Eleven Things Every Student Should Know about Picking a Major - Geneva College
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Eleven Things Every Student Should Know about Picking a Major

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College Preparation

Picking a major isn't easy. In fact, a recent survey published in Business Wire found that 66% of students feel overwhelmed by the process of selecting a major and more than half of all students wind up changing majors at least once.

How can you avoid becoming a statistic and spending unnecessary time and money pursuing a degree path before switching directions to obtain the degree that's right for you? Following are the eleven most important points to consider when selecting a major in order to make a wise, well-informed decision.

  1. Evaluate Your Abilities

What are your abilities? Do you know what you're good at? You probably already know the answer to these questions but get out a paper and pencil and make a list anyway.

Your list should also include soft skills. Initiative, the ability to solve problems, creativity, and good communication skills are in demand no matter what industry you wind up working in. 

  1. Evaluate Your Hopes, Dreams, and Aspirations

Following your dreams and passions isn't always the best course of action. You may not have the gifts and talents for the job you'd like to have one day. You may not be able to earn a good living in your dream field, or you may find your ideal job is not what you thought it was. At the same time, you shouldn't discount your desires, dreams, and passions when choosing a major unless you don't mind working at a job you hate long-term.

Your aspirations and dreams don't have to be specific in order to help you identify the right major. Even vague wishes and desires can help you narrow the list of majors to find the ones that best suit you. For instance, people who enjoy helping others may want to forgo studying business or math and instead pursue a major related to teaching, counseling, or the medical profession. Those who enjoy working with their hands may want to consider an engineering major. 

  1. Consider Your Long-Term Future

Your long-term goals play a vital role in selecting the right major. If you intend to work abroad, you'll want to select a major that multinational companies would find appealing. If you want to start your own business one day, select a major that provides you with the skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur.

You don't stop learning once you leave a university. You can still reach your dreams even if you don't have the "right" degree. However, you're investing a lot of time and energy in your major, so it's wise to pick one that will serve you well long-term.

  1. Be Realistic about Your Current Situation

Be honest in assessing your current situation and what you need in order to earn the degree of your choice. If you're short on finances, look up scholarships, loans, and grants to see which forms of aid you qualify for. If you will be working part-time or full-time while you study, make sure your class schedule is realistic or consider an online course.

  1. Consider the Options for Your Chosen Field

In many instances, you'll find that there are various major options for the career of your choice. Employers often look for people with related degrees in a particular field and aren't overly concerned with your exact major as long as it shows you have the knowledge needed to do the job at hand. However, some career options may have narrow regulations, require a specific degree, or give preference to job applicants with a particular degree.

  1. Evaluate the Cost

Some degrees cost more than others. If your chosen major is beyond your financial abilities, there are various ways in which you can fund your studies. Grants, scholarships, and financial aid are ideal but may not cover all your expenses. Student loans are widely available, but you'll want to evaluate your financial situation to ensure you can pay them back on time and in full.

If you don't have the financial resources needed to study your chosen field, don't despair. Chances are there is a related degree that will take you where you want to go without straining your budget. Do further research to find a major that meets your needs at a cost you can afford.

  1. Research the Job Market

You may have a passion for a particular field of study. You may be good it at, have long-term goals centered on obtaining the major of your choice, and even have the finances on hand you need to study the field. Even so, researching the job market isn't a step you'll want to pass up.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics has a handy list showing which occupations are experiencing the most job growth. Furthermore, it lists the median annual salary in just about any field. Research your major to see if jobs are readily available in the field of your choice and to know what your annual salary would look like. There is hardly anything more disappointing than investing time in studying a major only to find there are no job options related to your chosen field.

  1. Know the Workload

Once you have a shortlist of majors, look up the requirements for each one. Make sure you can attend the classes and complete assignments on time. It's never a good idea to start something you aren't sure you can finish. Researching the workload can also help you know how long it will take to complete your course of study.

  1. Get Professional Help

University counselors aren't just for teens graduating from high school or college. Counselors are experts in their field, and they can help you make smart decisions when picking a graduate degree. What's more, counselors aren't emotionally involved in your situation and so may see things that you've missed.

  1. Get to Know Your Field Ahead of Time

If you're switching careers and moving into a brand-new field, consider checking out MOOCs (Massive Open Online Classes) related to your chosen major. You won't get credit for completing them, but you will get to know what to expect from certain majors. If the topics covered don't interest you or aren't related to your career goals, you may want to consider picking a different major.

  1. Have a Back-up Plan

If you've followed the steps outlined above, you likely have a shortlist of majors to consider. Even so, a backup list won't hurt. Unexpected circumstances, changes in your personal situation or changes in the job market may lead you to switch your major. A backup list saves you the time and hassle of having to research all your options from scratch.

Geneva College offers top-tier, Christ-centered major programs in multiple fields to help you receive the training and credentials you need to get ahead in your chosen field. Call us at 855-979-5563 or get in touch with us via our site to learn more or start the process of enrolling in the major of your choice.

Opinions expressed in the Geneva Blog are those of its contributors and do not necessarily represent the opinions or official position of the College. The Geneva Blog is a place for faculty and contributing writers to express points of view, academic insights, and contribute to national conversations to spark thought, conversation, and the pursuit of truth, in line with our philosophy as a Christian, liberal arts institution.

Jun 30, 2021

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