Navigating the Maze: A Guide to Choosing Your Perfect Major

Choosing the right major in college is a big decision that can shape your future career and life path. You might be unsure of where to even begin. While the process might seem daunting, some thoughtful consideration can help remove some of the stress from the process.  

When choosing your major, here are a few steps to consider: 
 
Start with self-reflection:
A great place to start is by reflecting on your interests, passions and strengths. What makes you light up with excitement? What activities are you naturally drawn toward doing? In which areas do your natural skills and abilities rise to the surface? Consider the subjects you’ve studied that genuinely excite you and the activities that make you lose track of time. Identifying your interests, strengths and skills can provide valuable insights into potential careers that you would enjoy. 

Consider your values:
Think about your personal values and how they align with potential majors. Whether it’s contributing to social causes, working independently, or being part of a team, understanding what you value can help you find a major that resonates with your long-term goals. 

Do your homework: 
Once you’ve identified your areas of interest, it’s time to begin a deep dive into career possibilities. Consider researching the job market, potential salaries and the demand for professionals in your areas of interest.  

Don’t be afraid to think outside the box! For example, if you love writing you might explore careers in journalism, marketing, public relations or creative writing – all of which use similar skillsets in different ways. If you love to create, you could explore careers in interior architecture and design, fashion or UX design to name a few. Or if you love helping others you might explore options in education, art therapy, occupational therapy, nursing– the list goes on! 

Network your way to success:
Reach out to professionals to ask how they got started working in the field that you’re considering. Inquire about their experiences and education, as well as any advice they can offer. Connecting with alumni is a great place to start, as you share a common link. This firsthand insight will help you get a better grasp of the practical aspects of different career paths and will help guide your decision-making process. Plus, making professional connections might open doors for you down the road when you’re searching for your first job or internship.

Internships and experiential learning:
Once you’ve started taking classes in your area of interest, it’s important to learn what a related career will look like. What better way to gain this knowledge than by participating in an internship or volunteer opportunity related to your major? In addition to hands-on experience, you’ll gain valuable insights into the day-to-day realities of a profession in ways that you can’t learn by sitting in a classroom.

Get help from advisors and MMU Student Success:
If you're still not sure where to start, consider meeting with your advisor or a staff member from Mount Mary's Student Success Center. Our community of staff and faculty care about helping you find the right fit, and can provide guidance on course requirements, career opportunities, and the overall academic landscape that will help you make the right decision.