Guide For Students On Choosing A Major

By Jocelyn Davidson


It is a great achievement to pass and get admitted in a college. Regardless, it also presents challenges for most students since this is the period of choosing a major. The importance of majors lies in the determination of the career to take. They also guide one in choosing what to further their knowledge in.

For instance, students specializing in history are more interested in the subject not the career. They will acquire skills and can work in other careers that are not being an historian. Majors which are focused on specific careers include business, education, medicine and engineering. These prepare the student for that specific career. There are several factors to consider when picking an area of specialization.

Several factors are used to determine an area of specialization. The first factor concerns what as individuals are interested in. This is also called passion and can involve a skill people think is natural to you. For example, if you enjoy helping friends with their school work and who constantly compliment this, specialization in education is a good option.

Secondly, talk to advisers, friends and upper classmen. Your friends know things about you that you do not. They may not necessarily tell you what to major in but they will give general pointers. Advisers and career experts advise on the requirements for particular disciplines. Using your strengths and weaknesses, they may also be able to point you to the courses you will find interesting.

Seniors or upper classmen are ahead of you and have made the major decision already. There is a lot one can learn from their mistakes, success stories and experiences. Your story does not have to be like theirs but learning from their mistakes is great. Professionals in the area of specialization to pursue provide insight into the real aspect of the career.

Another place to seek counsel is in the syllabus of subjects. Going through different assignments, books and lecture material may be a real eye opener. It is possible to easily tell what may be fun for you and what is not. If interesting enough then you may consider pursuing it otherwise it is just not for you. Where the college offering the subject is located also matters as relocating is expensive.

Do not think of job opportunity and salary potential as trivial. They should also feature during decision making. However, these issues should not take center stage as they should be matched to passion, ability and skills. A good career should be able to get you a job either employed or self employed and also cater for your basic needs. Affordability and the mode of financing should also be considered.

In conclusion, selecting a major should not be a matter of life and death. Just choose a discipline you are interested in and which has some resemblance to what you would like to do after college. Consider skills, passion and ability. If it does not work, you can always change the career or get back to school.




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