Choosing a  Major

It is important that one finds out more about majors, or the subjects of study and their requirements before one chooses a major. Don’t just consider one discipline. Begin with a few. Consider each and then narrow down. Remember that whatever you do at this stage it is going to have a significant effect in shaping your future career and life in many years to come. So take your time sit down and do some research before you choose.

Types of Majors

As the demand for further academic training is constantly on the increase,  majors are no longer terminal degrees as they used to be. While some majors are recognised as professional training. Some are not.  Find out about these so that you can cut out a study path that suits your needs best. This is of course not to say that the ones that are professionally recognised are better. More professionally oriented  majors such as those in social work or education tend to be more practical in orientation. Others, like sociology and psychology are more academically and research based and are prerequisites for further studies.

It is not enough to choose a major by simply getting to know what are the subjects of study. Finding out the way of training in each discipline may also be equally important. For example, law requires a lot of technical reading and sociology in contrast, requires very broad reading. Some disciplines have many tests while others have project-based evaluations, or require writing lengthy essays.

These days, many fields of study of are connected and so are some professional careers. Some unoversity programs offer double majors which connect studies in two closely related areas. Double majors usually have extra workload compared to majors and require more time to finish. However, they may increase your job prospects.

Keep Options Open

Before you decide on your major, you can also sit in some classes to find out more about the subjects you want to take. Remember it’s never too late to change. Like never before, opportunities for different types of studies are open. Make sure you choose something that suits you most before you continue on your study path.

Don’ts

• Don’t based your decision on a major solely on someone’s advice even if that person may be your closest friend or most honoured relative. It is YOUR major.
• Don’t choose a major simply because of hearsays about the job market as to which are the hottest jobs.

Check Points

Majors and careers exploration

1. Majors and careers exploration
2. Assessing your values
3. Assessing your interests and skills
4. Reality check 1: pitting your values and skills against your career aspirations
5. Reality Check 2: talk to a career counsellor when in doubt