Choosing the right college major can impact career paths, personal fulfillment, and education experiences. This post provides actionable steps for selecting a major that aligns with a student’s strengths, passions, and future goals.
Assess Your Interests
Every academic discipline provides a lens through which to view the world. They all seek to answer different questions with different tools. An archaeologist may ask questions about the mystery of Easter Island differently from an anthropologist, historian, or forensics specialist. The tools of their trade will determine how they explore those questions.
Reflect on hobbies and subjects that make you lose track of time. What is it about them that is so enjoyable to you? The outcome of the process? Reading about psychology is very different from being a psychologist.
Evaluate Your Strengths
A major that matches your natural talents can make coursework more manageable and enjoyable. Consider subjects where you excel academically and explore the research opportunities you can undertake in university. Some students may believe these are “easy” subjects, but this is subjective and specific to a student’s skill set. While school hones skills, university is a fast-paced application of those skills to different academic disciplines; keeping u[ is crucial.
Consider Career Goals
Some majors directly lead to specific career paths, while others provide more flexibility.
Research what majors are typically required or preferred for the careers you are interested in. For example, a degree in Biochemistry or Bioinformatics may be a good choice if you want to pursue a career in Microbiology. Once you have narrowed your options, you can peruse the courses required for these majors across different colleges. Or, you could work the other way around: begin by looking at the career opportunities available to different majors. Many majors offer skills that are transferable to other industries. A degree in English Literature can lead to a career in law, journalism, or education.
Research Potential Majors
Understanding the reality of a major helps you make a more informed decision. Look into the course requirements of the majors you are interested in. Chances are these requirements will vary depending on the specific values and ethos of the college in question. Many American universities promote an interdisciplinary approach to academics. So, a STEM student may find themselves in a class about the ethical implications behind stem cell and gene therapies.
Explore the kinds of projects, internships, and research opportunities available within each major. Ideally, participate in a research project or internship before enrollment in university to get a sense of the day-to-day work.
Read testimonials or watch videos from students or professionals in the field. If possible, engage with college students through information sessions or campus visits. American universities offer a relatively large degree of freedom in navigating your academic choices. College students can share their experiences to inform their academic trajectory.
Keep Job Market Trends in Mind
Some majors offer better job prospects due to industry growth or demand. If being in a particular country is important to you, then you will need to research market trends in fields you are interested in in those specific places. Certain majors might lead to higher employability or emerging industries (e.g., STEM, AI, healthcare). Strike a balance between passion and practicality when considering job market data.
Don’t Be Afraid to Explore
Choosing a major is a process of self-discovery. Many students enter college undecided and change majors as they discover new interests. Use your freshman year to take a few introductory courses in fields you have always been curious about or are unfamiliar to you. You may also pursue a double major or major-minor combination to diversify your interests and have a more flexible and unique repertoire of skills at your disposal.
Discovering Your Career with the Japanese technique of “Ikigai” | Ivy Central
