By Evelyn Evans 
Selecting a college major is one of the most important choices a student can make. It defines your college experience and sets the stage for your future career. Although some students enter college knowing what they want to do, many others are paralyzed by the numerous possibilities.
Step 1: Self-Assessment – Know Yourself First
The initial step in student career planning is to know yourself.
Ask yourself:
What are my favorite subjects to learn about?
What activities do I have a natural knack for?
What gives me energy?
Do I like working with people, numbers, words or tools?
Consider using free career assessments like:
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)
Holland Code (RIASEC)
16Personalities.com
These tools can provide insight into fields that align with your personality type and interests.
Step 2: Explore the Options – What Are the Best College Majors Today?
While no “one-size-fits-all” significance exists, some degrees offer strong job prospects and earning potential. Here’s a look at popular college majors and their career paths:
STEM Majors (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)
Examples: Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Biology
Careers: Software Developer, Data Analyst, Research Scientist
Why? These majors are in high demand and often have lucrative careers.
Business and Economics
Examples: Finance, Marketing, Accounting, Business Administration
Careers: Financial Analyst, Marketing Manager, Entrepreneur
Why? Business majors are versatile and can be used in many industries.
Social Sciences and Humanities
Examples: Psychology, Sociology, History, English
Careers: Counselor, HR Specialist, Teacher, Writer
Why? While not necessarily linked to a specific career, these majors foster critical thinking and communication.
Health and Medicine
Examples: Nursing, Public Health, Pre-Med, Pharmacy
Careers: Nurse, Physician, Health Administrator
Why? Healthcare is still a very booming industry.
Creative Arts and Design
Examples: Graphic Design, Film, Fine Arts, Fashion
Careers: Designer, Filmmaker, Illustrator, Art Director
Why? Ideal for the creative and portfolio behind them.
Step 3: Match Career Goals with Majors
Selecting a college major is not about the area of study; choosing a major is about where the field of study can take you.
Ask yourself:
What types of careers are available with this major?
Do they match my long-term goals?
Are there backup plans if the first choice does not work out?
Utilize online tools like:
O*NET Online – Browse jobs by interest or skill.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) – Read job outlook and average salaries.
LinkedIn Career Explorer – Find typical careers associated with degrees.
For example, if you’re considering Psychology, you might become:
Graduate school → Licensed psychologist
Bachelor’s level → Human resources, marketing, social work
Step 4: Research Future Job Trends
The job universe is changing at lightning speed. Choosing a college major that aligns with future job trends keeps your skill set up-to-date.
The industries that are predicted to grow in the next decade:
Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
Healthcare & Mental Health Services
Sustainable Energy & Environmental Science
Cybersecurity & Cloud Computing
Remote Work Management & Digital Collaboration
Fields with declining demand:
Manual data entry work
Old-school retail management
Print journalism
Look for majors with technology, flexibility and global applicability. Merging different fields (e.g., business with technology) will also set you apart.
Step 5: Ask Advisors, Alumni and Experts
Taking opinions from the ground can make you a wiser decision-maker.
Who to talk to:
Academic Advisors: These are for course guidance and resources at the university.
Career Counselors – This is for information about the job market and internships.
Alums – For guidance based on experience.
Industry Professionals – For industry trends and expectations.
Ask questions like:
What do you like (or dislike) about what you do?
Did your primary set you up for this?
What would you major in if you could do it over?
Step 6: Consider Double Majors, Minors or Certificates
You don’t need to limit yourself to one field. The majority of students have found that double majoring improves their job prospects.
Most in-demand combinations:
Computer Science + Business = Tech Entrepreneur
Psychology + Sociology = Social Worker or HR Specialist
Biology + Environmental Science = Conservation Biologist
English + Marketing = Content Strategist
You can also add certificates in high-demand areas like:
Data Analytics
Project Management
Digital Marketing
Step 7: Try It Out Before You Commit
Most students start with a major and switch later on; don’t be afraid to get your feet wet.
Getting your feet wet:
Take intro courses.
Sit in on workshops or lectures.
Join student clubs in your area of interest.
Try internships, job shadowing or volunteering.
Most colleges allow you to declare or change your major in the first or second year without wasting effort.
What If You’re Still Not Sure?
That is okay! Most successful careerists had non-traditional paths.
Tips for undecided students:
Choose a general major like Business, Communications or Liberal Arts.
Focus on developing foundation skills like writing, public speaking, data analysis and teamwork.
Leave yourself open with electives as you can discover a hidden interest.
Your college major is not your destiny but a stepping stone. You can change later through work experience, graduate school or certifications.
Conclusion
Deciding on a college major is a personal process, not a sprint. It’s about learning what you’re passionate about, what you’re talented at and what aligns with the life you envision creating. By pairing self-exploration, research and real-world experience, you’ll be more likely to make a wise, empowering choice.
Remember that your interests and dreams may shift and that is alright. The important thing is that you continue to be curious, adaptable and engaged in building your future.
So, believe in yourself regardless of your passion for science, stories, spreadsheets or startups. Your education is the foundation. You get to choose the way.