When it comes to choosing majors in college, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed – it’s hard to decide what you want to do with the rest of your life! My College Guide to the rescue! We’ve got a few tips to help you choose a college major that’s right for you – and your future!
COG LOG LAB.
A job right out of college sounds nice, right? Well, there’s a few ways that you can figure out and narrow down your list of dream jobs – and the most employable majors! From the unique college major to the more unusual, some will make the job hunt a little easier on you than others – so, here’s a few questions to keep in mind when thinking “college major.”
Classes — What do you enjoy? Think about the types of classes that have kept you interested, the classes you’ve taken that you couldn’t wait until they started. Was it science, math, or literature? Have you ever considered a career path in any of these concentrations? You might want to start!
Hobbies – Do you love trekking around and taking pictures? Do you like drawing or gardening or decorating? These aren’t just fun things to do in your spare time – they are also potential career paths! Imagine doing something you love and getting paid for it!
Money – Are you looking to make the big bucks? While we would encourage you not to choose a career based on money, there are, of course, some that are going to pad your wallet better than others. Head to the Bureau of Labor statistics and see if the careers you are deciding on sound like a good match – but know that location and other factors can make your pay rate vary!
Demand – Are the careers you are considering projected to be in demand by the time you get out of high school? What are the most employable degrees? If you have your heart set on something super specific, even if it’s hard to find, it doesn’t mean you won’t find a job – and vice versa. Still, it’s good to know what’s available now and what’s going to keep being available if your circumstances change down the line.
John Kratz / John Kratz
Testing…1,2,3 – Another test? Well, sort of. There are many self assessment resources and tests out there (free and paid) that can help you get a better handle on the types of things you might want to consider as a career path. The Riley Guide is one such test with links to various other test assessment websites.
Listen In – If you want to learn more about a specific career from the people living it, you might want to see if you can find a career fair or field expo. Why not listen to speakers talk about the topic you are considering? Speak with attendees after the event and ask your questions –the answers can also help you get a better handle on whether or not it’s a good choice for you!
Perhaps your perfect career hasn’t been created yet! Think about it: computer and Smartphone technology, social media, and so many more have created relatively new careers that didn’t exist when your mom and dad were in college. While it probably won’t help you in your college major search, it just goes to show that your options can always change, so why not go with what you love?
It’s true that technically, you don’t need to choose a major until your third year of college. But there are a lot of advantages to selecting your concentration before you even set foot on campus, while you’re still in high school. Choosing early gives you the chance to take relevant AP courses and SAT subject tests that will let you test out of lower-level prerequisites, saving thousands of dollars on course tuition. You can also take the opportunity to find relevant internships early in the game, which will make you look more attractive to employers when you’re ready to find a full-time job.