|
There's considerable debate as to
how important this decision really is. Some say it doesn't matter
because the skills you build are universally valued. Others say it does
matter because the major you choose can dictate the scope of your
opportunities. Which point of view is "right" depends on your
time frame.
In
the long run
As you progress in your career, you build skills and knowledge that
transcend your choice of major. After about three years of work
experience, your degree begins to fade into the backdrop of your resume,
and after about five years, it is relegated to the fine print. At that
point, the degree is really a minimum requirement for employment more
than a testament to your knowledge. So, maybe your choice of major is
not so important.
In
the near future
Wait a minute! You still need to begin your career somewhere, gaining
the work experience that will be valued more highly than your degree. A
series of unrelated jobs won't help launch your career nor will a career
in a field in which you have no interest. Think of it like a rocket
trajectory -- at launch, you need to be pointed in the right direction;
otherwise, it will take considerable energy to change your course later
on. The major you choose can help to direct your career.
Why
your major matters
Here are some reasons for taking the decision seriously:
- You're about to invest several
years of your life in studying something in great detail. It might
as well be a subject in which you're interested.
- To maximize your psychological
and financial payback from this investment of time and money, pick a
launch pad that will send you in the desired direction.
- There are many careers that
favor (or even require) one degree over another. You should be aware
of what these careers are before you choose.
Despite the importance of choosing a
major, the vast majority of students still make the decision
haphazardly. There are two problems that frequently stand in the way of
making an informed decision:
- The information required to
evaluate your options does not exist in a practical form.
- The sheer number of options is
daunting, making it easy to postpone the decision until you're well
into college. Delaying this decision can result in a choice that's
convenient but unwise or a delayed graduation.
Take
your time and do the research
Choosing a major is not a decision that can be made in two hours, two
days, or even two weeks. Once you've narrowed the list of majors and
careers that seem interesting, try each of them on for a while.
For example, conduct some
informational interviews and project yourself in the role. If you're not
excited by the subject matter or can't see yourself in that type of
career, then move on to others. After all, if you start early, you have
plenty of time.
For personalized career and
college planning, go to MyRoad,
collegeboard.com's premier guidance solution
©2002
Collegeboard.com. All Rights Reserved. |
