Picking a major (of the college variety) is one of those huge life-decision things that can get pretty intimidating. It is very good to study something you are interested in, but it is also important for your future and life satisfaction.
But how do you know what the right one is for you?
With this in mind, let us go over some realistic things and tips to keep in perspective apart from love. You need to take the path that’s right for now and also in terms of where your life journey should go ten, twenty, or even thirty years from now.
1. Know Your Strengths
Understanding your strengths is just as important as having a passion. For instance, if you enjoy art but struggle with visual creativity, you might want to look into a career in a field that is more in line with your interests and strengths. Museum studies or art management might be a good fit for you if you enjoy organizing and curating. You can narrow your options and see where you might excel by focusing on your strengths.
Tip: Engage in conversation with close friends, family, or mentors. Ask them what they think you’re good at naturally. Sometimes, strengths you didn’t know you had can be seen from the outside.
2. Take a Look at the Demand for the Job
You’ve probably heard it before: some majors provide greater job stability than others. However, what does that imply? Demand in the job market simply means how likely it is that you will get a job in your field after graduation. Check to see if the major you’re considering corresponds to established or expanding industries.
Engineering, technology, and healthcare, for instance, are in high demand right now. On the other hand, job opportunities are decreasing in some fields, like traditional journalism. That doesn’t mean you can’t try these things, but you should have reasonable expectations going into it.
Tip for Research: Utilize resources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to research employment trends. You can get a clear idea of what’s hot and what’s not by looking at how they frequently project growth rates for particular industries over the next ten years.
3. Take into Account the Potential Salary
Although money isn’t everything, it does affect your quality of life. Consider the salary range for entry-level positions in that field and potential mid-career earnings when choosing a major. For instance, college majors in engineering or computer science typically start at a higher salary than those in the social sciences or the arts.
Again, this does not mean that you should choose a major solely based on your potential income, but it is something to think about if you are concerned about your financial future. If you’re leaning toward a lower-paying career, consider these questions: Will you be able to live that way without any problems, or will you need to learn new skills to make up for it?
Tip for Salary Research: Real-world insights into typical salaries for various fields are provided by websites like Glassdoor, PayScale, and LinkedIn Salary Insights.
4. Examine the Course Work and Academic Fit
It’s easy to get caught up in the appeal of a major without thinking about how it will play out in real life. Some majors emphasize research, while others emphasize hands-on experience. Even if you enjoy the subject, a science degree may be exhausting if you don’t like constant lab work.
Therefore, examine the kinds of classes you’ll be taking more closely. Are there a lot of field studies, lab work, or group projects? Is there a significant amount of writing or independent study required? To ensure success without exhaustion, tailor the academic structure to your learning style.
Tip for Research: On the website of your potential college, look through the curriculum for the major. You can get a sense of what’s involved by looking at the breakdown of the required core and elective courses provided by most universities.
5. Consider Your Long-Term Objectives
When choosing a major, it is helpful to consider your desired life after college. Do you envision a job that allows for flexibility and a work-life balance? Or do you want a job that gives you clear opportunities for leadership and advancement? The best major for you may be heavily influenced by your career goals.
Let’s say you ever want to work from home; A degree in digital marketing or information technology might be a good fit for that goal. Alternately, majors in social work or nursing might be a better fit for you if you want to help people in person.
Tip for Setting Goals: Write down your ideal work-life balance in a few minutes. The next step is to seek out majors and career paths that complement that goal. You might be able to find a field that fits your career and lifestyle goals with the help of this exercise.
6. Don’t Forget About Opportunities for Internships and Networking
Some majors come with more opportunities for internships and networking, which can be very important for getting a job after graduation. For instance, partnerships with local businesses give students an advantage in the job market in business and engineering programs. Humanities majors, on the other hand, may not have as many clear paths to specific careers, necessitating more active networking.
Internships are a fantastic way to gain firsthand experience without making a full commitment if you are unsure about a particular field. For early professional networking and real-world exposure, choose a major that aligns with internship opportunities.
Tip for Networking: Even if you are a freshman or sophomore, you should go to career fairs. You can get a better idea of what to expect after graduation if you get to know professionals in your field and companies early on.
7. Find a Balance Between Passion and Practicality
Passion can motivate people and make learning truly enjoyable. However, if your passion doesn’t lead to a long-term career, you might want to look into other options or find ways to incorporate it into your life outside of work. A lot of students choose a major that gives them a chance to work in fields that also provide job security and growth.
A double major or a minor is one option. You could major in marketing and minor in English if you’re passionate about creative writing but worried about your job prospects. You’ll be able to pursue your interests while building a solid foundation of skills after graduation.
Tip: Consider double majors or major-minor combinations that allow you to combine practicality with passion. You can explore both interests through flexible programs at many universities.
Conclusion
Ultimately, it is a balance between studying what you love and paying the bills. When you know your strengths, the job demand and salary potential, course load, and overall, reflect on what is important to you in life before deciding.
Also, it’s fine; sometimes, combining your interest with something to pursue as a career can lead you to the best of both worlds. You should consider the above options and take your time, but do remember to major in staple majors that excite you as well — anything else would be nothing short of augury.