Clueless About a College Major? Three Steps to Help Get a Sense of Direction

Clueless About What to Major In? 

Last week, in Six Reasons to Explore Careers BEFORE Applying to College, I explained why it makes sense to have a sense of direction before applying to college; this week, I explain how. 

While some students know what they want to major in, and others have at least some sense of direction, many have no clue. On the one hand, you’re young, and you have time! On the other, lacking direction can be stressful, and college is expensive!

So, what can you do to help you gain a sense of direction before you apply to college?

Three Steps to Help You Get a Sense of Direction Before Applying to College

ONE: Know Yourself.

Research shows that certain types of people are attracted to and find fulfillment in certain professions. Based on this knowledge, students should take a free Myers Briggs Personality Test to learn about their personalities and a Holland Code Career Test to access a list of careers to check out. Knowing the answers to these questions and how they may inform your future can help you narrow down your choice of college major.

💡Expert Tip: Ask yourself: “What motivates me? What are my values? How much time do I want to spend in school? What interests me?”

TWO: Explore.

Next, learn about careers that are potentially good fits. Specifically, understand the education and/or certifications required, salary range, and career outlook.  Understanding how potential college majors and careers fit with your life aspirations will help you identify majors that will help you reach your goals.

💡Expert Tip: Explore careers of interest using at O-Net’s My Next Move, the Department of Labor’s Occupational Handbook, and professional associations.

THREE: Get the Inside Scoop. 

Finally, after learning about yourself and some careers that interest you, talk to people in the field. It is one thing to read about jobs and another to hear about jobs from the people doing them. Speaking with people about their own professional experiences and journeys will help you understand what majors to consider if you have a specific career in mind.

💡Expert Tip: Conduct informational interviews with professionals and shadow people who have jobs you are interested in.

If you could benefit from working with an expert to guide you in your major and career exploration, help ensure you get a positive return on your college investment, and reduce the stress and anxiety associated with the college admissions process, please reach out to kathy@fineeducationalsolutions.com.