Choosing a Major

I am often asked about how one goes about choosing a major.  Students are pressured by this question.  I wrote an article for the Independent a few years back on this question that is pondered over and over.  And still to this day (I’m 32 now), I think if I were in college, I would still be changing my major.  Here’s the article:

A Minor Detail: Choosing a Major in College
by Melissa Mellott

Ten years ago I was a first generation college student overwhelmed by all of the details of the college process—especially that of choosing a major. I signed up as an Occupational Therapy major because it sounded interesting. But a failed biology class and miserable internship later and I had become part of a statistic: On average, college students will change their major 3-5 times before graduation. I switched from Occupational Therapy to Business to Liberal Arts. After working with hundreds of college students as an admissions counselor, and going through the experience myself, I believe choosing a major is stressful because of the belief that it is the beginning step toward a career that you’ll be locked into. The truth is, however, people out of college continue to grow, explore, and change their careers throughout their lives.

With that in mind, think of college as a place that provides opportunities for discovering yourself and your interests. Two college degrees, a book, and a few loans later, I realize that I learned about what disciplines appealed to me by exploring ones that ultimately didn’t interest me. You may start as a pre-med and after a fainting spell in the lab, realize it’s not for you. Or perhaps you are undecided in a major and don’t even know where to begin—business seems appealing…perhaps engineering…what about psychology. For many students, the path to choosing a major is mapped by academic advisors, the career center, and friends and family. The following are suggestion about how to help you choose the major that’s best for you.

» General Education Requirements are the classes that every student, no matter their major, must take to graduate with a bachelor’s degree. Besides making you a well-rounded student, these classes are an opportunity to experience different subjects and to evaluate where your interests and strengths lay.

» Study Abroad lets you live in and learn about a new country and offers one of the most intellectual and personal growth opportunities for a student. Financial aid and scholarships are generally available for studying abroad.

» Can’t choose between all of the great majors? Choose a minor or even double major. To minor, you will most likely be in college an extra semester; count on an extra year for double majoring.

» Internships give you hands-on experience and a foot-in-the-door approach. They offer a glimpse into the real-life aspect of working in a specific field. Internships also provide additions to your resume and reference list and can even land you a job after you graduate.

» Intrigued by what a day-in-the-life of a professional is like? Plan a time to interview or shadow them. Ask what they studied, what they like most and least about their job.

» What about a job? Working 10-15 hours a week, whether it’s on campus or off, is insight into the work world. Don’t settle for the cafeteria or library; get connected to something that relates to your interests and major.

» Get a life! Join a club, go Greek or volunteer. Extracurricular activities are another way to learn more about yourself, relieve stress, enjoy the fun and games of college.

» An academic advisor will be assigned to you when you enter college. They are key players in structuring your class schedule, talking with you about different requirements for different majors, and offering guidance. It’s best to meet with your academic advisor every semester or quarter to re-evaluate and assess your academic and career goals.

» The Career Center is a good place to start researching which majors lead to different careers. It is also a great place to get personality tests to assess your strengths.

» Lastly, multicultural offices, women’s centers, and other advocacy offices are good resources for major and career information and counseling.

Most importantly, select a major that intrigues and excites you, and stretches your thinking. Perhaps the challenges—and even the failures—will steer you closer to the right path. Choosing a major is the first stepping stone to your goals and career, but the impact of your experiences in college will stay with you a lifetime.

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