If you were given a dollar every time someone asked, ‘What do you want to do for a living?’ while in college, we bet you’d be rich. Since that question is asked so frequently, it’s easy to become flustered or frustrated if you don’t have a direct answer. Being that college is constructed as a four-year program, there’s a pressure to expedite a decision that can, quite literally, change your life. With exposure to so much information on what people can do for a career and so little time to choose, deciding what to major in can become a stressor. If you’re one of those people struggling to choose, academic advisor Eric Okai, MSW, and recent graduates Lola Olatubosun, MPH, from Rutgers University and August Boadu from Georgia State University, share some advice on how to make your final decision.
Let’s start with practical guidance from the professional. Okai’s first suggestion is to “figure out who you are and why. Once you understand what your purpose is, everything else becomes so clear.” To do this, he has his students take a career personality test. For many, this is the first time students are separated from their parents, and they can discover themselves outside of who their caregivers expect or pressure them to be. Therefore, once students learn their likes and dislikes, passions, and natural talents, it’s easier to decide what major to choose.
One of Olatubosun’s regrets is that she didn’t do the soul searching before choosing a major. “I just went based on logic and then I got to a certain point where I was like, ‘I don’t really want to do this anymore,’ and I felt bad.” Because so much time and energy goes into schoolwork, you want to prevent wasting efforts. For that reason, it’s best to do self-reflection and evaluation to determine which direction to take your studies.
Determine which of your interests you want to pursue as a career. All of your interests don’t have to be what you do a full-time job. Olatubosun had that epiphany. Though she majored in public health and sees herself making her mark in that industry, she also loves makeup and artistry. She started her own company, Beauty from Within LLC, where she serves as MUA / CEO while working in public health. Her priority was passion and stability when choosing a major. “Can I get a job out of it? If I wanted to pivot could I afford to?,” Finding a middle ground was her determining factor and that’s why she chose to study public health. Studying cosmetology or artistry may not have provided the lifestyle she wanted. As you’re on your journey of self-discovery, consider that not all interests have to be a career; some can serve as a job for extra income or a hobby that adds enjoyment to your life.
In a perfect world, everyone can follow their passions and live happily without financial worries. Unfortunately, that’s not the reality for some majors, and therefore, Boadu suggests “considering how lucrative or competitive the field is.” If there’s a significant barrier to entry or difficulty thriving, he advises being “flexible.” Choose a major where the skills learned are transferable across multiple careers, including the one you’re most passionate about.
Take into account that not all universities are equal as well. “Consider the school and the type of programs they have to offer; some schools are better than others,” advises Olatubosun. An arts program at one institution can have a completely different curriculum and caliber of teachers than another. That should play a significant role in choosing your major. You want to ensure the department has the resources to equip you for a job. You can discover this by researching the alumni of the programs and seeing what they went on to do after graduation.
Once you know what you’d like to major in and feel comfortable studying that at your school, investigate what life with that degree would be like after college. “Always be sure to have conversations with the professionals in that field,” says academic advisor Okai. “Your best teachers are those within your grasp.” They will keep it one hundred with you. He says you should ask them, “How did you get into the field? And why are you teaching this class? Every professor may give you a different answer, but it gives you some insight.” Locate why they are passionate about the field and decided to stay in it. Learning skills within a major is one thing, but operating in it as a career is another. Discover what a day-to-day life might look like. If you cringe at the possibility of completing the tasks and assignments expected in a potential job, there may be a better career for you.
In the wise words of Boadu, “Education is not a race. It’s a journey.” Take the time to dissect your life. Discover your passions, determine your nonnegotiables, and be honest about your financial history and what you must prioritize. Before deciding what to learn in school, learn yourself. Then, you can make the best decisions when deciding on a major.
About the Author:Shelby Denise Smith is a Social Media Editor and Freelance Writer. She’s passionate about lifestyle, wellness, travel, and culture. Smith enjoys packaging the insight she receives into stories that can positively impact the livelihood of others.