Factors in choosing an academic major

¶ … Career

When you were a little boy or little girl, do you remember an adult asking you? "So, Billy, what do you want to be when you grow up?" Actually, it did not matter what you answered: "An astronaut." "A clown." "A bank robber." Or, even, "I don't know ... " The adult would smile, ruffle your hair and say, "What a cutie."

Now, wouldn't that be great if it happened the same way when you were 20? The teacher, counselor or parent goes up to you and says, "So, Billy, what do you want to be next year?" A shrug of the shoulders and "I don't know" isn't cute anymore. You will soon be entering into that cold, cruel world of reality when bills will not be paid and food will not be on the table without bringing home the bacon.

Some people are very lucky. Even when young, they have a burning occupational dream. Art, religion, teaching. They never waiver from their desire. Most people, however, are not so lucky. They graduate high school, hoping that they will find their answer in college. Then they graduate college, hoping they will find the answer in graduate school. Some individuals, perpetual students, keep on going and going to school like the Energizer Rabbit.

Career choices are more difficult today than at any other time in history, for three reasons: 1) there are many more jobs from which to choose 2) career definitions are more fluid and changing; 3) the level of expectations are rising. Most men and women entering the workforce today can expect to change careers three or more times during their working lives.

To get yourself motivated, first remember two things: One, you are not alone. Men and women your age normally have this dilemma and some how find the answer. Two, nothing is worse than doing nothing. That is, there are many steps you can take to make this decision easier. There are also different professionals who can help with your quest. The important thing is to act.

Here are some actions to take to move you forward:

ASSESS YOUR VALUES: What's really important to you in life? What do you enjoy doing? What do you like to do so much that you would almost feel guilty getting paid to do it? Such questions will help you understand a key element in career choice: values. Your values are the emotional anchor of all that you do. What goals in 5, 10, 15 years will help you reach these values? Lastly, what major in school will allow you to reach those goals?

WHAT IS YOUR SKILL MIX? A skill is something you've learned to do. A talent is something you've been born with, or at least that you seem naturally qualified to do. What are your skills and talents? Do not know? There are inventory tests to take to help you sort them out.

TALK TO THOSE IN THE KNOW. There are numerous people with whom you can discuss this problem, including your parents, their friends and associates in various occupations, career counselors, teachers and clergy. That is what these people are for. Let them give you a nudge in the right direction.

EXPERIMENT. Remember the importance of acting? Well, you are bound to make mistakes. But, that is ok. That is how you will learn. Take courses in new subject areas. Try different activities. Read books on a variety of subjects. You can even take a summer or part-time job and see if it the right one for you. Also keep in mind that right now learning about different jobs is more important than the money you receive for the work. You can make big bucks once deciding which way to go.

REVIEW THE CATALOG. If you do not know what major to take, ask your counselor if you can combine a couple. Or, try a major and minor that are somewhat far a part in their subject matter. Even if you take a standard major, remember that you have a couple of years to change it to something else.

BE REALISTIC. You are never going to find a job that you like 100% of the time. Nor are you going to find work that you want to stay in for 40 years. Do not set your expectations too high.

BE FLEXIBLE. Being realistic goes hand-in-hand with flexibility. Never be afraid to try something new and different, even if it does not sound like something you like. You may surprise yourself. Also, a major in school or a career will have its good points and so-so points. You may like creativity, but no career or job will always be creative. You will have to do some mundane chores, as well.

LOOK FOR UNIQUE WAYS TO LEARN: In addition to talking with professionals and summer work, there are other ways to learn about jobs. You can try volunteer work, an internship or even being someone's shadow as they go about their daily activities. There are many books and films about careers, as well.