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Picking Your Major
How Important is the Choice of a College Major?
There are so Many and Your Job is to Choose Just One
There's considerable debate as to how important this decision really is. Some say it doesn't matter because the skills you build are universally valued. Others say it does matter because the major you choose can dictate the scope of your opportunities. Which point of view is "right" depends on your time frame.
In the Long Run
as you progress in your career, you build skills and knowledge that transcend your choice of major. after about three years of work experience, your degree begins to fade into the backdrop of your resume, and after about five years, it is relegated to the fine print. at that point, the degree is really a minimum requirement for employment more than a testament to your knowledge. So maybe your choice of major is not so important.
In the Near Future
Wait a minute! You still need to begin your career somewhere, gaining the work experience that will be valued more highly than your degree. a series of unrelated jobs won't help launch your career nor will a career in a field in which you have no interest. Think of it like a rocket trajectory -- at launch, you need to be pointed in the right direction; otherwise, it will take considerable energy to change your course later on. the major you choose can help to direct your career.
Why Your Major Matters
Here are some reasons for taking the decision seriously:
- You're about to invest several years of your life in studying something in great detail. It might as well be a subject in which you're interested.
- To maximize your psychological and financial payback from this investment of time and money, pick a launch pad that will send you in the desired direction.
- there are many careers that favor (or even require) one degree over another. You should be aware of what these careers are before you choose.
Despite the importance of choosing a major, the vast majority of students still make the decision haphazardly. there are two problems that frequently stand in the way of making an informed decision:
- the information required to evaluate your options does not exist in a practical form.
- the sheer number of options is daunting, making it easy to postpone the decision until you're well into college. Delaying this decision can result in a choice that's convenient, but unwise, or even a delayed graduation.
Take Your Time and Do the Research
Choosing a major is not a decision that can be made in two hours, two days, or even two weeks. Once you've narrowed the list of majors and careers that seem interesting, try each of them on for a while. For example, conduct some informational interviews and project yourself in the role. If you're not excited by the subject matter or can't see yourself in that type of career, then move on to others. after all, if you start early, you have plenty of time.
Choosing Your College Major
So, What are You Going to Do with Your Life?
Some students start college knowing exactly what they'd like to major in. Others don't know what to major in, or have a career goal but no knowledge of what majors will get them there. Most find themselves switching majors during college. Here are some tips, no matter where you fall in this range.
What is a College Major?
You're required to major in a specific academic subject (or professional field) to demonstrate sustained, high-level work in one field. Depending on the college, you might major in two fields, have a major and a minor, or even create your own major.
When Should I Declare a Major?
at most colleges, you aren't required to declare a major until the end of your sophomore year. If you're in a two-year degree program, you'll probably select a major at the start because your course of studies is much shorter.
How Do I Choose?
First- and second-year students usually take more general courses while they try and decide on a major. after this initial "shopping" period, coursework becomes more focused and specific. Make sure that genuine interest is there, though. You don't want to choose a major by process of elimination -- that could take a while.
Take courses in things that appeal to you, then try and focus on a subject that will interest and motivate you. You'll do better, and the motivation can continue through college and into a job.
What if I Want to Go to Grad School?
If you think law school, medical school, or grad school is in your future, some schools offer pre-professional majors (such as pre-med or pre-law). Most advisers suggest declaring a "normal" major unless you're set on your plans after college. as long as you fulfill a grad school's course requirements, it really doesn't matter what you major in.
Does My Major Dictate My Profession?
Sometimes. If you specialize in something like nursing, accounting, or engineering, you're learning a specific trade and will likely continue with that. Most majors, however, prepare you for a range of things that you will be trained to handle once you graduate. For most students, picking a college is not the same as picking a career. It will be up to you to go with what you like.
Remember, you're not alone. Choosing a major is usually done with the help of academic and peer advisers.
Succeeding in College
Making the Grade in College Classes
» Picking Your Major
The White House Initiative gratefully acknowledges collegeboard.com for providing the content found on this page.
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