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Choosing a college can be a difficult task, but the challenge doesn't stop there. What will you study? Every student must take certain basic courses, but the choice of a major is up to you.

So what major is the right one for you--and how should you go about making the choice? Here is an overview of factors you might consider in this important decision.

Choices, Choices

Some schools offer just a few majors. Others, especially large universities, provide dozens or even hundreds of program choices. With so many possibilities, making the right selection can be difficult. Yet too often, students fail to take time to learn about their options.

"Someone once did a survey that showed people spent more time deciding what car to buy than they did deciding on a career," says Jennifer Sengenberger, coordinator of career services at Pikes Peak Community College in Colorado.

"Many students mistakenly think they can open up a catalog, flip through it, and choose a major that suits them," says Sue Schmid, director of academic resources at Pace University in Pleasantville, New York. Realistically, there is a lot more work that goes into it, but the process is actually an exciting one which opens many doors."

Schmid says that the process of self-discovery is the key as students identify interests, talents, and hidden passions. "Self discovery is all about taking risks, getting out there, and doing things to find out what excites them and what they're good at," she says. "The more of school--and life in general--that you experience and absorb, the more well-rounded and fulfilled you will be, and the easier it will be to find out who you are and choose a major."

That means taking the time to explore different courses and career possibilities. In the process, don't feel pressured to make a decision early in your college career.

"An amazing number of students feel pressure to select an academic major early," says Brad Williams, Ph.D., dean of student affairs at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. "Take all your general ed[ucation] requirements, sample many courses, then make your decision."

Linda Thompson, Ed.D., director of student support services at Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas, agrees that it's best to move slowly. "Don't rush into the decision," she says. "It's OK not to know what you want to major in when you first get to college. Most schools have a block of general education courses that will carry you through your freshman year, and sometimes beyond."

Take the Broad View

It's also important to realize that the choice of a major may not necessarily restrict you to a single career field. In fact, it may not have a direct relationship to any one occupation.

"Sometimes the major is tied to career plans, but not always," says M. Katherine Grimes, Ph.D., director of the First-Year Experience at Virginia's Ferrum College. "A person who wants to be a social worker needs to major in social work, but a student who plans to be an attorney can major in English, history, economics, political science, even journalism."

Whether you are more interested in the content of a given major or the job possibilities it offers, be sure to gather as much information as possible. This can include reading books or magazine articles, completing career interest inventories, and sampling elective courses to check out areas that are new to you.

A good way to learn more about any field is to talk with people who are employed in that area. If possible, take the time to interview professors and people outside the academic community who are successful in fields in which you are interested.

"Informational interviews are one of the best ways to discover more about a potential career or major," says Louie Bottaro, academic advisor for the College of Liberal Arts at Oregon State University. "Most people love to talk about themselves. If you can get thirty minutes with a professional, it can give you great insight into the highs and lows of the career path."

Another strategy is to "shadow" people in fields in which you are interested, or apply for summer jobs or internships in those areas.

"If you think you want to teach, volunteer at a school and find out what teaching is like," says Grimes. "If you want to work in banking, find a banker who is willing to let you sit in his or her office a few hours a week. Or if you're attracted to journalism, get an internship at a local newspaper or television station."

Also be sure to take advantage of available resources. "As you are trying to decide on your major, you will want to consult with a career counselor in your college career center," says Dana F. Sumner, assistant director of career development at Meredith College in Raleigh, North Carolina. "The counselor will be a valuable resource as you pursue your career goals. Your career counselor will advise you of the steps needed toward a positive plan of action that will meet your specific needs and goals."

Room for Change

In choosing a major, keep in mind that once you make a decision, there is still room for change. In fact, changing majors is common.

"About 80 percent of students who start college switch their major at least one time," says Bottaro. "Many students will change their major three or four times over the course of a college career."

Of course changing majors can also have drawbacks. If done too often, it can lead to taking too many courses and delay graduation. But if handled wisely, changing your major won't cause significant problems.

To limit problems, proceed with care, consider your long-range goals, and gather information before making a commitment. If you put in some time up front, you'll be satisfied when it comes time to walk across that stage.

"The choice of a major will seem less overwhelming with proper planning and preparation," Sumner says. "Be sure to take advantage of the resources available to you and the people willing to help."

Betsy McCalla-Wriggins, director of the Career and Academic Planning Center at Rowan University in Glassboro New Jersey, and president of the National Academic Advising Association, suggests that students consider these tips when selecting major.

• Realize it is OK if you have not decided on a major when entering college.
• Identify your strengths and abilities.
• Check out majors that relate to your interests.
• Identify faculty and staff at your college or university and talk to them about what excites you.
• Understand that many careers can be pursued from a wide variety of majors.
• Get involved with clubs related to majors of interest.
• Keep in mind that it is OK to change your major.

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Article by Mark Rowh, Career World, Feb-March, 2003.

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