In addition to filling out college applications, another important decision that high school seniors have to make is deciding what their major is going to be.
One of the most important factors in choosing the correct major should be based on your eventual field of employment. And although you don’t have to declare a major before entering college, it is an excellent idea to have narrowed down your major choices as you want to be sure the college you attend offers the major you want to pursue.
In order to choose a major you want to study, it is a good idea to do some self-reflecting and ask yourself some questions that may help you decide what major is the best fit for you.
These questions can include:
- What type of career do you see yourself in?
- What type of work do you enjoy?
- What are your interests?
- What type of skills do you possess?
- Do you have any hobbies that could turn into a career?
Answering these questions can help guide you to selecting the right major. Just remember that the major you decide on impacts the types of jobs you will be qualified for once you graduate from college.
For example, USA Jobs, the official website of the United States Federal Government, publishes a “guide to college majors” that shows hiring qualifications, by major, for all the different types of federal jobs.
It is also important to note that a lot of majors that a college offers have actual strands of emphasis. If you major in kinesiology, for example, your emphasis could be on athletic training, physical therapy, or physical education. So take the time to look at the college you are planning on attending and the major, and see if they specifically offer the emphasis you want.
Another good rule of thumb is to look at all of the jobs you see people performing on a daily basis and ask yourself, “Can I see myself doing that for a career?”
In addition, you can contact the department of the major you are thinking about at the college you are applying to and speak to someone about the classes needed to fulfill that particular major.
Selecting a major is definitely an important decision. You should do research on the major, be honest with yourself to make sure that is what you want to do, and remember that your major you choose will most likely determine what career you tackle in your future.
If you have any questions about the college application process and what you might want to major in, please feel free to contact us and set up an appointment as we offer a variety of programs that can best fit your needs.