The SATs are done and the college acceptance letters have arrived. The hard stuff is done, right?
Wrong. Now comes the tricky part, finding the answer to “what should I study in college?
Picking what to study in college is very important. One-third of college students choose a major and then change it within three years.
If you’re wondering how to choose a major, don’t panic. We’ve got five tips to help you determine what to study in college.
1. Ask Yourself Important Questions
First things first, spend some time thinking about what you want in your life. Your career is important. When you enjoy what you do, motivation is easy.
There are many things to major in, which makes limiting your area of studies difficult. While you may feel overwhelmed at the possibilities, asking yourself key questions helps you determine what to pursue in college.
Let’s review a few questions that can help determine your career path.
What Do You Want to Do Every Day?
Your dream job is something that makes you feel fulfilled. When you were a child, what did you say you wanted to be when you grew up? Jogging your memory and thinking about what you enjoy allows you to determine the best fields to study in college.
What Is Your Ideal Salary?
When thinking about your future, what kind of money do you want to earn? While choosing a major based on your passions is important, you must also be realistic. If owning multiple houses and a boat are part of your plans, select a major with careers that support those dreams.
Where Do You Want to Live?
If travel is a top priority, pick a college major with plenty of opportunities.
Medical students can travel the world as locum doctors. Journalists follow stories from city to city. Chefs can work anywhere there is a restaurant. Keep travel and where you want to live in mind as you decide what to pursue in college.
2. Research Projected Job Opportunities
If you’re wondering “what major is right for me?”, research projected job opportunities. Not all degrees are created equal. Some students graduate with a plethora of job offers while others struggle.
Your dream job may not have the best outlook for growth, salary, and stability. If this is the case, it’s best to know sooner rather than after spending thousands on a college degree. Alter your plans and choose a similar career that has strong growth projections.
Research different industries and choose a major based on your findings. These majors have high growth potential and are guaranteed to pay off. They include finance, human resources, engineering, and computer science.
3. Read Job Descriptions
How to decide your major starts with identifying jobs you want to do. While you don’t have to narrow down your exact career path now, reading job descriptions for positions in your field aid in determining the right major.
Create a list of five possible jobs you would like to do. Research job positions and learn about what they require. Learn about the daily duties, salaries, and growth opportunities. If the description fits your personality, then you’re on the right track.
Job descriptions also show what type of credentials employers look for. While a bachelor’s degree is powerful, it may not be enough. Employers may require additional schooling, licensing, and credentials. If the requirements are too much, you may want to focus on a different industry.
4. Ask for Advice
For some students, answering the question of “which degree is right for me?” is not easy. But don’t forget you’re not alone. There are plenty of people who can guide you through choosing a college major and navigate your career path.
Talk to Students and Academic Counselors
Guidance counselors are available to help you transition into college. Talk to your counselors and teachers to learn about different majors. Ask what they think you would be successful in. Hearing an outside perspective goes a long way in decision-making.
Turn to older students who were in your shoes a year ago. If you know current college students, ask them how they chose their major. Try to find someone currently studying a major you’re interested in and ask how they’re enjoying it. It’s helpful to get real feedback from someone who’s a few steps ahead of you.
Ask Your Parents
Your parents want you to succeed, so let them help. Talk to your parents about their college experiences and what they think the best track is for you. Your parents can help you determine your strengths and weaknesses, which allows you to determine the most suitable college major.
Shadow Classes
If you’re stuck on what college major to pursue, contact your intended university or a local community college. Most schools allow students to shadow classes.
Students sit through a class and observe the classroom’s dynamics. Shadowing classes can help you learn more about the courses involved in a major, which plays a large role in deciding what to study in college.
5. Learn About the Courses
Before you commit to a college major, make sure you can handle the courses. Universities have plenty of material to assist freshmen in preparing for their courses. Read the packets, guides, blogs, and other supplies to help you understand what your major involves.
For example, some majors may be centered heavily on mathematics. If math isn’t your strong suit, then you may want to steer towards a different course of study.
How to Choose a Major and More
There is not an easy answer to how to choose a major. Picking the right college courses depends on your personality, goals, and strengths. If you take your time and do your research, you’ll have no trouble choosing the most suitable major for your future.
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