When you’re going into education, whether in your late teens or well into adulthood, the major you choose is arguably one of the most important decisions you’ll ever have to make. This will not only dictate your experience while you’re getting qualified, but also how fruitful your future career prospects will be. Here, we’ll go through some of the best advice for choosing a major that you’ll love and succeed at.
Meditate on What Interests You
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You may think you know your interests better than anyone, but it’s still very important to spend some time seriously reflecting on what piques your interest more than anything. This applies to both the subject matter you’ll be covering, and the actual experience of studying it. You may be fascinated by the idea of running your own company, but what does it mean to major in business in an educational institution? If you rush through the process of choosing your major, you may find yourself attending a class with all kinds of nasty surprises, or elements that actually make you resent something that you used to be interested in! Take the time to determine your academic strengths and passions, and use this to find a major that will translate into a career you’ll love and thrive in.
Talk to Advisors Who Know You Well
Obviously, the decision of what you pursue in your academic career is ultimately up to you. However, your current friends, teachers and even employers can be a huge help in making it. Talk to teachers who you’ve always trusted, who have always inspired, motivated and encouraged you to apply yourself, and make the most of your education. These are people who have been in your position, had to make the same decisions, and probably have one or two things they would have done differently if they had the chance. They’ll be able to help you form a road map for the future. Talk to them about what you’ve determined to be your main passions and interests, along with any specifics that you want out of a future career. The mentor you settle on will give you some great insights as to the kinds of majors you’re best suited for.
Explore Other Interests
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Although you may feel a lot of pressure (mainly from yourself) to choose a major that’s absolutely perfect for you, there’s always going to be some kind of opportunity to change the direction your professional life is headed in. However, when you’re in education, these kinds of opportunities are much more wide-ranging and accessible. Use any credits you earn to broaden your horizons, and explore various other interests through the resources you have open to you. Take, or at least consider, every single opportunity you have to customize your learning experience past the basic requirements of the subject you’re studying. Even if it’s just for fun, and will have very little impact on your future career prospects, attending lectures and trying out clubs will always expand your mind. You may just discover something about yourself you never knew before!
