Choosing a college major can be extremely difficult, especially when the decision has to be made at just 17 or 18 years old.
There are roughly 2,000 majors offered throughout the United States.
Selecting a major feels like a high-stakes choice that will shape your future, even though most people end up changing paths later.
Many students worry that picking the wrong major will limit their career options or lead to wasted time and money.
Some students struggle because they’re interested in too many different subjects, making it hard to commit to just one.
Others might not feel passionate about any particular field, leaving them unsure of what to pursue.
Family, friends, and society often have strong opinions about what majors are “worth it”.
Students may feel pressured to pick something that is more practical, such as STEM or business, rather than something they enjoy, like the arts or humanities.
Uncertainty about careers can also be a reason students might be careful about choosing their major.
It’s hard to predict job markets and future opportunities. Some majors have clear career paths, while others, like philosophy or sociology, seem less direct.
This uncertainty makes choosing a major feel like a gamble.
People grow and change, and what seems exciting at 18 might not feel the same at 22. Committing to a major feels risky because interests and goals can evolve.
Many students also fear that their interests won’t pay off financially.
College is expensive, and students often weigh their choices based on earning potential and job security rather than passion.
Another challenge is the lack of guidance. Many students don’t get enough help understanding their options.
They may not know what different majors involve, what skills they’ll learn, or what careers they can lead to.
I will share my experience of choosing a major and offer helpful tips and tricks to guide you in selecting the right one for you.
My Journey of Choosing a Major
In the middle of my freshman year of high school, I learned about a business academy that students could apply to.
Current students in the program visited classrooms to give a presentation about what the academy offered.
One of the points that sold me was the opportunity to earn college credit.
I knew I wanted to go to college but was unsure what I wanted to do. So, I applied and was ultimately accepted to the National Academy of Business and Finance.
Through this program, I could earn up to 14 college credits—essentially an entire semester’s worth.
In one of the classes, we explored career options by taking a personality test, which matched me with a business-related field.
During my sophomore year, our guidance counselor had us take another personality test to see what career might suit us.
Somehow, I got “railroad police officer” which I found holarious and completely unexpected.
However, I didn’t let that result sway me—I still wanted to pursue a career in business.
After taking multiple classes through the academy, I realized I loved everything about business and wanted to build a career in it.
I thought about the pros and cons of a business administration major.
Some pros are it is a broad major, therefore finding a job in my opinion would not be too hard.
Another pro is that business careers make pretty good money and there’s so many opportunities to move up within a company.
Since I took college credits through the academy it only made sense to be a business major.
Lastly, totally off topic and not that important but I love the corporate business outfits.
After looking at cons, I personally could not find many if any at all.
Now, as a senior in college, I still love being a business administration major and have enjoyed all of the classes I have taken.
Now for some tips and tricks on how to choose the perfect major for you.
- Choose something you are passionate about- don’t just chase money. If you choose a major solely for its financial benefits, you might find the classes boring and struggle with motivation.
- Make a pros and cons list- If you are stuck between different majors, write out a list of pros and cons. The major with the most pros, and least amount of cons could be the right choice for you.
- Take a personality test- These tests can provide insight into your strengths and potential career paths–and they’re fun! Consider taking both a career test and a major quiz.
- Try before you commit- Take introductory courses in different subjects. Join student organizations related to potential majors. Get in contact with professors, career advisors, or alumni.
- Explore career options- Research career paths tied to different majors. Use resources like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to check job growth, salaries, and demand. Consider internships or part-time jobs in fields that interest you.
In conclusion, picking a major is tough because it feels like locking into a life path when, in reality, people switch careers, go to grad school, or find unexpected opportunities. The best approach is to explore, stay flexible, and choose something that aligns with both interests and opportunities.
