Jeremy Kaplan
There are so many different university majors to choose from these days.
With so many options, it is understandable that confusion and dread can set in. What is really important to realise is that there is no rush to pick a major, and with the option of doing a graduate certificate, you can extend the search for a meaningful major. With these 7 tips, you will be able to find a major which matches your talents.
- Write down what you are talented at
The first step to choosing your university major is to find out what makes you unique and where your talents lie. These don’t have to be academic skills by any means. Finding out what you are talented at can help you work towards finding a major. For example, if you really love sports, this could lead you into studying a related major like physiology. Identifying your talents can be used to influence what major you do.
- Find out what your academic strengths are
Many people are quick to point out their weaknesses, but find it difficult to pin point their strengths. When determining a major, it is imperative that you know what you are good at academically, and leveraging these strengths into a useful major. Some people know what they are good at by looking at which subjects they excelled at in high school. If you were good with numbers at school, chances are you would enjoy studying mathematics, statistics or finance. If you loved history, perhaps a major in the humanities would be more suitable.
- Go to a career counsellor
Sit down and look at your professional goals and your priorities for the future.
The best way to do this is to seek the advice of a career counsellor who knows the intricacies of university subjects. Seeking the advice of a career counsellor early can help you determine what you want to get out of university.
For example, if you really want to be a doctor, you will have to do certain pre-requisite subjects. By listing your goals for the future you can be nudged in the direction of a major you will like.
- Think about future employment
University is an investment for the future, and like any investment, you need to research the potential for a return on investment. Some majors have more future earning potential than others. By looking online you can find a variety of sources which outline how much you are likely to get paid if you get a job in any chosen field. While money is not everything, it is something that should be considered when finding out which major you want to do.
- Don’t be easily influenced
One of the greatest mistakes that students make when entering university is to either follow their friends blindly, or just listen to their family and do something they don’t truly enjoy. This is clearly the easy way out, but will most likely cause immense regret in the future when you are stuck in a major which you had no passion for in the first place.
- Do what you love initially.
You will be more engaged and do better with subjects that you have a passion for. They may seem left of centre, and may seemingly have no future application, but if you do something you love, chances are that these are the subjects which will push you into a major which will give you satisfaction.
Even if the subjects you initially choose don’t end up being your major, by initially doing something you really love, they can teach you what you don’t enjoy, and more importantly, what you do truly enjoy doing.
- Be Flexible
The great thing about studying at university is that there is time to explore, even if you don’t necessarily know what you are talented in. Many universities are flexible with changing majors so you too should be flexible in choosing them. Explore during your first year at university and avoid over-specialisation. If you find that you aren’t enjoying your particular major, look elsewhere! There is a high probability that you will find something you love which you had no idea even existed.
Overall, it is important to identify your talents and work towards turning them into a vehicle to find a major which will give you satisfaction. If you are passionate and satisfied with the major you have chosen you are more likely to succeed, and make the most out of going to University.
