
Unlike routine-heavy jobs that are becoming easier to automate, jobs that require social skills (or working with others) will likely have more longevity. Studies have shown that the social skills-or interpersonal skills-students develop may be key to a long career. Thinking about career longevity goes beyond thinking about specific industries. Industries come and go, so choosing a major that will lead to work in a lasting field can be important, especially as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning continue to automate many jobs and displace workers. Going back to political science as an example, if you choose that major, you’ll at least know there may be more competition for fewer jobs.

That’s not to say you should choose a major solely on career outcome potentials, but it’s a good idea to get a clear picture of what you’d like your future to entail. For example, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, physical therapist jobs are expected to grow by 21 percent in the next ten years compared to 9 percent for political scientist jobs. High-demand jobs translate to more opportunities.

But there are other career- and education-related factors to take into account. The questions above can help you better understand yourself and what majors might be the best fit for you. Other factors to consider when choosing a college major These can include career prospects and preparation, quality of education, on-campus experience, but they can also be more personal, like self-exploration, or more social, like building a community or alumni connections. List your reasons for pursuing a college degree in the first place. Believe it or not, it doesn’t always come down to career. There are many reasons to pursue a bachelor’s degree. Fast forwarding five or ten years can reveal a lot. If you have some idea about work, no matter how concrete, you can explore related majors. Think about where you’d like to be working and, as much as possible, what you’d like to be doing.
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Imagining your future can help you trace the steps you’ll need to take in order to achieve that dream. Ask yourself: What do I want to learn more about? Identifying your passion doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll turn it into a career, but if you can dig deeper and figure out what you enjoy about it, you can begin honing in on majors that might allow you to develop those skills or characteristics. Make a list of your favorite subjects, passions, hobbies, and activities to see if a general theme pops up. Your values can help spotlight potential college majors. Perhaps you’re concerned about a pressing issue, like climate change, and want to contribute to addressing it in some way. Perhaps you want to find a job that pays well after graduation. What you care about-and why-can be a strong indicator when deciding upon a major. Which responsibilities felt energizing and which felt boring? Is there a particular area in which you’d like to grow?Īnother helpful question: Are you industry oriented or work-oriented? In other words, is there one specific industry that interests you, or are you more interested in a type of work, like communications or design, that could be done in a variety of industries? Think about the past work you’ve completed: This could include internships, volunteering, and part-time or full-time roles. Your experiences, paid or otherwise, can reveal a good deal. What have I enjoyed about my work experiences? Read more: What is a Bachelor’s Degree: Requirements, Costs, and More Choosing a college major: 5 questions to ask 1.

Whether you’re not sure about which college major to choose, or you’re having trouble narrowing down your options, there are a number of questions you can ask to get closer to an answer. In the long run, it will be beneficial to think through your goals and objectives. While it might be tempting to take a quiz that promises an easy answer, this isn't a decision you want to rush into. Sometimes, however, the choice can feel overwhelming. Declaring a college major is an exciting moment along your learning journey.
