The process of choosing a major is different for everyone. Some people know from the time they are small what their calling is. Others determine what they want by spending a short amount of time observing someone working. Still others spend several semesters of school courses taking classes in that major before they decide. If you are wondering what you should major in, consider these tips to narrow down your choices.
1. What Are Your Interests and Skills?
Consider what you are good at and what you enjoy. Are there classes that come naturally to you? These can give you some direction in your search. Even though you may have natural skills and talents doesn’t mean they are the only things you can excel at. You may discover new abilities as you are introduced to new material. Or you may strengthen skills that did not come naturally, to the point that they are more interesting than your initials skills were to you.
2. What Are Your Passions?
Spend some time getting to know yourself. What things are important to you? What types of things motivate you? Some examples of things that you might be passionate about are leadership, helping others, challenging yourself, teaching people, gaining prominence, creating beautiful things or solving difficult problems. Think of ways you can incorporate your passions into your work. You will have a higher degree of satisfaction in your job if you are passionate about what you do.
3. How Much Money Do You Need and Want To Make?
You may not have any financial obligations yet but they will soon come. It’s important to plan ahead to determine how much money you will need to make to support the lifestyle you would like to live. Regardless of the amount of money you make, you can find a way to live within your means; however, if you know what you want, you can plan for it more effectively. Determine what your expenses might be in the future and how much you will need to make. Then focus on occupations that will support your financial needs.
4. Research Majors & Career Choices
Choosing a major is much broader than choosing a career. A major teaches you general skills that can prepare you with skills you can apply to a variety of fields and occupations. Find out what you can do with the major or majors that interest you. You can thoroughly research majors in a variety of ways including researching on the internet, interviewing academic advisors, career counselors and professionals in the field, job shadowing and through internships in field.
5. Money versus Happiness Scale
While making money is important, and even essential, being happy is also equally crucial. Many jobs require between 40 and 50 hours of work per week. That’s between one fourth and one third of your time each week. If you’re going to be spending this much of your time working, it’s important to find something you’re going to be happy doing. If your choice is between a job that makes more money but is less enjoyable and something you love to do but has less earning potential, you’re going to have to decide what is more important to you but more times than not, you will be more successful in a career you enjoy and find ways of improving the financial aspects.
6. Narrowing Down Your Search & Planning For the Future
As you come closer to what you think you’d like to choose as a major, remember that you don’t just have to choose one option. You can double major or obtain a minor to increase your career options. It is wise focus on an area of interest but to also have a variety of skills that can transfer to other industries. This can help you should you desire to change your occupation in the future, which is common.
7. A Practical Assessment
Before you jump headlong into a career, take an honest assessment of where you are now and what your decision requires of you. Are you willing to do what is required to succeed? Do you have enough motivation to make it through difficult classes and the required years of schooling? It’s good to make plans that can challenge you and encourage you to grow, but if you know it is more than you can handle, you may need to come up with a more realis