A lot of pressure is put on students to pick a major that will make them financially successful, but that’s not always the best idea. On the other hand, some people wind up being unhappy in their careers because they went with their passion instead of their strengths. Feeling overwhelmed? Pair that with the thousands of majors being offered, and you’re sure to find yourself stressed about making the right decision for your future.
Don’t worry if you’re not sure about your major—you’re not alone. Here are a few things you should consider before you settle on the best choice for you.
Identify Your Interests, Values, and Abilities
Don’t choose a major just because it’s the latest trend. Instead of jumping on the bandwagon, determine if the major you’re considering matches your interests, abilities, and values. It’s also a good idea to give yourself some room to grow because, with the right exposure, some of your interests and values may solidify later in life. And if you have an interest or passion for something, why not get paid for it?
Consider the Future
Will you still enjoy your career path years down the road? Is it employable? Will it pay enough? Is it sustainable? Is there enough room for growth? These are important questions to consider when choosing a major.
A safe way to stay out of problematic situations is not to choose a super niche degree that limits employment opportunities. Doing so will also keep you from picking a major that will become obsolete with rapid technological advancements.
Choose the Right School
If you know what you want to pursue, choose a school popular for offering quality education in that particular field. Even if you haven’t decided yet what to major in, you can shortlist some suitable schools and look at what programs they are offering. Also, consider a college or university with a good alumni network—it can go a long way towards helping you in your career growth.
Take Time to Decide
Choosing a major doesn’t have to be an overnight decision. That’s because it will affect your life for years to come, so it’s important to give it careful thought.
Even university advisors suggest students avoid choosing majors immediately. Instead, they encourage students to take time to experiment with different courses before declaring their majors.
You can even consider taking a gap year or a semester off to travel to find yourself before deciding.
Get Help
While you are the only one who can make the final decision, it’s always a good idea to take the opinions of others and learn from their experiences or insights. For instance, you could talk to your advisors, career counselors, and parents. You can even speak with your peers – who, even though they’re in the same boat as you, can sometimes offer excellent advice.
Allow Yourself to Change Your Mind
According to the NY Times, 61% of the students at the University of Florida change their minds about their major by the time they reach the end of sophomore year. So, if the same thing happens to you, don’t worry—you’re in the majority if you’re second-guessing your decision! As you evolve as a person and in university, you may find out that a particular major isn’t right for you anymore. And that’s okay!
Key Takeaway
Remember that college or university brings so many new experiences. Living on-campus or off-campus in the rooms for rent in Oshawa, meeting new people, making new friends, new experiences, and more—it can all be a lot to take in at once! If you’re happy with your major and the path you’ve chosen, you may find it easier to settle into the other changes.
Indeed, choosing a major can be one of the most challenging decisions in life. The good news is that by following the tips given in this post, you can work your way towards the decision that’s best for you.
