As a student continuing your college education, you will probably be asked one question more than any other: “What’s your major?” You might be embarrassed not to have an answer and a declared a major. Perhaps you haven’t had the chance to explore the many areas of study available to you. Maybe you have such broad interests that you don’t yet want to concentrate on just one. If you are an undecided major, you’ll find yourself in good company at most colleges and universities. Fully 20% of freshmen enroll as undecided, making it one of the most popular “majors.” In addition, many transfer students change their fields of study two, three or even four times during their college career.
College offers you the opportunity to explore, and good schools should encourage you to explore the variety of academic disciplines offered by their institution before you make your decision on a major. You are not alone. Many people have mixed feelings about going in undecided. Why enroll before deciding? On the surface, this might sound like a waste of time and money. However, college offers you an environment that allows exploration and provides resources that are designed just for this purpose. Nowhere else will you find the diversity of people and expertise at your disposal to query and observe.
Step back. Take a deep breath. The biggest challenge is facing your fear of the unknown and anxiety it may cause. Break the challenge down. Explore your interests online using checklists developed by many career experts. Stepping outside of your comfort zone is another challenge. Take small steps if you like. Finding what you want to do is an exploration and can be fun. It is not a waste of time! Think positive and find your way at your own speed.
What career is right for me?
Before you jump in and make a career choice, do some self-assessment. Many career choices are made by accident. We are impacted by accidental events like taking a job because of someone we know. A job is not a career. It may produce income and help pay the bills. But, will it be your career? A career is finding a path that aligns with your interests, hobbies, personality, skills and aptitude. Interests change as you gain exposure to different environments, people and events. Talk to friends, family and people who know you, and ask them what they think your strengths and weaknesses are. Make a list. There are no wrong answers. Don't beat yourself up looking at your weaknesses. Many weaknesses can be overcome or marginalized by training and education, just remember we all have strengths and weaknesses. The key is to find a career that maximizes your strengths and compensates you for them. If you focus, you can do this. Put yourself in the right frame of mind, and be open and honest with yourself.
What should I major in?
Whatever path of study you decide to take, we’d like to reassure you an undeclared major is not a cause to worry. By exploring different courses and taking advantage of academic advising and career research, you are most likely to find the major that best suits your skills and interests. The world of education does not revolve around a major and your need to select just one. Completing a college degree is more than a major. It is a journey of exploration and achievement. It involves both learning inside the classroom and out. Networking and the social interactions of working with other smart people helps challenge our cause and stimulate our passions. Use your review of majors as a means to align your interest with your studies. Motivate your search by keeping an open mind and try and not to jump to conclusions. There are thousands of majors and areas of study. Don't rush.
Assessing your values, aptitudes, personality, interests, and skills now will help later when it's time to change or choose a career or program of study.
Check out the CollegeTransfer.Net Self-Assessment Center