How to Decide on a College Major: Tips for Choosing a Career Path

Are you trying to decide on a college major? Are you not sure what you want to major in? Are you not sure what exactly you want to do with your life? Choosing a major is one of the biggest and most important decisions you'll make in life. Here are a few tips for choosing a college major.

How to Decide on a College Major Tip #1: Talk to your guidance or school career counselor.

One of the best things you can do is consult with a college career counselor. He or she will recommend you take some career exploration tests to help you decide which field is for you. He/she might also be able to provide you with suggestions and advice based on your interests and what you enjoy doing. Your college tuition helps pay the salary of the career counselor - please take advantage of this opportunity.

If you are in high school, speak with your school guidance counselor for advice and tips. Hopefully he/she will help you find options and decide what college major suits you the best.

How to Decide on a College Major Tip #2: Read books about choosing a career.

It can be very helpful and enlightening to read books on career exploration. Simply do a search for "How to Choose a Major" or "Choose a Career" on amazon.com and you'll find several choices. I recommend checking out the library first, you might be able to find a great book to check out for free. You might also ask your guidance counselor for recommendations on the best books.

How to Decide on a College Major Tip #3: Ask friends and family what they think you'd be good at.

If you are blessed to have close friends and family, ask them what careers they could see you in. It is best to take their advice with a grain of salt, however, remember it is up to you which career path you choose. Avoid asking someone who is overly negative and has never really "believed in you".

How to Decide on a College Major Tip #4: Browse a list of jobs in demand.

It can't hurt to browse a list of jobs in demand. It can at least give you some ideas. Visit the Career One Stop website here. Click on "browse occupations". You can then see a detailed list of jobs with the most openings, fastest growing, highest paying, etc. Nursing jobs are always in demand and pay well.

How to Decide on a College Major Tip #5: Hire a life coach.

If you have the funds to do so, a life coach might help you finally decide on which major is for you. A life coach can help you choose and meet your life goals. (If you simply can't afford it, read the article "How to Make Money Fast: 5 Ways to Earn Money Quickly".

These are just five tips for how to choose a major. If, after trying all of these you still cannot decide what you want to be when you grow up, choose to major in business. A business degree can be used a variety of different ways, unlike more specified degrees such as elementary education. Good luck as you make decisions for your future!