Tips for picking a major
Are you going to be a freshman this fall? Have you decided on a major yet? If you haven't, you're not alone - most liberal arts students are unsure of what they want to pursue when they first step on campus. Even if you're already thinking about taking biology courses to become a medical student or criminal justice classes for a career in law, making a final decision about a major can be tough.
Here's some advice about how you can pick a major fast and pursue a career in a field you're passionate about:
Dabble everywhere
Your freshman year provides ample time for you to dabble in numerous areas of study, from arts programs and humanities to science and technology. Just because you were good at math in high school doesn't mean you have to stick with it forever, and by experimenting in a completely different area, you might find that your passions lie elsewhere. Of course, you should still continue to take courses in subjects you know you already excel in to rack up consistent credits, just in case.
Visit the career center
Even if you're not thinking about your future career yet, you may want to visit your school's career center to gauge which professions are currently hiring. The job market in America is perpetually fluctuating and today, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) are expanding to accommodate recent graduates. Career advisers are there to help you hone your skills and find the perfect job. Additionally, you can sign up for internships and volunteer programs to learn more about specific career areas.
Sign up for extracurricular activities
Along with your coursework, you should participate in various clubs to not only get a feel for what's out there, but to meet other students interested in the same subjects as you. While you might be attracted to certain extracurricular activities within your comfort zone, try to sign up for groups in areas you've never experienced. By stepping outside of the box, you may find a hidden talent that could lead to your choice for a major. Additionally, you should try to sign up for at least one community service program to give back while you pick a concentration.
