Choosing the Right College Major

When it comes time to choose what a person wants to major in during their college career, the schools of thought are generally favoring one of two areas. There is the idea that picking a major based on career potential and earnings is best and, there is the idea that choosing a major based on what subject the student most enjoys is best. Depending on the student's beliefs and tendencies, and that of his or her parent's, he or she may jump into one or the other type of degree without considering a compromise.

Following your Pocketbook

The idea that you work to pay the bills only and must use other pursuits to find enjoyment in your life is considered to be dated by some and realistic by others. One thing is certain; there are few (if any) jobs that a person will enjoy 100% of the time. However, there are jobs that are generally thought of as enjoyable. The college majors that correlate with them may include degrees in subjects such as acting, art, and writing. These may be thought of as soft or unrealistic majors by some.

Many majors associated with more of a realistic standpoint include subjects such as business, accounting, marketing, sciences, teaching, etc. That is not to say that no one enjoys jobs associated with these majors, but that they are generally thought of as safer (and more lucrative).

Following your Passion

Individuals who are more likely to pursue their passion when selecting their college major may do so with or without parental support. When selecting the major of their choice they will do so based on what they enjoy, not necessarily what they can make a stable living at. However, these concepts are not necessarily independent of one another; it is possible to follow your passion and make a decent living at is as well. However, making a living while doing what you enjoy may require that you adjust your expectations somewhat. If you enjoy acting, art, or writing for example, you can make adjustments to your expectations in order to pay the bills doing something you enjoy.

Acting- Although many actors and actresses have visions of Broadway and/or huge roles in blockbuster movies in mind when they sign-up for a degree in theater or acting, the likelihood of reaching that level (especially quickly) is very slim. However, there are alternative ways actors and actresses can make a living including advertising, promotion, theater (smaller venues), and television. Regardless of alternative less-flashy methods available, acting can be a difficult way to make a living. Be sure to research thoroughly before committing to this major.

Art- Art can be a very viable major with many opportunities for a person to make a living, if that person is willing to set aside his or her dreams of being the next Picasso to engage in more lucrative fields. That's not to say that this dream cannot be attained or that it should not be pursued, but that perhaps it's best to have a more consistent income in your field as well. One way an art major can make a decent salary is in graphic design for entities such as advertising companies (and similar institutions).

Writing- Writing (or English, Creative Writing, etc) is another major that may be thought of as difficult to make a decent living with. However, college students that would like to be the next J.K. Rowling do not have to starve their way to fame. Some of the ways a writing major can make the ends meet is by taking a copywriting position, or even by freelance copywriting (although this is easier once a writer has some experience). Writers can also make a decent living taking positions as editors or staff writers for various corporations.

These types of careers or passions can also be followed if a person elects to pursue a "safer" degree, however it may be easier to get started in these fields with a specialized degree in hand. If a student is passionate about a subject that may be more challenging to make a livable wage in, yet not comfortable pursuing it (or has parents that are not comfortable with it), they may be better off choosing a safe major they think they would enjoy somewhat and minor in the subject they are passionate about. They may find that the major that sounded a bit boring when they started out is something they enjoy as well.