Choosing a Major, Majorly Sucks: Part 2

It has finally happened, and for the first time in a couple of years, I feel confident in my choice.  I have decided to major in Journalism: Professional Writing with minors in Anthropology, Women's & Gender Studies, and Spanish.  I intend to get my Master's degree, most likely in Women's & Gender Studies.

Through this process, I've learned that choosing a major indeed sucks, so I won't take that back.  I've got far too many interests, and trying to pick out the best path for myself has been hugely taxing, as I have had to discover the area where my aptitudes meet my greatest interests. However, it has made me realize that I shouldn't put so much weight on the decision.  Though I've been told by the countless sites online, advisors, and other students, it took a long time for it to sink in that it really isn't going to trap me into a life I'm not happy with.  Why?  Well, it's my life, and I can do whatever the ___ I want to with it.  In a year from now, if I suddenly realize I have a passion for accounting (not going to happen-but still), then I'll make that happen.

I've also learned that my 15 year old cousin is far too wise.  She has some big dreams, and more importantly a plan and the determination to see them through.  I was talking to her about this one day and telling her I envy her sense of direction, and she insisted that there has to be something that I think of when I imagine my future - one thing that my thoughts graze more often.  At the time, all I could think was, "Writing."  I've been full of self-doubt in this, as I'm unsure if I'm talented enough to make a career out of it.  I know that I'll regret it if I don't try, so I'm going to.  And that's that.


Now that that's out of the way, here are some useful tips for those just beginning the process:

• Do some soul searching.
• What kind of impact do you wish to have on the world and yourself?
• What do you do in your spare time?
• What have you done that you're proud of?
• Who inspires you and why?
• Is there any occupation you've considered more than once?
• What specifically interests you about the career(s) you're considering?  
• Use your resources.
• Take some online assessments.
• Be honest with yourself.  If you don't enjoy doing math, that's OK! 
• Try different assessments and take them more than once with some time in between.  Doing this will help you narrow your focus to the things that you truly enjoy and are good at and help you weed out the things you're projecting from the career you're thinking of at the time.
• Meet with a career advisor.  
• Be open to new ideas, but don't be afraid to speak up and say, "No, I don't want to do that." The first advisor I had kept suggesting Hotel Management as a major.  Well, I worked at a hotel not too long ago and hated it  -  NO, I DON'T WANT TO DO THAT.  
• Interview people who work in the field(s) that you're considering, and see if any are willing to let you shadow them.  You can also interview students from upper classes to see why they chose the major they're in. 
• Relax!  
• It's all good.  A Bachelor's Degree is basically a standard now, so any major is going to help your resume.
• You've got time!  There are a couple of years of general classes, and you'll probably know early on when you reach the higher-level classes if you've made the wrong choice, so don't worry about getting stuck. 
• You're not alone!  I've been through this and so have many others.  Read this list of myths about Majors to help assuage your fears.

So long, farewell, and good luck!