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 Choosing
a Major
Deciding on a path of study involves several aspects
by Catherine Rogers
When deciding on your potential field of study, you
are wise to consider several factors. Job outlook, program
length, potential salary, and location of positions
are all issues to study at length. But don’t overlook
some subtle aspects, such as your life’s priorities
and what you enjoy doing.
When I attended college the first time, I debated between
two distinctively different majors: education and fashion
merchandising. Because of the overabundance of teachers
in the early 1980’s, my family discouraged the
education field. I eventually chose to major in business,
but never felt that it was a good fit. I did, however,
take a fashion merchandising and a journalism class
as electives.
My first job out of college was as an assistant store
manager for a women’s clothing store chain, which
lasted only slightly longer than a summer position.
From there, I moved on to a position in data processing
for an accounting firm. However, within three years,
I found myself back in college to obtain a teaching
certification. It seems that was where I was headed
all along.
Now many years out of college the second time around,
I have taught business and computer classes for over
ten years. Currently I coordinate non-credit
career development courses for a university, and I also
teach classes in proofreading and computer applications
on an adjunct basis. I find teaching a very
rewarding profession and also enjoy volunteering as
a class reader at a local elementary school.
So, how can you make the right decision the first time?
Where should you turn for guidance on how to choose
a major? Fortunately, many valuable resources
exist, including books, Web sites, and people you know. Reference Books and Websites
One particular book, Guide
to College Majors from the Princeton Review, provides
pertinent details about 300 different careers, including
information on courses and
job options. Another book, The
College Board Book of Majors, provides professional
guidance on what types of students succeed in a particular
career, as
well as the trends for that field. This book also points
out which colleges offer specific majors. This might
come in handy if you choose to study in a
field that is not widely available.
JobWeb, a Web
site hosted by the National Association of Colleges
and Employers, contains a Career Library with articles
organized into fourteen categories. Under “Majors
& Careers,” over twenty helpful articles are
available, including some that focus on specific fields--from
consulting to aviation to sales. Other more general
articles contain information on career misconceptions,
steps to follow to choose a major, and how assessment
tests can help you decide what you’re best at and
what you value.
How
to Choose a Major in College is a quick-reference
page on how to choose a major based on both practical
and personal aspects. Major
Resource Kits provide an alphabetical listing of
majors offering information on career paths and sample
job titles, and What
Can I Do with a Major In gives career options and
tips. My
Plan provides a directory of majors and salaries
for related professions.
Talking to People You Know
When talking to people you know, consider that most
any one who has been to college has a story about how
he or she chose a major. Many of those experiences are
likely to be of some value to you. Melissa Cate majored
in education with a concentration in recreational therapy
at the University of Tennessee. Her advice? “Volunteer
in the field you are interested in. Make sure this is
something that you want to do before investing your
money in the major.” She also suggests researching
the job prospects and potential for advancement for
any field you are contemplating.
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