How to Pick the Best Major for You

Are you struggling to pick a college major?

Do you feel like there are too many career options out there?

Want to know how to decide on the best college major for you?

I realize that making a potential lifelong decision is scary and daunting, many high school students (and parents) simply don’t know where to start. This blog will provide you with some guidance and tips on how to select a major and career that work best for you.

Now is the time that many rising seniors are sitting down (possibly with their parents) to start planning for college. A major part of the college planning process is deciding on what to choose as a major. 

Choosing a major can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. It can actually be a fun opportunity to explore your interests and passions, especially if you do it while you are still in high school. You have at least this summer and the first part of the school year to figure this out and you might as well have some fun doing it!

In this blog post, I’m going to give you some tips on picking the best major for you (or your student) and provide some interesting ways to find the answers to the questions and tips below.

• Identify your interests

The first step in choosing a major is to identify your interests. I suggest thinking about the following questions and then making a list of these interests to see if any majors align with them:

• What are you passionate about? 

• What subjects or activities do you enjoy? 

• What do you like to do in your free time?

• What classes did you enjoy in high school?

• What extracurricular activities you have participated in? 

• In addition to your interests, consider your strengths:

• What are you good at? 

• What subjects do you excel in? 

Knowing your strengths can help you narrow down your major choices and find a career path that plays to your strengths.

• Research potential career paths

Once you have identified your interests and strengths, it's time to get into the research on potential career paths. You want to look into the job market for different majors and see what types of jobs are available in each field. This will give you a better idea of the potential career paths that align with your interests and strengths. If you aren’t sure where to start, my favorite website to use is mynextmove.org. It gives you all the same info as the Occupational Outlook Handbook but in a much easier-to-read format. 

Bonus: Your parents will be impressed if you tell them you are doing research.

• Talk to people in the field

Here is where the fun part comes in. Talking to people who are currently working in the field you are interested in can provide valuable insight into the industry, what it takes to get there, and what the work looks like on a daily basis. Ask your parents or friends’ parents for recommendations on who you can talk to in a given career field. It is much easier to break the ice if you get an introduction. Many of them will be willing to let you shadow them at work for an hour or two (and again, your parents are going to be impressed if you take on this level of responsibility and maturity). 

Another option is to reach out to alumni from your school who have pursued similar majors or professionals in the field and ask them about their experiences. Either way, this experience will This can give you a better understanding of what to expect from your future career.

• Consider the job market

While it's important to choose a major that aligns with your interests and strengths, it's also important to the job and the job market will support you in your future. Look at the demand for jobs in the field and the potential salary you can earn. Choosing a major with a high demand for jobs and a strong earning potential can set you up for success in your future career.

• Keep an open mind

Finally, keeping an open mind when choosing a major is important. You may discover new interests or strengths as you explore different majors. Don't be afraid to change your major if you find that it's not the right fit for you. College is a time for exploration and self-discovery, so embrace the opportunity to try new things and find your passion.

Choosing a major can be an exciting and fulfilling experience. If you identify your interests and strengths, research potential career paths, talk to professionals in the field, consider the job market, and keep an open mind, you can find the best major for you and set yourself up for success in your future career.

I hope you’ve found this helpful and I wish you the best of luck in your writing process. If you are looking for more information, please visit my website- Higher & Hire. If I can be of assistance to you, please reach out to me here.

Many Thanks!

Valerie Palmer