genuinely excites you. Remember, you're the one who will be investing time and effort into acquiring the necessary skills or degree.
Which classes do you enjoy right now or look forward to learning more about? What type of careers align to those classes? Does any of the potential careers excite you? Have you met with your school counselor yet?
Think about your answers and do some research. You may be surprised to know someone in that career who you can reach out to.
Remember, it's okay if the path you initially chose needs to be altered. Life can often surprise us, and you might find that a new direction suits you even better.
Choosing a career is a significant decision, and it's crucial to find something you're truly passionate about. Understand your motivations and ensure your choice aligns with them. Never opt for a career solely based on others' expectations unless it genuinely excites you. Remember, you're the one who will be investing time and effort into acquiring the necessary skills or degree.
Which classes do you enjoy right now or look forward to learning more about? What type of careers align to those classes? Does any of the potential careers excite you? Have you met with your school counselor yet?
Think about your answers and do some research. You may be surprised to know someone in that career who you can reach out to.
Remember, it's okay if the path you initially chose needs to be altered. Life can often surprise us, and you might find that a new direction suits you even better.
Charles R Smith
Developer
13
Answers
Cumming, Georgia
Updated
Charles R’s Answer
Your major should be based upon whatever you enjoy doing most and what you have a passion for.
Dave Scheff
Sr. Contracts Manager
12
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Dave’s Answer
Hi Rebecca,
For the first couple of years, you'll be taking mostly required classes and some electives. For the electives, see what interests you, what you like, what sounds like a fun thing about which to learn. No need to worry about your major until you really get to dig in and see what appeals to you. I didn't have one til my 3rd year of college.
Far too many people actively pursue what their parents want for them, or what they've always thought they "should" do (of my friends who became lawyers because of those reasons, most decided once they started working that it really wasn't for them).
The important thing is that it's your life and you get to choose how you want to spend it! Do something you like!
Best of luck!
For the first couple of years, you'll be taking mostly required classes and some electives. For the electives, see what interests you, what you like, what sounds like a fun thing about which to learn. No need to worry about your major until you really get to dig in and see what appeals to you. I didn't have one til my 3rd year of college.
Far too many people actively pursue what their parents want for them, or what they've always thought they "should" do (of my friends who became lawyers because of those reasons, most decided once they started working that it really wasn't for them).
The important thing is that it's your life and you get to choose how you want to spend it! Do something you like!
Best of luck!