Last Updated on May 31, 2023
Most college freshmen change their major at least once. This is totally normally. Not many students start college knowing exactly what they want to do, so they try different things out until they find something they love.
Choosing your major is an important step in life. It is a major determining factor in how well you are likely to do in school and what kind of career you will have. If you enjoy your major, you are more likely to do well in your classes, and, your degree will boost your resume so you can land that dream job.
Start Somewhere
When you enroll in classes, you'll have to start somewhere. Take some classes in interests or hobbies you have. For example, if you have an interest in foreign languages, take some French classes. Or, if you've always loved to doodle in your spare time, take some art classes.
Talk to an Advisor
Meet with an academic advisor at your school to determine what kinds of jobs you could have using the talents and skills you have. If some of those jobs interest you, take more classes in that subject area. If they don't, try taking some classes in related areas.
Job Shadow and Do Internships
Once you narrow your major and career path to a few different choices, you may want to job shadow someone. Either talk to someone you know, or see if your academic advisor can help you find someone who works in your field. See if you can spend a day on the job with them, or even just meet for lunch.
As you get closer to nailing down a major, you'll want to make sure your get some hands-on experience in the field. Internships and even one-time volunteering opportunities can help you determine if you're on the right path. If you find you love doing what your major requires, chances are you've found a winner.
Sooner or later you'll have to make a decision. Choose a major you are interested in, have a passion for and can see yourself immersing yourself in for the next several years. Many times, as you work deeper into your major, your love of the subject will grow. The more you learn and the more skilled you become, the more excited you will be about what you're doing.
Choosing a major is a big decision, but it doesn't have to be stressful. Take your time, experiment and test the waters where you can. Sooner or later you will run into something you absolutely love, and you won't want to waste any time jumping in.
Jill Hardy writes for UniversitiesOnline.net, a website that can help college students find and enroll in the best colleges online.
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