Finding the right career is often preceded by choosing the right major in a postsecondary educational institution. Selecting a college major is typically done early in a college career because many degree programs have required courses that have years of prerequisite classes. However, a college major can be switched, and if it's done early enough, a degree can be obtained without adding semesters. Often a major is tightly aligned with a specific career. Many colleges, for example, have nursing and teaching majors, which lead to employment as nurses and teachers. Finding the right major and career isn't easy, but a few simple steps can help.
Step 1
Take a notebook and pen, and write down a list of things that interest you. Using a notebook helps to keep the line of reasoning clear when choosing a major and subsequent career, and it can be referred to later to reinforce the decision. When listing interests, remember that those activities, hobbies, work activities and leisure activities that motivate you are the ones in which you're mostly to excel at in college.
Step 2
Keep the notebook out and continue with a self-assessment of your talents and abilities. For example, some people may excel at mathematics but have no interest in the topic. When assessing your talents and abilities, list everything you can think of. For example, you may have a talent for conversation. This talent could lead to a major in communications and a career in media relations.
Step 3
List the things you value in the notebook. For example, you might value security, which may lead you to choose a major and career in a well-established field that has a track record of high employment. Consider social status, work environment pace, affiliations with well-respected groups and helping others when thinking about things you value.
Step 4
Explore careers that currently exist and weigh how your interests, talents, abilities and values match those careers. The federal government produces a list called the Occupational Outlook Handbook that provides just such a list. Choose the ones that prove the best matches.
Step 5
Examine the majors available at your college or other educational institution, and check if any align with your chosen careers. The career placement offices at colleges can assist with this step and provide additional insights related to their specific programs. Make a list of majors that could lead to your chosen careers.
Step 6
Talk to family and friends and do more self-assessments until you arrive at a final decision on a major and career.
Tips and Warnings
- Talking to professionals already working in a career field can provide helpful insights.
- Job markets can shift dramatically over the course of the college career.
Things You'll Need
- Notebook
- Pen
Member Comments