3 Steps to Picking the Right Major

Some students begin college knowing exactly what they want to major in. They have a clear path and simply need to stay on it. Others are less certain. They may have a general idea, or none at all, other than a mental list of their interests. No matter what, it’s possible to pick the right major. You just need to follow these three steps and you’ll be on your way to a successful college career.

1)  Consider Your Dream Career

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Generally, until a kid is around six or seven, they pick careers that aren’t jobs at all, like “wolf” or “cat.” However, once they’re in school, they begin to have a decent idea of what potential jobs interest them. As these interests are developed, they often evolve into traditional career paths.

In order to figure out what you should major in while attending college, consider what your dream career is. It can either be related to those interests that you had as a child, or something else entirely, based on your experience in the world. Then, think about what you’d need to major in to get to that point.

For example, if you wanted to be a teacher, you’d obviously choose an education specialty as a major, or if you wanted to own or manage a company, then majoring in business would be your best option.

2) Think About Your Strengths

What subjects are you the best at? When you were going through school, you probably noticed that you excelled at subjects like math, science, or even literature. When you’re trying to decide on a major, take your strengths and combine them with your interests. Usually, the two go hand in hand.

You’ll find that if you’re good at written or spoken communication, this usually pairs well with a major in the subject and plenty of career options, or your mathematical abilities can help you go into a data analysis or computer engineering field.

3) Consult Your Academic Advisor

Finally, if need help deciding, make an appointment to speak with your academic advisor. They can help you narrow down the list of potential majors, as well as pick one that plays up your strengths and goals.

Remember that your academic advisor is there for you to consult regarding your major, minor, or any other questions that you have about your academic program. You aren’t bothering them by asking them questions. Instead, keep in mind that helping you make these decisions so that you can successfully graduate is their job. They’re there for you!

Still Choosing a Major? Think About Attending Dean College

While you still may not know what you want to major in, at least you’ll have one decision down by choosing to enroll in Dean College. We have a number of majors and other programs to choose from once you’ve narrowed down that list of career options. Request more information, today!