With the costs of college degrees on the rise, many ask: why attend college, if you don’t plan to use your degree? Students everywhere struggle to justify their reasons for applying to university. The process of narrowing down your course of study to one particular major has never been an easy one, even before this added pressure. That’s why college counselors are well-trained to help students figure it out! Today, we’re proud to share the official Empowerly’s Guide to Choosing a Major. This is a helpful guide to steer you toward your dreams, no matter your starting point.
From STEM majors to humanities enthusiasts, college hopefuls in every discipline can feel doubt can creep in…
How do I start to choose a major?
The good news is that there is no pressure to make a decision right away! It’s very common for students to change their majors at some point in their college careers. Most schools do not even require you to declare a major until the spring of your sophomore year. In addition, you will usually have the option of declaring a double major or minoring in something else that interests you.
But the choice of a major does impact your employment opportunities after graduation. So if you’re feeling completely lost, here are some guidelines to help you navigate this decision.
Here is Empowerly’s Guide to Choosing a Major:
Go ahead, download it! This is Empowerly’s Guide to Choosing a Major. This guide provides pointers, advice, and reassurance from start to finish.
We’re proud to provide this knowledge free of charge to any student who needs help. Read through it, share it with friends, post it on social media, and reference it any time. We hope it helps!
This is a preview of what you’ll find inside…
It’s Major! How and Why Your Major Matters
Pros and cons to declaring a major, as a college applicant.
Tips for Exploration and Discovery
We’ll take you all the way from A to Z. Which sounds most like you?
- Stage 1: Beginning (“Help! I’m just starting out.”)
- Stage 2: Intermediate (“Okay, I have ideas but I’m not sure how to narrow it down.”)
- Stage 3: Advanced (“I’m already in college and I’m still not sure!”)
Double Majoring and More
Double, triple, or minor? Let’s review all the pathways.
Understanding Undeclared
And more.
In conclusion, choosing a college major is a significant decision that requires careful consideration and self-reflection. By following key strategies and taking into account personal interests, skills, values, and career goals, students can make an informed choice that aligns with their individual needs and aspirations.
Self-assessment is a crucial first step in choosing a college major. Students should reflect on their passions, strengths, and areas of interest. Exploring subjects that genuinely excite them and considering how they can translate those interests into a fulfilling career can provide valuable insights when narrowing down major options.
Researching various majors and career paths is essential. Students should gather information about the curriculum, courses, and potential job prospects associated with different majors. They can seek guidance from academic advisors, career counselors, and professionals working in fields of interest. Understanding the skills and knowledge required for each major can help students evaluate their own aptitude and enthusiasm for a particular field.
Exploring internships, volunteering, or part-time jobs related to potential majors can provide hands-on experience and valuable exposure to different industries. This practical experience can offer insight into the day-to-day realities of a profession and help students assess their level of interest and fit within a particular field.
Considering long-term career goals and job market trends is also important. Students should research the demand for professionals in their desired fields and explore potential career paths. It is important to strike a balance between pursuing one’s passion and choosing a major that offers viable job prospects upon graduation.
Seeking advice and input from mentors, professors, and professionals can provide valuable perspectives and guidance during the decision-making process. These individuals can share their experiences, insights, and offer advice based on their own expertise and knowledge of the field.
Lastly, it is important for students to keep an open mind and be willing to explore different options. College is a time of growth and self-discovery, and it is common for students to change their major or career path along the way. It is important to remember that choosing a major does not define one’s entire career and that flexibility and adaptability are valuable qualities in an ever-changing job market.
In conclusion, choosing a college major is a personal and important decision. By conducting self-assessment, researching different majors, gaining practical experience, considering career goals, seeking guidance, and keeping an open mind, students can make an informed choice that aligns with their passions, strengths, and aspirations. Ultimately, the goal is to choose a major that provides a solid foundation for personal growth, academic success, and a fulfilling career.
All that and more is why we bring you Empowerly’s Guide to Choosing a Major. Whether you intend to graduate from college with a double major, a dual degree, a single major with a minor, or even a triple major, consider your choices fully. Reading through this guide is a great place to start. And remember, you can always reach out to the Empowerly community for more support.
Still not sure how to get started?
That’s what we are here for! The Empowerly counselors have experience helping with every part of the college application, including passion discovery and choosing a major.
We get it: this is a lot of information, and this can be confusing. If you’d rather ask someone else to decode it for you, consider hiring a college counselor. To learn more, book a consult today.
