Your college major says a lot about you. Not only does it reveal your academic interests, but it also speaks volumes about your personality and work ethic. Journalism majors are very different than STEM majors, and not just because of what homework they do.
Not everyone enters college with a clear idea of what they want to study, though. You could use your personality to decide your major. But your character is likely to drastically change in the next 4 years, so relying on your current interests alone isn’t the most logical decision.
Being undeclared in college is overwhelming. “Undeclared” feels like a label signifying that you really have no idea what you’re doing with your life. But if selecting a major feels like a make-or-break decision that will affect the rest of your life, take a deep breath and use this guide to consider your options.
Healthcare is a popular choice.
There are endless career opportunities for students who decide to major in pre-med. You may be interested in becoming a doctor or a nurse, or something else in the field. This is a good choice for those who always thrive in science courses. Going into the healthcare field is a good way to apply skills from the classroom to the real world.
Healthcare positions often require significant schooling beyond your 4 years of undergrad, but your work now can reap significant rewards later. According to a recent study mapping out which industries hire the most in each city, there are an abundance of health-related jobs available in nearly every U.S. city. No matter where you want to live after graduation, there are sure to be employment opportunities available close by.
Information technology services are on the rise.
It’s always a good idea to choose an education in a field that’s expanding. You know that when you graduate, you will have plenty of options. If you have an interest in coding, software development, or data analysis, IT is a great major to introduce you to your future field. New positions in the technology industry always emerge as technology changes and a lot of startup companies in San Francisco and other parts of the US are beginning to rise in the tech field, so you won’t be stuck as a coder forever just because you major in a subject related to IT.
Business and economics are both widely applicable.
If you’re indecisive, choose a major that will apply to nearly any job you decide to enter. Generic majors, such as business or economics, will provide you with life skills that translate across industries.
Broad majors can lead students to graduate or professional schools that specifically prepare them for their desired career paths. Ultimately, Business and Econ will buy you time to figure out what you want to be, whether that’s a lawyer or a real estate agent.
The truth of the matter is, it’s totally OK not to know what you want to do after graduation. Given that the majority of students end up changing their major, deciding on a major sounds a lot more daunting than it really is.
Your college major doesn’t lock you into a single career for the rest of your life. You still have the freedom to make changes as you figure out your professional interests and passions. No one expects you to know exactly who you are when you begin college, so use these 4 years to find yourself!
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