How to Choose a College Major that Actually Fits Your Life Goals

Use these tips from Future Leaders Program Teachers to help you guide this major decision

Choosing a college major begins with reflecting on your interests, values, and strengths, and aligning them with your career goals after graduation. The best choice aligns your motivations with the direction you want your career to take, while providing a foundation of skills to keep you adaptable as your personal goals, technologies, and markets evolve.

Where to begin?

1. Identify your Interests

Start by thinking about what interests you. Are there any classes you find particularly interesting? When you’re online, which topics make you go down rabbit holes? The best way to uncover your interests is by figuring out what topics inspire you to learn more when no one assigns you the work.

• What’s been my favorite subject or project so far?

• What type of problems do I enjoy solving?

• Has there been a recent class where I’ve lost track of time?

• What conversations or debates have I had with friends that made me light up?

2. Know your Strengths

You want to choose a college major that challenges you while also aligning with your academic and personal strengths. The goal isn’t to be comfortable or find the “easy” major, but to choose one that builds confidence while keeping you engaged. When you find a major that plays to your skills, you’ll be more motivated, focused, and inspired to learn more.

Ask yourself these questions:

• What courses do I excel in? Why?

• How do I tackle a challenging assignment?

• Have I received any academic recognition? Even informal compliments from trusted adults?

• Do I excel at analytical, creative, communication, or leadership tasks?

3. Map Your Goals

While picking your college major won’t define your career, it will have a huge impact on your first job after graduating as well as post-secondary education opportunities. Before choosing a major, it’s important to think about what your goals are, whether it be financial stability, independence, service to others, or creativity. Being versatile will give you a leg up in the working world as many jobs have not yet even been created.

Short Term Goals

Think about the near future and your life immediately after graduating college.

• What field do I want to enter after graduating college?

• What environment do I want to work in? In an office? Outside? In a lab?

• Do I want to travel?

• Do I want to join a large corporation, or would I rather work for a smaller company?

• What kind of projects do I want to work on after graduating?

• What city do I want to live in?

Long Term Goals

Now think about your life 10 – 15 years after graduating.

• What impact do I want my work to have?

• Do I want to specialize deeply in an industry? Or would I rather have a variety of different jobs?

• Do I want to lead teams?

• Do I want to start a business?

• Do I want to start a family? How does my career factor into that decision?

• Do I plan on attending post-secondary education?

4. Visualize your

Future

Asking yourself abstract questions about the future can be challenging. Sometimes, it can be helpful to create a vision of who you’d like to become. Think of people you admire, mentors you have, or people you aspire to be like. Picture yourself in the near future, well after you graduate college.

And then ask yourself these questions:

• How do I present myself to the world?

• What kind of people am I working with?

• What does my day look like?

The future you imagine can help guide your decisions in the present. Once you have that vision, talk to trusted adults, teachers, or mentors about how to get there. Ask them about their story, what steps they took, and how their college majors shaped their careers.

5. Take Action

Once you’ve identified your interests, understood your strengths, mapped your goals, and created a visual of your future, it’s time to let your school know. Start by meeting with your academic advisor who can discuss your options. The process and requirements vary from school to school, so ensure you fully understand the specific details, including the credit requirements and prerequisites.

After making a choice, be sure to reflect on it. If you’d like to change, change early, as it becomes more difficult the closer you get to graduation.

There is no perfect formula for choosing a college major. But using the questions above can help align your strengths, interests, values, and goals to make a decision that supports future growth.

Your career will evolve, but the confidence you gain by an enriching college experience guided by a major you enjoy will stay with you every step of the way.