The question ‘what will you major in?’ sends many high school students into a panic. They are under the impression that they need to settle on a career path before they can select their first year courses. It is always a good idea to narrow down options, but by no means do students need to decide on a chosen career before attending university.
There are a number of untruths floating around about when and how students should decide on a major. One of the most common is ‘college or university is a waste of time if I don’t know what I want to major in.’ Students can take advantage of the college or university experience by exploring different fields and learning about ones they haven’t been exposed to previously. These students will earn general education credits that count toward their degree.
Another myth that surrounds selecting a major is ‘once I choose a major, I’m stuck with it.’ Research shows that most students will change majors at least once. Students also have the option to double major or select a minor area of study. Although switching majors is a possibility students should be aware that it can be a time consuming and confusing process. This is why it is a good idea to have a basic understanding of one’s interests. Going into university with a general idea of the area you want to study can help to make the experience more enjoyable and less stressful.
The STRONG Interest Inventory is a great tool that adolescents can use when making decisions about potential college/university majors, post-secondary institutions, and future employment. At this stage, most students’ interests are beginning to solidify and the STRONG Inventory results are useful for long-range educational and career-planning purposes.
Please contact our office to learn more about the STRONG Interest Inventory: (604) 922-8456 or info@options-wp.chhdev.com.
