Making Major Decisions

“What do you want to be when you grow up?”
“What is your career goal?”
“What are you planning to study in college?” These typical questions are the things nightmares are made of. Parents, family members, and prying adults interrogate you, constantly wondering what you want to do with your existence. It comes up at birthday parties, meetings, and dinner conversations, only getting worse as you get older. Many of us thought we had our futures set when we were younger, dreaming of careers as firemen, movie stars, and astronauts. Yet, now that we are older and wiser (maybe), we may not have the same aspirations as before. What seemed like black and white when you were ten is becoming grayer by the second. And, with Decision Days just around the corner for many colleges and universities, time is ticking away. You’re definitely feeling the heat. And, while you try to dodge these questions left and right, the time comes when you face reality and ask yourself, “What do I want to do with my life?” Students across the nation are thinking the same things as you, so it’s not like you need to panic. To figure out what you want, just take these easy steps.

Become Curious

When you visit potential colleges, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Colleges love it when you want to know more about their course and classes. Ask questions about majors, their requirements, and assessment tools to help you find the major that fits you perfectly. Research majors at home to find the perfect major for you. Study up on careers, and jobs that coincide with these different careers. There are over 50 unique majors available to students from colleges and universities. You may find one that fits you well.

Play the Waiting Game

Contrary to the belief that you have to pick your major right now, it’s okay for you to wait until you get to college. The economy is in a bad shape and getting a job is harder than ever. When you pick a major, you want to be sure that this is what you want because it has an effect on your future. If you’d like, take required courses, just to get them out of the way. Start at a community college and by the time you finish, you’ll have all your energy focused on your major at a university. However, don’t wait too long to pick a major. If it takes you until junior year to figure out what you want to do, then so be it. But secondary education is very expensive, so don’t waste too much time deciding.

Make Sure You’re Passionate

There is no point in working a job you hate, no matter how much money it gets you. To work a job you love means never feelings as if working a day in your life. Just because one major guarantees you financial stability, doesn’t mean that it’s the right pick for you. Find your niches and use them to your advantage. You can take opinions and suggestions from others, but don’t let them choose for you. Whether it’s culinary, computer science, art or biology, as long as you love it and you’re good at it, it’s right for you. Choosing your future is scary and intimidating. It feels like what you choose as your major is the “be all, end all” of your life. This only adds more stress then needed. NEWS FLASH! Just because you pick a major, doesn't mean you cannot change your mind again. Many college students change their majors, several times. Never feel like you need to panic and stress over this decision. The future is yours, so relax and choose wisely.