One of the most important decisions you’ll make in life is choosing your major in college. Although it may seem an exaggeration, a huge aspect of your future will be affected by your decisions while you’re still a student. Your future job and financial situation will rely on what field you’ll choose when you enroll at a university, so you need to be critical in selecting your major.
Before stepping into college, it’s helpful to consider a few things so that you’ll be able to pick the right major. Here are some considerations you need to think about before you select what you’ll pursue in college.
- Identify Your Interests
Choosing your major in college can significantly impact where you’ll work after you graduate. Some industries require technical skills such as engineering, architecture, or medicine. You won’t be able to work in these industries unless you have the proper education and training.
It can be challenging to choose your major before attending a university if you don’t know what you want to do. Most incoming first-year students struggle with selecting what they’ll take up for college since they don’t know what will best suit them.
If you pick a major that you’re not passionate about, you may fail your classes and lose motivation to study. Most college classes are focused on the area of study you’re pursuing, so you need to know your interests before selecting your major.
For instance, if you’ve always been fascinated by building designs or large structures and want to pursue a career related to that, you should major in architecture. It will teach you all the technical skills you need to become a professional in that field.
Identifying your interests will allow you to select a major that’s related to it. You’ll have an easier time adjusting to your classes, and you’ll enjoy your time as a college student if you love what you’re learning.
2. Read About The Majors You’re Considering
Your interests shouldn’t be the only basis when you’re selecting your major in college. In some cases, the classes you expect to take for a particular major may not be what you’ll get once you attend school.
Before you enroll in a university, you should pick a few fields you want to study first and evaluate them. You should read about them and see if the syllabus covers the areas you want to learn about.
For instance, you may want to take up a course related to history but don’t know which category you want. Various majors in college offer history-related classes, so reading a History Major guide can help you decide what field you want to focus on.
Doing your own research about your preferred majors will help you decide the right fit for you or if some areas are beyond your capabilities. It’s better to be sure about the field of study you want before you start school, rather than switching majors in the middle of your college journey. It will not only cost you more money but will also affect the timeline you’ve set for yourself.
3. Consider The Job Opportunities After College
There’s no question that one of the most common requirements companies ask during the hiring process is a college degree. Many high-paying jobs in the medical and corporate fields often require credentials that can’t be acquired without a college education.
Before you consider what major you’ll be getting, you should first identify if your chosen field has good career prospects. You’d want to pick a major that poses many career advancements and opportunities, especially since you need to support yourself once you finish college.
Of course, it doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice your interests just to have a better chance at landing a stable job after college. If you want to pursue a less popular career path, you should try to expand your expertise and knowledge while you’re still young, so you’ll at least have more skills to offer once you’re out in the real world.
Try to take extra classes outside of your major if you’re allowed to. This includes basic programming or coding classes, entrepreneurial classes, or even crafting classes since you never know when it’ll come in handy in the future.
4. Ask For Advice
Curiosity is a good thing when you’re trying to figure out the best major for you. Asking others about their experiences in college will give you a better idea of what you’ll go through as a university student.
You’ll inevitably go through a lot of stress and doubt during your time in college, so you need to find your resolve early on. Asking others about the advantages and disadvantages of a certain major will help you decide if it’s worth it. Asking for advice will also guide you in deciding the right major that fits your interests and skills.
5. Consider How Much Time You’ll Spend In School
Most college degrees can be completed in four years. However, some majors may require additional years of study, such as law or medicine.
The time you’ll spend in college will depend on several factors. Your academic performance, the field of study, and the university’s class system or schedules can all affect how much time you’ll spend in college. Moreover, if you’re planning to work your way through college, you might need more than four years to complete a typical degree.
If you wish to graduate and work as soon as possible, choose a major that only requires four years to complete. Meanwhile, if you plan to become a doctor or acquire a Ph.D., know that you need to spend more years of study than your peers.
Final Thoughts
Choosing your major in college can significantly impact the rest of your life. Your earning potential and career options depend on what field and specializations you’ll be taking. This is why you must evaluate your options carefully before you finally set your heart on a major.
Remember to consider your interests and capabilities, but there’s also nothing wrong if you would consider practicalities like the costs and time that you’re willing to invest in a college degree.
