How to Pick a Major

Written by: Cindy Haeck February 12, 2012

How to pick a college major? Now there’s a million dollar question to ponder. It’s not quite the same as picking a restaurant…or a pair of jeans…or a new car. Or is it?

If you’re picking a restaurant, you typically select something that offers what you like at a price you can afford. You want your meal to be nutritious, satisfying, and to hold you over until it’s time to eat again. Shopping for jeans is similar. You look for the pair that fits your body type, offers the fashion style you prefer, and is at a price point your budget can handle. When you cruise the car lot, what’s your eye drawn to? Your favorite color…style…function…extras…everything YOU prefer.

So why is picking a college major such a challenge for many? To be truthful, it’s often that we put more time and thought into picking a restaurant, pair of jeans or car than we do our life focus. When was the last time you reflected on your interests, values, skills, strengths, experiences before you picked classes for the semester? Sure…there may be those classes you have to take, but even then most colleges offer students some choices.

If you’re struggling with how to do this, take advantage of the resources available at your school. Most high schools have counselors. Use them to help you consider a few options. Tap into the Career Services at your college. Explore a couple of the following reputable websites…and start to narrow down the major that’s right for you! We each have a unique purpose. No two paths will be exactly the same. So…what’s YOUR major?

https://www.onetonline.org/
https://www.bls.gov/k12/
https://www.careerkey.org/


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