What to Major in? Tips on Finding the Answer without the Stress

Stressed out because you can't decide what to major in? Stop stressing. It's perfectly normal to ponder (and ponder) what to major in. That's partly what college is for: to figure yourself out. By doing some soul-searching and research, you can complete courses that pay off in the end. Whether that pay off is in the form of intellectual growth, career preparation, or both depends on you.

Direct and Indirect College Majors

Whether you're 18 or 38, it's hard to know what to do for the rest of your life. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average person changes jobs every 5 years. Even when thinking about things we love to do--skiing, bungee jumping, or reading, for instance--would we love them as much if we did them 40 hours a week?

Ideally, directly or indirectly, your college major leads you to a career that works for you. If you're interested in a direct route, consider pursuing career-training majors, such as nursing or accounting. If you're more interested in growing intellectually and seeing where that takes you, pursue something you love, such as art or philosophy.

College Majors and Careers

Even if you end up changing careers or going back to school later for more training, your first college major helps shape your intellectual growth and interests. Anything you learn from school is knowledge, and you never know where it will lead you. Consider the college majors of these folks:

• Jay Leno: Speech therapy

• Julia Roberts: Veterinarian studies

• Brad Pitt: Journalism and advertising

• Shaquille O'Neal: General studies

When considering your own college-to-career path, fame and fortune might not be in the cards. But plenty of choices remain.

Finding the Right Balance

For some people, finding a career is about following their passion or making a difference in the world. For others, a career path that leads to lucrative earnings or a corner office is key. Consider your lifestyle preferences and career goals when selecting your major, and be aware that some college majors lead to more lucrative jobs than others. For instance, jobs in sciences and technology often pay better than those in humanities.

Unfortunately, many high-paying jobs demand grueling hours and don't offer much flexibility, such as business executive and law-firm lawyer. Massage therapists and college professors, in contrast, enjoy more flexibility. But it could be harder to land sustainable work in these professions.

If being one of thousands applying for that classic literature teaching job sounds unappealing, there are professions that come with high job security. Nurses and teachers come to mind. Consider employment projections such as those provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics to calculate future demand in potential careers.

Still Confused? Try Out Your Options

You probably have an idea of things you might like to do. Choose some and get yourself on the job through:

• Job shadows

• Internships

• Interviews with professionals

Also, talk to your college advisor or even your old high school's guidance counselor. Audit classes. Take online career aptitude quizzes. Finding the right major is a process that may require a lot of exploration, but should help you get to know yourself better in the process.

Kelli Smith writes about colleges and universities, community colleges, online schools, and career development. She is the senior editor at www.CollegesandUniversities.org.