Choosing Your College Major

Now that you are putting on that cap and gown and ending the final chapter of your high school days, you find yourself on the footpath to a new world of career preparation, college education, and that ever daunting question is not far away: what college major should I choose? I have a daughter who is going through the same questions as we speak. The first step is making that major decision is to realize that this may be a very important step in your career choices, but your ultimate choice of majors at this point is not necessarily written in stone. It can change.

If you are in high school now, sit down with your counselor. There are reference books and tests that are available to search through and examine what would be expected of you to complete various majors. But, most important, you must ask yourself "What do I love doing?" Don't ever choose a career because it pays more, because if you hate doing the work, it won't work in the long run if you know what I mean.

When you love your work, it's amazing the success that you will find. So that is the first criteria in selecting a major. What do you love to do?

It never hurts to interview different people in the job. If you know someone personally, that's great. Talk to them about what it's like to be whatever it is that you think you are going to choose. If you don't know someone, there are all sorts of societies for professional groups of people whom you could contact - don't be afraid. Just tell them the truth that you are considering doing this as a major, and would like to know if they could answer a few questions for you. Many professionals out there would be more than helpful in giving you some information. In fact, they may feel honored. Just don't forget to thank them formally with a letter (you never know- this person may end up being your boss someday).

Internships are also quite helpful in solidifying a student's ideas in what they would like to go into. Or, a volunteer position at one of the places that specialize in the field.

But, if you are a high school student right now planning a major - know one thing for sure: you can always change your major in college. Don't feel so pressured. This is an important step, but if you select the wrong major the world will not collapse. You WILL have the opportunity to change, transfer your credits, and pick up another profession.

Even if you go for a bachelor's degree in one field and someday decide that you'd like to change that to a completely different line of work - you still CAN, dear. So, I know the pressures that you are under right now. But, take a deep breath and just ask yourself - WHAT DO I ENJOY DOING THE MOST? And from there, take your first step - knowing in your heart that if by some nasty twist of fate you are not happy doing this work after all, you CAN change and move on. GOOD LUCK AND BEST OF WISHES TO YOU!