10 Steps to Choose a Major for Career Goals

Choosing the right college major can shape your career path, income potential, and job satisfaction. This guide simplifies the process into 10 actionable steps:

1. Know Yourself: Explore your interests, skills, and values. Use tools like career assessments to identify what excites you.
2. Research Career Paths: Check job market trends, required qualifications, and roles that align with your goals.
3. Assess Academic Programs: Look at majors, specializations, practical experiences, and career outcomes.
4. Get Practical Experience: Try internships, volunteer work, or informational interviews to test your interest in a field.
5. Set Career Goals: Define short- and long-term objectives to guide your academic and professional journey.
6. Choose Your Major: Evaluate your options with a decision matrix and stay open to adjustments if needed.

Key takeaway: Blend your passions with practical job market insights to make an informed decision. Use resources like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and career tools for support. Your major is a starting point, not a fixed path - focus on building transferable skills and gaining experience along the way.

How to Pick a College Major: Tips & Advice

Step 1: Know Yourself

Choosing the right major starts with understanding your own interests, skills, and what truly matters to you.

Identify Your Interests

Think about the activities or subjects that grab your attention naturally. What do you enjoy so much that time flies by? What topics do you find yourself researching just for fun? Tools like Career-Ready Resources can help you connect your interests to possible majors.

"Not every job in a field will appeal to you, but exploring options can reveal standout opportunities" [1].

Evaluate Your Skills

Understanding your strengths can guide you toward a major where you can excel. Tools like the Strong Interest Inventory, CliftonStrengths, and Myers-Briggs can help you pinpoint your talents and personality traits. Career aptitude tests and personality assessments are helpful starting points, but they shouldn't be the only factor in your decision.

Clarify Your Values

Take some time to think about what truly matters to you. Reflect on meaningful experiences, professional role models, or the type of work environment you'd thrive in.

"Values reflect what matters most to you" [3].

Consider factors like work-life balance, income goals, or making a social impact. For instance, if you're passionate about sustainability, majors like environmental science or sustainable business might be a good match.

Remember, self-discovery doesn't happen overnight. The University Career Center suggests scheduling an 'Exploring Major / Career Options' appointment with a career coach to review your assessment results and discuss potential paths [4].

Once you understand yourself better, you’ll be ready to explore career paths that fit your interests, skills, and values.

Step 2: Research Career Paths

After identifying your interests, skills, and values, it's time to see how they fit into the job market and potential career options.

Look Into Job Market Trends

Understanding industry trends can help you discover which career paths are on the rise. Resources like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics offer detailed data on employment projections and industry patterns. These insights can guide you toward fields that are expanding and align with your interests.

Another helpful resource is the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report, which outlines growing industries and the skills likely to be in demand in the coming years.

Align Careers With Your Interests

Now that you've pinpointed your interests, connect them to specific career opportunities. Job boards and workplace trend reports are great tools for exploring roles that match your preferences.

When evaluating potential careers, think about these factors:

Learn About Required Qualifications

Dive into the education and skills needed for the roles you're interested in. The Occupational Information Network (O*NET) is a reliable resource for detailed job requirement information across various industries [1].

Pay attention to both the short-term and long-term qualifications. Some roles might require:

• Degrees, certifications, or specialized training
• Advanced education for higher-level positions
• Professional licenses or credentials

It's a good idea to consult multiple sources for accurate and up-to-date information. Professional associations, job boards, and industry-specific publications can provide valuable insights into what employers are looking for.

Once you’ve mapped out potential careers and their qualifications, the next step is to identify academic programs that align with your goals.

Step 3: Assess Academic Programs

Choosing the right academic program is a key step in shaping your career path and achieving your goals.

Examine Majors and Courses

When you dive into course catalogs, look for classes that build both technical skills and broader abilities like communication or problem-solving. Make sure the curriculum supports your career goals and aligns with the skills your industry values.

Explore Flexible Programs

In today's job market, having a mix of skills can set you apart. Programs offering options like double majors, minors, or customizable degree paths can help you combine fields of study for a stronger career foundation.

Here are some ways to add flexibility to your studies:

• Double Majors: Pair fields that complement each other to expand your opportunities.
• Minors: Choose subjects that add useful skills to your main area of focus.
• Customizable Tracks: Look for programs that let you tailor courses to fit your interests and goals.

Academic advisors can guide you in selecting program combinations that align with your ambitions. Tools like Career-Ready Resources can also help you connect academic choices with career plans.

Once you've selected programs that fit your goals, the next step is gaining practical experience to confirm your decisions and sharpen your skills.

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Step 4: Get Practical Experience

Getting hands-on experience is a key step in figuring out if a career path is right for you and seeing how your potential major applies in practice. According to the Center for Research on College-Workforce Transitions, internships that align with your major and career goals can greatly improve your satisfaction with your education [5].

Conduct Informational Interviews

Informational interviews are a great way to learn what a career is really like. Use alumni associations, LinkedIn, career fairs, or professional organizations to connect with professionals in your field of interest. Ask them about their daily tasks, career growth, and the skills needed for success. Take notes on what you learn, assess how it matches your interests, and pinpoint any skills you might need to work on. Keep these conversations short - 20 to 30 minutes is ideal - to respect their time.

Engage in Internships or Volunteering

Internships and volunteer work offer a firsthand look at potential career paths. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics highlights the importance of practical experience for career growth [6].

Here are some ways to gain that experience:

• Paid Internships: Build skills and expand your professional network while earning.
• Volunteer Work: Get flexible opportunities to learn and contribute right away.
• Part-time Jobs: Gain industry experience and earn money simultaneously.

"Internship-major and internship-career alignment are positively associated with overall internship satisfaction." - Liu, R., & Glave, C., 2023 [5]

Step 5: Set Career Goals

Setting clear career goals is a powerful way to shape your professional journey and guide your choice of major. Studies show that people with specific career objectives often enjoy higher salaries, more promotions, and greater job satisfaction.

Define Your Career and Educational Goals

When planning your career path, think about both your short-term steps and long-term ambitions. This might include further education or skill-building. Tools like Career-Ready Resources' assessments can help you evaluate your career direction and pinpoint areas for improvement.

1. Focus on Relevant Goals

Set goals that align directly with your chosen career. For instance, if you want to become a financial analyst, concentrate on:

• Strengthening advanced Excel skills
• Mastering financial modeling techniques
• Earning certifications like CFA or CPA

2. Plan for the Future

Think about where you want to be in 5-10 years by considering factors such as:

• The roles and responsibilities you aim to take on
• Your target salary range
• Leadership opportunities you want to pursue
• Any educational qualifications you may need

The job market increasingly values higher education - 74% of employers now require it for entry-level positions [4]. Advanced degrees often lead to better pay and job security, so it's worth considering if further education fits your goals.

When exploring educational options:

• Research the degrees typically required for your desired roles
• Weigh the cost versus potential career benefits
• Look into flexible programs that fit your schedule
• Explore certifications as an alternative to traditional degrees

Once your career goals are clear, you'll be better equipped to choose a major that supports your ambitions.

Step 6: Choose Your Major

Now that you've set clear career goals, it's time to pick a major that aligns with them. While this is an important decision, keep in mind that your initial choice isn't permanent.

Compare Pros and Cons

Using the research you've already done, create a decision matrix to objectively evaluate potential majors. Consider factors like how well they align with your goals, your personal interests, and job market trends.

Rate each major you're considering on a scale of 1-5 for these criteria. Multiply each score by the weight, then add them up for a total. This method helps balance emotional preferences with practical considerations.

Stay Open to Changes

It's common for students to change their major during college. Here's how to navigate changes thoughtfully:

• Try Related Fields: Take introductory courses in similar areas, like data science or information systems, to expand your options.
• Reevaluate Your Goals: Revisit your career goals regularly as you gain new knowledge and experiences.
• Focus on Transferable Skills: Build skills that can apply across multiple careers. Check back to Step 4 for tips on developing these skills.

"I think it's OK to want to change your major, but at the same time, I would advise against switching them like you do socks. At the first sign of a challenge, don't just switch it, make a careful and informed decision first." - Shinfei Quek, Senior Communications Major

Once you've chosen a major, the next step is to start building the skills and experiences that will help you achieve your career goals.

Conclusion: Major Choice and Career Success

Picking a college major plays a big role in shaping your career, but it doesn't have to feel daunting. A thoughtful, step-by-step approach can help you make a decision that aligns with your goals.

Each step in this guide - from reflecting on your interests to gaining hands-on experience - helps you make an informed choice. As you finalize your decision, keep these key points in mind:

Blend Passion with Practicality: Choose a major that aligns with your interests but also consider job market realities. Tools like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics can help you explore industry trends and salary data [6].

Stay Open to Change: Your major is a starting point, not a rigid path. Focus on versatile skills that can apply across various industries. Many professionals thrive in careers unrelated to their original major.

Get Real-World Experience: Internships offer a closer look at your field and help you build skills for the workplace.

For more support, Career-Ready Resources provides tools like career assessments, job market insights, and professional development materials. These can help you confirm your decision and explore career paths connected to your chosen major.

FAQs

How do I figure out what I want to major in?

Choosing a major can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into steps can make the process more manageable. Here are some strategies to help you decide:

• Get Involved in Student Organizations: Joining academic clubs, internships, or volunteer programs can give you hands-on experience in fields you’re curious about. For instance, if business interests you, participating in groups like Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) can provide a clearer picture of the industry.

• Try Career Assessments: Tools like Marlee's career test can highlight your strengths and suggest career paths that might suit you [2]. While these tests aren’t the final word, they can help you see if a major aligns with your skills and interests.

• Look Into Job Market Data: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics offers information on job prospects and salary ranges for various fields [6]. This can help you weigh your personal interests against market demand.

Keep in mind that picking a major is a journey. Explore workshops or summer programs to try out different fields before committing. Resources like Career-Ready Resources can also guide you in validating your choice and exploring career opportunities.