Whether you’ve settled on a school—or you’re still exploring your options for college—you’re probably asking another important question: “What should I major in?”
Selecting a major plays a big role in how your academic experience—and your career path after you graduate—will shape up and what options you’ll have available to you.
It’s important to spend some time thinking about yourself—your passions and interests, your likes and dislikes—and taking advantage of the guidance and resources available to you as you pick a major. You might also do some research into the career paths that are out there and which industries are projected to grow in the next few decades. The workforce is always changing—and it’s possible you’ll end up in a job you’ve never considered, or that doesn’t exist yet. But choosing a major is an important step toward a fulfilling and fitting career!
So how do you pick a major? Here are some tips for choosing the right path:
Self-discovery and reflection
Reflect on who you are—and what excites you. Think about your passions and strengths, utilizing self-assessment tools to get a handle on how you think—and what specific characteristics and abilities you’ll bring to your chosen path.
Guidance and resources
Make use of academic support systems. There are lots of resources available to students, from academic advising to mentorship. Surround yourself with knowledgeable people—and take advantage of experiences and tools designed to help you make wise career choices—and it’ll bring clarity to choosing a major. Learn how to best utilize college academic resources.
Career pathways and opportunities
Think through job market trends and people you know whose jobs intrigue you. Then work backwards to make a list of majors that might prepare you for jobs you’d enjoy. Spend some time looking at career websites, like the Bureau of Labor Statistics, to see which industries are trending well.
Flexibility and growth
Know that you’re never locked into one major or career path. You can always change majors or add additional coursework, and even after you graduate, career planning is fluid. Focus on building a variety of practical skills during college—including through non-classroom experiences and co-curricular activities—to make yourself more marketable to future employers.
Practical considerations
Consider how your major will impact your finances and schedule. Your major will directly impact which courses you’ll need to take, what off-campus experiences you’ll be a part of, how quickly you can graduate, and how much you’ll be able to take on outside of classes. It’s a great idea to start mapping out an academic plan, as well as other things you’d like to do during your college years.
Aligning values with career goals
Ask yourself how ethics and values will be represented in your studies. It’s important to align your personal values with your career aspirations. Some majors will set you up well for fulfilling career pathways—and others might challenge you to grapple with what you believe.
Understanding the real-world application
Take inventory of the real-world skills you’ll need to thrive. Academic learning is, of course, a huge part of college. But you’ll also have opportunities to build communication skills, work with students from different disciplines, do research, and gain other practical experiences that’ll set you up for success down the road.
Balance passion with pragmatism
Do what you can to become a well-rounded thinker. There’s a delicate balance between following your heart and calling—and also being realistic about the job outlook and opportunities within your chosen field. Be strategic in choosing a major—or select a combination of majors, minors, and other experiences—to make yourself as adaptable as possible, career-wise.
The role of mentorship and networking
It’s not what you know, it’s who you know. It’s important to build your professional network. Finding successful mentors within your field, taking note of alumni and professors whose career trajectories you admire, and having conversations about your industry will broaden your understanding of what’s possible.
Bethel University is a place you can belong—just as you are—and become who you’re called to be. As you decide on a major—or get started as a student at Bethel—you’ll have access to countless resources designed to help you choose the right major and thrive in college. From faculty advisors you’ll get to know personally to lifelong career support and networking events, you’ll be supported and encouraged to align your passions with your career. Explore Bethel’s majors and minors.
