Choosing a major is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make while you’re in college. It’s important that you make your choice confidently and after some consideration.
There’s Nothing Wrong With Being “Undecided”.
Between 20% and 50% of college freshmen enter school without a declared major. Keep in mind that there’s nothing wrong with remaining “undecided” or “undeclared” for the first few years of your college career. You can use this time to decide what you’re interested in. Also, keep in mind that even if you do declare a major your freshman year, you can always change your mind. About one-third of first-time college students change their major within three years. Even more, over 60% of college graduates say they would go back and change their major if they could, primarily to pursue their passion areas and expand their job opportunities.
Explore Your Passions and Abilities.
Set aside some time to really explore your passions and take stock of your unique abilities. With an undeclared major to start, you can take time to really develop into what interests you. Join clubs around campus to connect with fellow students who share your interests. Take electives in areas that you might not otherwise have an opportunity to experience. For example, when else might you be able to take a poetry course or an art history seminar? College is the perfect time to step out of your box and expand your horizons. As a student with an undeclared major, you’re uniquely positioned to do just that.
Consider Employment Opportunities.
While it’s important to choose a major that interests you, it’s also critical to choose a college major that will provide you with future employment opportunities. Statistically, the college majors that tend to have the most earning power are in STEM. These majors might include health sciences or computer engineering. Business majors can also expect a higher than average earning potential. That being said, employers frequently recognize that graduates who majored in the liberal arts have valuable soft skills, too, including strong communication, written and verbal skills, and leadership abilities. The key is to pick a major that will be marketable for the career you’re interested in pursuing.
Talk to an Academic Advisor.
If you need a little guidance, set up an appointment with an academic advisor or career counselors. Career development counselors and academic advisors can help you narrow down your options. If you have an idea of, what classes you’ve most enjoyed and what career paths are most appealing to you, working with one of these professionals might be the final push you need to pick a major.
Still have some doubts now? You can submit your questions Here.
1. What can we learn from the second paragraph?
A.Most graduates went back to college and changed their majors for a brighter future. |
B.Most students frequently change their majors throughout their college years. |
C.It is all right to remain undecided on majors for only the freshman year. |
D.You don’t necessarily need to declare your majors upon entering college. |
2. You are advised to take electives as described in the third paragraph because _______.
A.the courses and seminars are popular with college students |
B.it helps you fully explore where your interest lies |
C.you can share your common interest with your fellow students |
D.your major lies in the areas, you can’t miss them |
3. An example of having good soft skills is that _______.
A.you express yourself well in a controversial business discussion |
B.you fix the technical problems of computers in your office easily |
C.you quickly figure out why the communication equipment doesn’t work |
D.you never delegate but shoulder more of the workload at work |