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<p>Choosing a major may be the most difficult and important decision a college student makes.<br />
With college costs on the rise, students feel increased pressure to choose the right major and to<br />
make every class count. Unfortunately, many college students don&#8217;t have the knowledge or<br />
guidance to help them with this decision. A few key factors play a role in picking the right major. Read on for helpful tips on choosing a college major.</p>
<h3><strong>Know Your Personality</strong></h3>
<p>According to the MyersBriggs Type Indicator® (MBTI), there are sixteen different <strong><a href="https://www.collegecareerlife.net/great-jobs-for-each-personality-type/">personality types</a></strong>. The four dichotomies include introversion vs.extroversion, sensing vs. intuition, thinking vs. feeling, and perceiving. judging. Many career counselors use the MBTI® to help determine which careers are best for an individual.</p>
<p>If you don’t know your personality type, read more about the different types at Myersbriggs.org . Each personality has its strengths and weaknesses, and these should be considered when choosing a career path.</p>
<h3><strong>Take Note of Your Interests</strong></h3>
<p>Interests matter when it comes to career satisfaction. No matter how much money you make, a lack of interest in your career is sure to lead to problems at some point. Does this mean you have to pursue your passion as a career? Absolutely not! In fact, not everyone has a strong passion for a particular subject. You just need to have some level of interest in your work so that you remain motivated.</p>
<p>How do you identify your interests? Take career tests (preferably at your career center) and<br />
think about the classes you’ve enjoyed. Also, read our article on <strong><a href="https://www.collegecareerlife.net/interest-areas-choose-a-career/">career interest areas</a></strong>. Another great way to identify interests is to get work experience through part-time jobs and internships. You may happen upon a career path that you’ve never even considered.</p>
<h3><strong>Assess Your Values</strong></h3>
<p>Although many career tests focus on personality and interests, values shouldn’t be overlooked<br />
during the career planning process. Values can help you determine the right career, and in turn,<br />
the right major. Some common career-related values to consider: autonomy, security, altruism, and creativity expression. For more information, read <strong><a href="https://www.collegecareerlife.net/assessing-career-values/">assessing your career values</a></strong>.</p>
<h3><strong>Natural Skills and Abilities</strong></h3>
<p>If you struggled through math in school and couldn’t pass no matter how much you studied, you may want to consider a career that doesn’t require a great deal of mathematical ability. However, most degree programs include a variety of classes that may or may not relate to your future occupation. Don’t let this discourage you from pursuing the career you want. One difficult class shouldn&#8217;t derail your entire career dreams.</p>
<h3></h3>
<h3><strong>Checklist for Choosing a Major</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>Determine your personality type(s). Make a list of careers that fit.</li>
<li>Determine your career interest areas. Make a list of careers that fit.</li>
<li>List your top career values. Beside each value, list careers high in that value.</li>
<li>Think about your natural skills and abilities. What subjects do you excel at in school?</li>
<li>List any other careers that you’re considering.</li>
<li>Create a master list of all careers you’ve written.</li>
<li>Cross out any careers that you’re certain you wouldn’t like.</li>
<li>Start researching the remaining careers. What is the job outlook? What are the<br />
qualifications required for entry? What college majors match these careers?</li>
<li>Set up informational interviews with professionals working in the careers on your list?<br />
What is a typical day like? What are the positives and negatives of the job?</li>
<li>Try to job shadow workers in careers that seem promising.</li>
<li>Make a list of college majors that match your career list.</li>
<li>Start researching each major. What career opportunities are available for graduates with<br />
each major? What kind of classes will you be taking?</li>
<li>Choose the major that best matches your career goals, interests, values and personality.</li>
<li>If you’re still not decided on one career, choose a double major or a <strong><a href="https://www.collegecareerlife.net/top-ten-most-flexible-degree-choices/">flexible major</a></strong> that<br />
will offer a variety of career opportunities (you can always change your major later).</li>
</ul>
<p>The right major (and career) will fit your personality, values, interests and abilities. If you&#8217;re still struggling to decide on a major, speak to a career counselor at your school.</p>
<p>*Excerpts taken from <strong><em>The College Career Life Guide to Choosing a Major</em></strong> © 2017</p>
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