We all have those friends who have known exactly what they wanted to be when they grew up since they were five years old. These are the Leslie Knopes of the world—in first grade, they drew themselves running for office, saving children from fires or performing surgery, and nothing stopped them from achieving their dream. These people don’t seem to have any doubts: they’ll find a job, and they’ll love it, too.
The rest of us aren’t so sure.
Like most people, I’ve changed my mind a fair amount of what I want to be when I grow up. Naturally, this leads to changing majors…more than once.
There’s nothing wrong with changing your mind. However, switching majors late in your college career can add on more semesters, and believe me, by the time you’ve been in college for more than four years, you’re ready to finish up.
Although I’ve enjoyed my time at Colorado Mesa University, I sometimes wish I had gotten my major right on the first try. Looking back on my decisions, here are some tips I wish someone had told me:
Think about what you’re good at.
My whole life, I’ve known that my biggest strengths in school were reading the books way faster than everyone else and writing about them later. I loved book reports in elementary school. I actually enjoyed the books we read in high school. I also wrote stories and poems in my free time. From that alone, it seems like I should have had a major all lined up: literature or writing. Instead of believing in this, I doubted that it was a good fit for me.
In addition to your strengths in school, consider your best traits. Are you logical and analytical? Look into science and math careers. Are you compassionate? Consider nursing, social work or teaching. While thinking about your personality won’t give you an exact career, it can at least narrow things down.
Listen to people you trust (and ignore everyone else).
However, it can be difficult to evaluate yourself and your strengths. If you’re having trouble thinking of your talents and strengths, ask someone whose opinion you value. Try asking your high school teacher, your professor or a coach. You may even get some insight from friends—but pick whom you ask carefully.
On the other hand, ignore people who don’t know you or whose opinions you don’t believe are worthwhile. Someone on your sports team or extra-curricular activity who is constantly tearing you down or questioning your choices isn’t someone who has valuable advice. Their negative opinions aren’t worth your time.
Instead, seek out people who see the best in you and express it honestly.
Admit what you hate.
While a specific degree may seem to be a “good enough” fit, think about and admit to yourself what you absolutely cannot stand to do. I spent a couple semesters as an education major, constantly convincing myself that once I was actually in a classroom, I would like spending time with those specific kids. The truth is, I don’t enjoy working with children, and admitting this allowed me to look into other options that were a better fit for me.
Just as it’s important to know what you love, it’s equally important to know what you hate and what you absolutely will not sacrifice for. If there’s no way you want to work in an office, then you have to factor that consideration into what major you pick. It’s better to admit the things you can’t stand now than to find out what bothers you once you’re stuck in a job.
Do your own research.
One of the reasons people stay away from certain majors, myself included, involves the stereotypes that surround them. As a literature and writing major, I always am asked: what are you going to do with that? My brother, who studies engineering, is never asked that question.
When I came to college, instead of looking into the many careers I can have with an English degree—editing, publishing, grant writing, entertainment writing, PR for companies—I believed everything that other people had told me. English majors don’t get jobs. So, I picked journalism. Then teaching. When I finally looked into the myriad of other options, I had the confidence to switch my major to something I actually love.
Know what comes with the job.
I used to want to be a screenwriter, but I can’t stand the idea of living in California. Although this one fact doesn’t have to crush my desire, it certainly factored into my choice of not attending a university that had this major.
After you do some research, make sure you understand your career field. Where are most of the jobs? Will you have to move? Travel abroad? Honestly think about how you feel about these questions. Convincing yourself you’re meant to be a world-traveling journalist when you’d rather write about your local city council will just hurt you in the long run.
Although these questions are smaller issues, a small issue can often make or break your experience at a job. Be prepared for what you’re getting into after you graduate.
Visit Career Services.
If you’ve spent time going through all these steps and you’re still lost, consider setting up an appointment with career services to take one of their career assessment tests. After you take the test, you sit down with a counselor who discusses your results with you.
Although this might seem like just another high school activity, the assessment I took there as a freshman was the most in-depth and accurate analysis I had ever received. I was able to ponder some alternative careers until I settled on my current degree and plan. While an inventory won’t tell you exactly what to do, it will provide you with an accurate assessment of your strengths. Talking with a professional is also a helpful step.
While the guide provided above won’t guarantee you’ll pick the perfect major, it will certainly help you along the way, and hopefully, shorten the time you spend as either an undeclared major or in the wrong degree program.
