Okay so choosing a college major is like… one of the most stressful decisions ever?? Everyone keeps saying “choose wisely, it affects your future” and all that but let’s be honest, most of us are just out here tryna survive high school when ppl start asking “what are you going to do with your life?”
Truth is, picking the “right” major is a big decision, but it doesn’t mean you need to have your entire life figured out at 18 or 19. Still, there’s a few things that can actually help you decide what might work best for you and your career path later on.
1. Start with What You Like (and what you’re kinda good at)
If you’re choosing a major just because it “sounds cool” or because someone told you to, that’s not gonna help much in long run. Think about what subjects you actually enjoy or at least don’t mind doing for hours
Like, do you enjoy writing? Maybe consider English, Journalism or Communications. Like numbers and solving stuff? Something like Engineering, Math or Finance might be your thing.
You don’t have to be a genius in it already, just make sure it don’t make you miserable lol.
2. Think About Future Jobs (but don’t stress too hard)
It’s smart to think about what careers you can get from your major. Like, if you’re thinking of studying Biology — are you cool with doing more school later (like med school or lab research)? Or if you choose Computer Science, would you want to be in tech full-time?
Sometimes ppl pick majors and then find out there’s not much job options later… or the jobs require way more study than they expected
Just look up what kind of jobs ppl do with that degree and what they earn, just to get a idea.
3. Talk to People Who’ve Been There
Seriously, talk to seniors, cousins, siblings, even your friend’s older sibling who did that course. Ask them stuff like:
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What do you do now?
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Was your major helpful for your job?
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Would you choose it again?
Hearing real experiences makes things a lot more clearer than reading online college brochures that make every course sound amazing lol.
4. Don’t Just Follow What Everyone Else is Doing
Just cuz all your friends are picking BBA or Engineering doesn’t mean you have to. Everyone has diff goals, skills, and honestly, diff patience levels
If you’re not into coding, don’t force yourself to do CS just cause it’s “safe” or trending. You’ll just be stressed and hating every semester.
Follow what fits YOU, not what’s popular.
5. Try Out Different Subjects If You Can
If your college allows, take introductory courses from different departments in first year. Maybe you thought you’d like Economics, but ended up loving Sociology or Graphic Design more.
Sometimes what sounds boring in theory turns out fun in practice and vice versa.
6. Look at Double Majors or Minors
Can’t decide between two things? Look into doing a double major or a major + minor combo. Like maybe you love Art but also wanna have some business knowledge — do a Fine Arts major with a Marketing minor.
It’s a good way to balance passion and practicality.
7. Think Long-Term but Be Open to Change
Yess, your major should support your future career ideally, but also know that LOTS of people end up doing something totally different than what they studied.
Like, there’s Psychology majors working in HR, English majors doing UX design, or even Engineers becoming writers (fr tho). The job world isn’t always one straight line.
So don’t over stress. The major doesn’t lock your fate forever.
8. Don’t Pick Based on Pressure
Please don’t choose a major just cause your parents want it or your relatives said “Beta, do doctor or engineer, very good future”
It’s your life. You’re the one studying and working in this field, not them. Try to explain your interest to them and maybe find a middle ground. But don’t just agree to avoid arguments if your heart’s not in it.
9. Use Online Tools (but don’t rely only on them)
There’s some quizzes and career tests online that match your personality or interest to possible majors or careers. They can be helpful for giving ideas, but don’t treat them like a final answer.
Think of them like a starting point.
10. You Can Change Later (it’s not the end of world)
Let’s be real — many students change majors in 1st or 2nd year. Some even switch after graduating (hello postgrad career change). It’s okay to not get it right the first time. What matters is that you’re trying to figure out what’s best for you.
Nothing is wasted — every course teaches you something.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a college major is def important, but it’s not something you need to panic over. Think about what you enjoy, what kind of career you want, and what kind of work makes you feel like “hey, I could do this for a while.”
Take advice, do research, but in the end — trust yourself. Your major is part of your journey, not the whole story.
So take a breath, do your homework (lol) and choose what feels right. You got this