Choosing a major is one of the most important choices you'll make in college. Some say it doesn't matter, but I think it does.
But I don't think it's about choosing the major that has the potential to make you the most money. I think you should choose a major based on something else.
Check out the video below from the Pearson Students Blog to find out what you should think about when choosing the right major for you:
From the Ask Isa inbox:
Dear Isa,
I will be a freshman this fall and my current major is early childhood education. I've always wanted to be a teacher since my first day of kindergarten.
But lately, the thought of being a teacher has not been connecting with me. I am a helpful person and I want to make a difference in peoples lives. I am known to give good advice and I love helping others.
What should my major be if I'm not sure if I want to be a teacher anymore?
Sincerely,
Changing Majors
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Dear Changing Majors,
I can SO relate to this as I too thought I wanted to be a teacher most of my life. However, the more I learned about what it really takes to be a good public school teacher the more I realized it wasn't the best fit for my skill set and interests.
Eventually I learned there were many careers that help, connect with, and teach people.
For most people it's impossible to know exactly what your career is going to be after college. By the time we get to college most of us have only been exposed to the careers of our parents, our school teachers, and what we've seen on TV.
And there are countless jobs your generation will have after college that don't even exist yet.
There are so many choices and it can be overwhelming.
It's okay if you don't have it figured out right away.
However, having some direction is helpful when it comes to having enthusiasm for class each day and ensuring you graduate on time.
You don't want to graduate college without a good idea of what you are good at, what fascinates you, what problems you want to solve, and what value you add.
Below area few things you can do right now to start thinking about how careers fit in with your personality and interests:
1) Take this free myers briggs personality test to get your 4-letter code. Then, type in your 4-letter personality code (e.g. mine is ENFJ) into Google like this: "ENFJ Careers" and read up on the careers that are suggested.
2) Go to insidejobs.com and pick your favorite topics for the "What do you like" and "What are you good at" drop down menus and read up on the career options they suggest.
3) Take classes that sound interesting. Most people don't know their career until much later in life, so don't put too much pressure on yourself. Right now, focus on learning stuff that you find interesting. You'll be surprised at where the new knowledge might take you.
4) Get involved in a club. Working with others can teach you a lot about yourself and what kind of work you're best at. Notice what projects you gravitate towards and were you excel.
5) Interview people whose jobs you like, ask to job shadow them for a day, and start taking internships.
The best part about college is that it gives you options and opportunities to figure out your career along the way. A degree opens doors.
As long as you don't want to go into an industry that requires a specific degree, such as being a doctor, lawyer, or engineer, majoring in something that interests you will serve you well.
You're about to start a great adventure, and it's okay if you can't predict the end. Know that it will be a good ending if you commit yourself to the journey.
You can submit your question to the Ask Isa inbox here.
As I recently shared in a review of the outstanding career book, So Good They Can't Ignore You, you don't have to have it all figured out in college.
But when it comes to choosing your major and career, the sooner you find some kind of direction, the better. It's okay if that direction changes (it probably will) but having it will propel you towards graduation.
The key is to choose a major and future career path that matches your talents, interests, and economic need.
So below is a quick activity you can do right now to start to explore what this might be for you. I also highly recommend talking about this with a professor, career counselor, or professional mentor as soon as you can.
1. Take a piece of paper and draw two lines so that you have three columns.
2. In the left column, write "things I'm good at" and then list all of your skills and talents in that column. Think of your best subjects, the things people compliment you on, your people skills, your thinking skills - everything. Keep writing, no matter how long it takes, until you fill up the column.
3. In the far right column, write "things that bring me joy" and then fill up the column with everything that brings you joy. Don't analyze; just write. It can be hobbies, interests, things you like to do in your free time - anything. Just think about when you feel most alive and happy, and write it all down.
4. In the center column, write "something people pay for" and then see if any of the things that bring you joy in the right column match your strengths in the left. Draw connecting lines between anything that seems like it could have a match, and then write on the line where they intersect (in the center column) what kind of jobs could match that talent and interest. Be creative, and consider how your skills and interests translate into doing something people would pay for. And then consider what major(s) would qualify you for that kind of job.
5. Keep your list and don't feel like you have to fill up the middle column right away. You may only come up with one thing, or you may feel stumped. That's okay. The process is the important part, and it's a process you should continue throughout college. Continue to edit your list, and bring it to a mentor for advice.
If you find your skill or interest column is lacking, let that be a reminder to build more skills (e.g. studying, reading) and try new things (e.g. volunteering, clubs, or internships) so that you can build your career capital and have even more options for your future career.
