Choosing a major can be one of the most daunting parts of getting your education, whether you are straight out of high school or a mature student. The following steps can help you make a decision that you can live with.
Be honest with yourself. Try to identify what you are truly passionate about. What are your priorities? What do you really enjoy doing? Don’t just choose a major because you think it will lead to a well-paying career; that will set you up for unhappiness and misery. Instead, be creative in finding ways that you can translate your skills and hobbies into a career. There are no rules here – with many schools allowing students to design their own majors, the sky is the limit!
Do your homework. When considering a few different majors, research the outlook of the jobs/industries you are considering, as well as potential salary. Use a variety of sources — books, websites, and other people — to learn about what you can really expect out of the careers you’re considering. Students in the course of study you are considering, as well as those working in the field you are considering, are invaluable resources for honest perspectives. In addition, specialized books and websites (available in your local library or via a simple Web search) summarize the trends in various fields, give you insight into what sorts of students succeed in various careers, and tell you at a glance which colleges offer the major(s) that strike your fancy.
Give it a try. If a career sounds great to you, then get your feet wet! Many experts recommend that you volunteer intern in the field you are considering. This experience will give you invaluable insight into what it’s really like to work into the field — before you start spending money on classes. In addition, this experience can give you a leg up, by helping you hone important skills and network within the field.
Plan ahead. Identify a desired endpoint, or a goal you would like to meet. Then, work backwards and learn what degrees you need to earn and classes you need to take. If you are planning on getting your master’s in social work, for example, that will affect what classes you take at the associate and bachelor’s degree level, as well as extracurricular activities, volunteer opportunities, and internships you may want to explore.