The time to make the decision has come! From the time you were young you’ve been thinking about what you want to do when you grow up! Some of us wanted to be astronauts, others pop stars while others were simpler and wanted to be superheroes!
However, many times you changed your mind on what profession you want to pursue, choosing a major represents one of the major landmarks in what you will be actually doing, workwise, in the future.
What is the importance of your Major?
You should already have an idea on the field of study you are into. The importance of the major lays on the specialty and narrowing the direction of your expertise down the line. What you need to think first is where you want to see your self in three to four years from now. Do you want to finish your degree and start working, or to continue with a Master or even with a Ph.D.? If you want to jump straight into the market, then your decision in the major becomes even more important since it will serve to highlight your specialization. If you are to continue your studies with a Master’s or a Doctorate degree then again your major will serve as the basis of your future academic ventures.
What are you passionate about?
If you chose a specific field of study, then it should be of a subject that interests you. Your choice of a major is an extension of that. What is it, from that specific subject, that you are passionate about? The answer to that is usually a great indicator of the direction in which you should be heading when choosing a major. People that study and work on things they are passionate about are considerably more efficient and more productive than others that are in it for the wrong reasons. Follow your passion and your instincts first and you will not regret it.
What are the pros and cons of each major of your interest?
Now for the practical aspect of your selection… Once you’ve narrowed down your choices to a few majors then proceed with a “pros & cons” checklist before making a final decision. This list should include the employment potential of each major, the career path it could lead to and the industry versatility that each major holds – i.e. in how many industries it’s translatable workwise. To complete this checklist you’ll need research, so make some time and hit your preferable search engine.
Finally,
Seek advice from the right people. The correct advice could go a long way in making the correct choices. On the other hand, getting the wrong advice could go a long way in the wrong direction so beware of whose input you allow into your decision making. Don’t choose your major because an older student told you it’s easy. Don’t choose your major because your parents think it will earn you a lot of money. Choose it because you spoke to your career advisor and to your professors. Let them see your passion on your subject of choice and let them guide you. They know what they are talking about to allow them to clear things up for you before deciding!