Dear Millie,

What is the best way to pick what to major in?

Picking something to major in is hard. It takes more time for some to choose a major, while others may have a hard time choosing only one. So, when deciding a major, there is a lot to account for, and it’s not easy; no one ever said it would be easy. But still, a ghost can dream, right?

If you’re a first-year student, you’ve just arrived on campus and are still learning the ropes of college. Your classes are likely general education courses, and there’s a chance you haven’t found something you want to get involved with for the rest of your life. I get it, making such an important decision as a young adult is hard; you don’t want to make a mistake about the one thing you plan to study for four years. But remember, you just got here, and no one will blame you for not liking the major you first choose. Commonly, students don’t end up majoring in what they initially decide to study. It’s okay to switch majors between the first two years of college.

If you’re further along in your college career, you’re likely in more of a rush. You could be feeling the pressure of the world asking you what you want to do. But hey, don’t worry, your major won’t define you. As long as you choose something you enjoy doing, and see yourself working in that field, it’s all that matters right now. 

There is more than one way to decide on a major.

One resource to take advantage of is Career Development, you can schedule a meeting with them through Handshake. They will consult with you to investigate majors that might be of interest to you, and what you are looking for. 

Another option is to look into applying for the COOP-119 May Term. In COOP, there are eight in-person sessions, and 40 hours of job shadowing of up to three employees.Simpson College’s COOP May Term has been quite successful in building students’ confidence in their decision regarding their own major. 

If COOP-119 doesn’t seem appealing, I encourage you to do some job shadowing of your own. Reach out to employers who you may have questions for, and get to know more about their positions. You should also attend the career fairs hosted on campus. 

Another way to understand what each major entails is to get in touch with professors and discuss the classes they teach. Ask them what requirements are needed for a major, what careers are within this major and what the workload for the classes are. Sometimes professors used to work in their field or do work outside of teaching, so you could ask them about their experiences. 

There are many ways out there to find what you want to do.

Unfortunately, college and adulting don’t come with a “guidebook” for students and young adults. I think it’s a matter of going out and finding what works best for you. 

If I had to end on one sentiment, it would be this: go with your gut, because no one should tell you what path to follow. No one knows you more than yourself. Whatever your goals may be, follow a major that gets you down that path.

I know you’ve got this!

Yours Truly,

Millie