One of the most common questions that students ask is, “What should I get into?” While some people might assume that this question only comes up in the context of deciding what career to pursue after graduating from college, it can also pertain to an applicant’s undergraduate studies as well. In this guide, we will discuss some of the different types of majors that students can get into and what advantages and disadvantages each one possesses. We’ll then provide some advice on how to pick the right major for you.
Personalized Major Decisions
One of the benefits of attending a comprehensive university is that they offer a large variety of majors. This means that even if you don’t have a clear idea of what you want to do after college, there will be something available to you. For instance, a liberal arts major might not seem like the best choice if your heart is set on becoming a doctor or lawyer. However, the freedom to pick any major you want and the variety of majors that a comprehensive university offers is invaluable.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Different Majors
Now, let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of different majors. Keep in mind that not all of these will apply to you. You have to find which ones suit your needs the best. Many of these perks are either difficult to quantify or are context-dependent. This is why it’s generally a good idea to consult with a personal adviser or someone close to you who has experience in choosing a major. For example, you might find that while some majors provide you with a great advantage in gaining valuable job experience, it also comes with a certain level of stress.
Arts
An art major’s primary job is to teach you an instrument or a skill set that can be used in the field of graphic design or interior decoration. If this sounds like something that might be of interest to you, then consider art as a possibility. It shouldn’t come as a huge surprise that the arts are a common choice amongst students, as it often times provides the opportunity to study in a supportive environment. Furthermore, it’s a great choice if you’re looking to become a working artist or designer. If you can afford it, take some time off from college to travel Europe or Japan and see the great art that can be found on display everywhere. This experience will no doubt give you a head start in your career as an artist.
Business
A business major is going to be all about gaining as much responsibility and knowledge as possible. Whether you’re planning on entering the workforce straight out of college or already have a job, a business major can help you advance your career. Once you’ve graduated from college, consider taking on a part-time job in a professional office setting. This will give you the opportunity to explore different tasks and responsibilities while also providing you with some income. Furthermore, many large companies now offer advanced business degrees and certifications. If you’re interested in pursuing a business career, then consider taking on a major in business.
Education
An education major’s primary purpose is to prepare you for the “real world.” This generally means that you’ll be taking on a lot of responsibility and learning to be a flexible and independent learner. If this sounds like something that might be appealing to you, then take some time to think about education as a possible major. While it might not seem like the most exciting major to study, the courses that you’ll need to take to graduate are almost certain to be useful and applicable in your future. Furthermore, many students find that their education major provides them with a great opportunity to travel and gain valuable job experience. With so much uncertainty surrounding the future of employment, being well-educated is certainly a good idea.
Engineering
An engineering major is going to be all about applying your technical know-how to solve problems. If this sounds like something that might be appealing to you, then consider an engineering major. These are the people who put the engineering in engineering. While the idea of applying your technical skills to solve real-world problems might not sound like something that appeals to you, the truth is that many people find great satisfaction in their engineering majors. Furthermore, many large companies now offer great job opportunities in the field. If you’re looking to enter the workforce and gain some experience, then consider taking on an engineering major.
Science
A science major’s primary purpose is to prepare you for a life of scientific research and discovery. If this sounds like something that might be appealing to you, then consider a science major. While it might not seem like the most exciting of majors, the courses that you’ll need to take to graduate are almost certainly going to be useful in your future career. Furthermore, many large companies now offer great job opportunities in the scientific community. If you’re looking to enter the scientific workforce and enjoy the challenge of being in a competitive field, then consider taking on a major in science.
Technology
A technology major’s primary purpose is to prepare you for a life of developing and using information technology. While the idea of using technology to solve problems might not seem like something that appeals to you, the truth is that many people find great satisfaction in their technology majors. Furthermore, many large companies now offer great job opportunities in the field. If you’re looking to enter the technological workforce and enjoy spending your time solving problems, then consider taking on a major in technology.
Economics
An economics major’s primary purpose is to prepare you for a career in economics or financial analysis. While the idea of applying your knowledge of economics to solve real-world problems might not seem like something that appeals to you, the truth is that many people find great satisfaction in their economics majors. Furthermore, many large companies now offer great job opportunities in the field. If you’re looking to enter the field and enjoy applying your knowledge of economics, then consider taking on an economics major.
Languages
A language major’s purpose is to teach you a foreign language to speak and write. If this sounds like something that might be appealing to you, then consider a language minor. While it might not seem like the most exciting of majors, the truth is that many people find great satisfaction in the ability to speak a foreign language. Furthermore, many large companies now offer great job opportunities in the field. If you’re looking to enter the workforce and utilize foreign languages, then consider taking on a minor in languages.
Health
A health major’s primary purpose is to prepare you for a career in the health field. If this sounds like something that might be appealing to you, then consider a health minor. These are the people who put the healing in health. While the idea of applying your technical skills to help people might not seem like something that appeals to you, the truth is that many people find great satisfaction in helping others. Furthermore, many large companies now offer great job opportunities in the healthcare field. If you’re looking for a career in healthcare and want to maintain a healthy lifestyle, then consider taking on a minor in health.
Choosing a major is not an easy task, especially since you don’t know exactly what your future holds. However, with the right guidance and on-line resources, it’s not impossible. You might be surprised at how many options are available to you and how many advantages each one possesses. Just remember that not all majors are created equal, and you need to find the one that suits you best. Whether you’re still deciding what to do after graduation or have already chosen a career path and are looking for an extra boost, these tips should help.