Sometimes, during the course of tutoring a high school student, the subject of future plans/college major comes up. Most of my students are interested in college, but some of them are unsure or confused as to which direction to take. So here are a few suggestions to consider to help make the process a bit easier.
The first thing I usually have a student consider is their interests and passions. We often discuss what subjects they enjoy and what activities they are passionate about. If they enjoy writing, for example, they might consider a major in journalism or English. If they love working with numbers, they might consider a major in accounting or economics. Sometimes my students still find this difficult to discuss because they never have given it much thought. I usually recommend that they take an interest inventory like the following: https://www.mynextmove.org/explore/ip
Second, I often encourage students to take some time to research different majors. Moreover, if they are interested in a certain college, I would encourage them to take the time to research the different majors offered at the colleges they are considering. Not only could this help them make a decision, but it may also help find a best-fit college as well. While looking on a particular college website, they should look at the courses required for each major, the career options available with each major, and the potential salary and job prospects.
Third, I would definitely encourage my students to talk with people in different fields. They should speak with family members, friends, neighbors, or acquaintances who work in fields that interest them. They should ask them about their experiences, what they like and dislike about their jobs, and what education or training is required for their field.
Fourth, students should take a variety of elective classes in different subjects while in high school. If they are still unsure by their first year of college, they should continue to take different courses to get a sense of what interests them most. This can help them make a more informed decision when choosing a major.
Lastly, and most importantly, I encourage my students to consider their long-term goals. Starting in high school, students should be thinking about their long-term career goals and how their major will help them achieve these goals. Let’s say one of my students wants to go into medicine, they will need to major in a related field like biology or chemistry. Aligning their goals, while considering their skills and talents, will often give a student a strong sense of direction.
I certainly let my students know that it’s okay to be unsure and that there is still time to make decisions about their future. In fact, for many younger people, goals and interests may change over time. This is why I mention that part of the college experience is a time for exploration and discovery, and many students change their majors several times before graduating. And that’s okay too! Good luck!