Page 76 - Irvine Valley College Student Planner 2022-2023

college is about.
you?
HOW TO CHOOSE A COLLEGE MAJOR
Choosing a major, thinking about a career, and getting an education are everything
Many students consider choosing a major to be one of the most stressful decisions they have to make. Unfortunately, many college students feel fear and anxiety more so than excitement and anticipation. Why? Many students feel overwhelmed by all the possibilities they can choose from. Others believe that there is only one "right choice" and don't want to make a mistake. And some fear that the major they choose will lock them into one specific career, leaving no room for flexibility or other options. Selecting a college major is a personal decision that involves you spending time reflecting on your goals, likes, dislikes, skills, and talents. You have to not only look at your interests, abilities, and goals, but also what you’ll need to be happy in the future. While it would be nice to have an interest in one of the highest paying college majors, it’s also important to choose a college major that will ultimately lead to a career you want in a place you want to live. Ultimately, you want to choose a major that keeps you engaged and excited throughout college. That way you are more likely to succeed, enjoy your classes, and learn more.
Take a look at the steps below. If you follow them, you'll find that as you gain more knowledge and information many things will naturally happen. You'll feel more in control, you'll start narrowing your focus, you'll understand how majors really open many different career options, and you'll feel more confident about your final decision.
1. Self-Discovery
Too often these basic questions are ignored in the college planning process. At times, it can seem as though the people around you have a clearer idea of what major you should choose than you do. The esteem with which your family and friends regard you likely pushes them to insist that you would make a great lawyer or a brilliant physician. What they fail to consider, however, is whether or not the position is right for you, and whether you are working toward your college goals by pursuing this major.
2. Examining your Abilities
The first stop on your journey should be an examination or self-assessment of your
interests. What types of things excite you? What types of jobs or careers appeal to
What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses? What kind of skills do you
have? You can begin this self-examination by looking at the courses you took in
high school. What were your best subjects? Is there a pattern there? What kinds of
extracurricular activities did you participate in while in high school? What kinds of
things did you learn from part-time or summer jobs?
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