Some might think that the most important thing to succeed professionally are studying skills or being smart. And while both might contribute to it, I think that what’s most important is passion. Passion for what you study, for what you are learning and the skills you’re developing. It doesn’t matter if you choose to study medicine, architecture or fashion design, as long as you have that passion and drive for what you do, you’re bound to succeed. The key to a good life is being able to do what makes you happy. But, how do you make sure you’re choosing the right major?
Know Your Why
There are a lot of majors and courses you could be pursuing/taking. From law courses to design ones, from paralegal education to music, you could take them in person or online. But, the most important thing to think about before you commit to a major is simply this: ‘What is your why?’. You need to know clearly why you are making this choice. Because that will be the much needed motivation that gets you through all that study and finals week. Are you doing it to get into your dream career? To help other people? To right a wrong you see in the world? Are you hoping to set up a small business and grow your own empire? The motivation and passion you have for this major or field is what will keep you going even when you’re feeling overwhelmed and like you just want to drop out (been there).
Find Your Interest
Some people know what they want to study since they’re kids. And that’s something I’ve always admired. During high school almost everyone seemed to know what to do with their lives and I honestly had no idea. I was so confused I wanted to take a gap year to figure everything out. And that’s okay. It’s completely okay not to know what you want to study yet. It is a big decision and you should take your time to make it. Not everyone has a light bulb moment where they act out a Shakespeare play and realize they must study literature (silly example, I know). Sometimes it can be more prosaic than that – more about figuring out your skills and strengths, what you want out of life, and matching those to a career path.
For instance you may be analytical with a good head for figures and detail, and want to pursue an executive job. That way you’d be able to see that accountancy may be a smart move for you. Or you could be very creative and a great people person who would fit well at a marketing and digital agency. An environment that suits your personality and allows you to use your strongest skills is likely to be a fulfilling career for you. The options are endless.
Picture yourself in 10 years
The senior year of high school, I went to see a psychologist to take an advanced vocational test. One of the exercises they made me do, was to picture myself in 10 years. That made me realize what kind of life I wanted to have in the future. And helped me narrow down my list of possible career paths. Try to picture yourself in 10 years and ask yourself, what life do you want to have? Do you see yourself living in a big city or in a small town? Are you interested in a job that includes traveling or a stationary job? Do you want to work in teams or by yourself? Just ask yourself all of these questions and you’ll be one step closer to figuring out what you want to major in or if your current major is the right one for you.
I wish there was a secret potion to help you choose a major, but there isn’t. I know how hard it can be to choose a major, I’ve been there and experienced it first hand. But my advice, is just choose what you love and don’t be afraid to change majors if you feel like you need to.
When to Change Majors?
Some of you might know I decided not only to change my major but to transfer schools. I was studying fashion design, but decided that that wasn’t the right fit for me. So, I decided to move to NYC and study fashion business management. I don’t want to get into details about that, because I’m working on another post about it. Leave your email below to get my blog post straight to your inbox. I won’t spam you, pinky promise.
When you lose interest
One of the things that made me realize that I had to change majors was the fact that I completely lost interest for what I thought was my dream major and what I’ve always wanted to pursue: fashion design. Sure, a lot of us can get bored in class. It’s completely normal (and maybe because of lack of caffeine), but it might be part of something bigger. Classes seemed endless and I wasn’t excited to learn more, I just stopped caring. By the end of the semester I was winging it… I still don’t know how I got an A in my drawing class.
Related: Why I changed majors & moved to NYC
When you like another major
ps, you can barely see it, but FYI I’m wearing shorts.
If you find yourself being more excited about your friend’s classes than yours, that’s a sign. A BIG sign. Or maybe if you’re more interested in another major. For example, maybe you are a business major and took an art elective and you realized, you like art more than business. If you find yourself in a situation like this, then look into that other major. For me, I was interested more in the business side of fashion than on the creative side.
You’re getting bad grades
Maybe you’re just too lazy to actually study and put some effort into your classes. BUT, maybe there’s a bigger reason why you’re not doing well. If you’re giving it your best try and still getting bad grades, then maybe you chose the wrong major.
If you’re feeling like the major you’re currently pursuing is just not your fit. Or that it won’t get you where you want to be in life, then start looking for some options. Talk with your advisor and ask about other majors and fields of study. Maybe your major isn’t what’s wrong, but it could be better with a minor by its side. And for some, it might be hard to choose just one field of study, so look into double majoring and adding minors!
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