Applying to college is probably one of the most stressful, yet exciting situations we endure in our lives. From financial aid, to SAT’s, to picking the right school, our brains are loaded with so many things to deal with.
With all this going on, one of the most stressful and confusing things can be picking the right major. While many might tell us not to worry about it until our 2nd year, and after we’ve completed our G.E’s (general education) requirements, the thought of not knowing what we want to do for a career, can drive us crazy! Trust me, I know from experience.
While many of us know exactly what we want to pursue as a career, a good percentage of us are still figuring out our calling. Don’t stress. We all go through it. Below I’ve came up with a few tips to help you pick that perfect major…for you. While I am not a college advisor or counselor, I am a college student who has had her share of doubt on what she wanted to do for a career.
1.) Find what you like to do: While this is basic advice, trust me, it is the most realistic. Many of us know what we are good at, or at least like to do. My advice to you is to find out what you can see yourself doing for the rest of your life and go for it. If you are an awesome chef and love food and making new dishes, then enroll in a cooking school. If you love helping others and learning new things, then maybe being a teacher or nurse is best for you. Majoring in English (if that’s your strongest attribute), math, or whichever subject best fits your interest, can be an option if you want to pursue a career in education. Once you are finished with your bachelors, you can attend graduate school to pursue your education higher, take the C-Best, get an internship or some sort of student teaching position to get that experience, and start applying.
Same goes for nursing. Majoring in a science or math during undergrad is the best bet to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Once you graduate and pursue higher learning, you will then get your Masters of Science in Nursing. Once that’s completed, you earn a Nursing Diploma at a hospital. More information can be found here. https://www.discovernursing.com/node/starting-out#.Ve4VYvlViko
2.) Ask around: While this may sound crazy, maybe asking those who are already in college about their majors and everything they entail will give you an idea on what you can see yourself majoring in. They (college students) can give you the ins and outs of certain majors and how much work is involved to complete.
3.) Research, Research, Research: All in all, the best way to find out what’s best for you is to research. And when I say research, I mean research with a capital R. Look into the professors at the school of your choice within the major you want to pursue and see if they are best fit for what you are trying to accomplish. http://www.ratemyprofessors.com/ offers feedback from students across the U.S on teachers at their University.
Research career paths that can be taken after obtaining your degree. Always remember, do not major in just anything because you don’t know what you want to do in life! Find something, anything that you might have the littlest, slightest interest in and go from there. I’ve seen many major in what they think is the easiest major, and hate it! Don’t do it!
I hope I was of assistance today. Remember I am not a counselor or advisor, but I am a college student with experience on picking a major. Good luck and happy picking!
By: Simone Grant
