Picking a major can be a stressful part of college. Some people know what they want to study before they’ve finished high school, others enter their third year of college with only general classes under their belt, and a large number of students change their major at least once! With such a large decision to make, and many options to choose from, how can you narrow down your options in order to pick the right major for your future?
Visit the Career Center
A quick stop by the career center can prove to be an enlightening experience. It will have professionals that can help determine what field you might be best suited for. They’ll be able to inform you about upcoming career fairs, too, where you’ll get the chance to meet professionals from a range of different fields. You can also speak with your personal advisor to share any interests, ask any questions you may have, or assist you with setting up potential internships where you can experience parts of certain jobs first hand or at least give you the information necessary to speak with them.
Join Clubs and Organizations
Not only are they fun, but clubs and organizations give you the opportunity to meet new people and learn more about subjects that interest you. These will also look great on your resume and give you a chance to try out things that you might not otherwise have attempted within your education. You’ll build connections as well as discover fresh avenues to explore.
Take a Range of Classes
Another great way to broaden your choices is to take a wide variety of classes. Sure, you know you enjoy philosophy, so it makes sense to take several classes on the subject, but try signing up for classes that you’re unsure about. Have you ever taken an art class? Politics? Writing? Even a business class might be more interesting than you might think. The only way to find new interests is to try new things, and classes are a requirement to graduate regardless, so you might as well take a few that are outside your comfort zone.
Ending Thoughts
Utilizing your campus resources is one of the best ways to find the right major to pursue your future career. Contrary to popular belief, your major does not determine every aspect of your future career. Whether you want to become a scribe, a writer, or even a personal trainer, you can rest easy knowing that you are not locked into one career for the rest of your life, or even the same area, for that matter–some careers require specific degrees or licenses, like being a doctor or lawyer, but for the most part, there is a fair level of freedom. However, if you’ve got a specific path you would like to explore, these tips can help you choose the closest major to fit your career aspirations.