Help Teens Choose a College Major
Encourage Teenagers to use College Resources to Select a Major
A majority of first time college students are unsure about choosing a major. Academic advisors, faculty and career counselors are available campus resources.
Dr. Fritz Grupe, founder of MyMajors.com, stated in an article for MSNBC that eighty percent of college-bound students have not yet chosen a major. Gupte continues, "It is little wonder 50 percent of those who do declare a major, change majors — with many doing so two and three times during their college years."
Before declaring a major, college students need to explore campus resources including academic advisors, faculty or department chairs and career counselors.
Academic Advisors
Academic advising offices offer a wealth of information about college programs, minors and course schedules and selection. They exist primarily to help college students maneuver through the sometimes complex academic landscape and choose a major. Teens and new college students should know that academic advisors are not just there to pick classes, but to advise students about college programs. Academic advisors know the college catalog thoroughly. New college students should be encouraged to connect with and become acquainted with academic advisors as soon as they arrive on campus.
Faculty and Department ChairsUniversity faculty and department chairs can share insights and nuances about a major that a college student might not have considered. Visit professors during office hours and ask questions about faculty specialties, research interest and classes in the major. Faculty can tell college students new directions within careers and ultimately the majors required to succeed. Faculty also can connect students with recent alumni and make a recommendation for someone with whom a student could do an informational interview.
Career Centers
Last, but by no means least, students need to become familiar with the college career center. Career counselors do not serve just graduating seniors who need help with a resume. Career counselors, career associates or career advisors as they might be called, are an amazing campus resource, full of information about majors and careers.
Career counselors are not alarmed by college students who are undecided about a major or career; in fact they welcome these students. Students can get help with major and career selection by asking the following kinds of questions:
- What can I do with this major?
- Where can I find out more about this career?
- How can I get more information about certain careers?
- Who can I do an informational interview with in that career?
- Why are my values, skills, interests and personality important when selecting a major or career?
Finally, college career center staff will not only guide teens with the decision to select a major or a career, but have the tools in place to help students make successful transitions from major into career.
