As a freshman, here at San Francisco State University, I am new to college and everything that comes with it. There are many topics, questions, and thoughts I have to address in relation to my college career. Especially questions pertaining to the decision of my major. How do you choose the right major? The question I find myself asking a lot is: What if one day I regret my decision?
Truthfully, it looks difficult from the outside. The idea of choosing one major (maybe a minor as well) and feeling like your whole life depends on it otherwise you might fail. But this isn’t true. Even if one day, you end up hating your choice of major and not being satisfied with your career, there are always options.
For now, here are some steps to helping you decide, or at least get closer to deciding a major:
- Look at yourself. What are your skills, your hobbies? Your interests, desires, and, to the best of your own evaluation– what are your abilities? You may have a knack for writing, you like the creative flow. Or maybe you can’t get enough of computers– how they work and the science behind them? Evaluate your personality. Do you like talking to people, working with children, baking? Hone, and fine tune your skill set. Then, look into majors that are similar to the skills and personality traits you possess that you think you would be a good fit for.
- Research. Once you think you may know some majors that interest you based off of your personal abilities and skill sets, research. Focus on the majors that check off the bigger goals that you have for your life or find deal breakers that make you dislike some majors. Find out what the course work required to graduate with that degree is. If you’re not so good at science, and there is a lot of science involved in getting your degree? Think about it. If you think you can get over the major issues regarding your major, then keep researching. How many years will it take you to graduate? Do you have to do more schooling in order to graduate with that degree? You may really like the sound of a certain major, but the salaries of those careers aren’t what you had hoped. After researching, make a pro and cons list if you still can’t decide. Then research more, if you still have questions.
- Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Give yourself time, it is a tricky and a tough decision to make. Try not to think about it too much. Don’t be afraid to change your major a few times. While you do want to make a decision, don’t make it hastily. Find a job or internship relating to the field you are interested in. There is almost nothing better than getting actual experience in the field you are considering– it can make or break your decision. Everyone goes through the process of choosing their major, so don’t be worried if you aren’t at the same speed as others. Give yourself time.
Remain optimistic and try to look at the big picture. As long as you have a degree, you can have a career! Going with the flow, but also following what you want to do is crucial. As long as you are happy and satisfied, you will know you made the right choice.