Choosing a Major While in Community College

When most students arrive on campus, they are unsure about what they want to major in. The time you spend at a community college can allow you to take a wide variety of classes for very little money. That way you can narrow your focus to what interests you. Better yet, you will find out what doesn’t interest you. Don’t worry if you don’t know what you want to study. It takes time.

When choosing a major, there are some things you should think about. Choose something you can do well in. There is no point in majoring in engineering if you do not have a solid grasp of mathematics. The point in choosing a major is finding something you will excel in, and hopefully something you enjoy.

Determine which subjects that most interested you. Know your limitations. Consistently failing may be a sign that it is not for you. Do not just choose a major because you think you will get a well paying job afterward. If math, science, or art are your weakness, avoid majors that are heavily reliant on those skills. You will only set yourself up for failure.

If you decide on a major, think about what kind of job you can get upon graduation. Some careers require an advanced degree which means more time spent in school. For example, in order to become a psychologist, you would need far more than a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Other careers require a bachelor’s degree and work experience for job advancement.

Think about what kind of job you can get with your particular major. Explore resources that tell you about potential careers. How much you get paid can be a major factor in deciding what you want to do. The Bureau of Labor Statistics can give you an outlook on different careers as well as the potential growth in that field.

Statistics show that students change their major numerous times and change their careers nearly as many times. Many people eventually end up in a career that has no relation to their major. If you can be the minority that chooses a career based on your major, you will be a step ahead of the rest.

The key, I think, is finding something you truly enjoy and do well and relating that to a specific career. Try to look at the entire picture including, job prospects, income potential, work hours, personal sacrifice as well as personal satisfaction when choosing a major. College is geared toward providing you with the skills for the workforce. People who enjoy their career are much happier in their everyday life. The major you choose has the potential to increase your quality of life.

Recommended reading: Major in Success: Make College Easier, Fire Up Your Dreams, and Get a Very Cool Job

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