If you want to start your own business or work in a business field many different majors may help you achieve your goal. These tips can help you select the right major for you.
1. Talk To Someone in the Field
Going to college is a major investment. Before you start taking out student loans, it is a good idea to get a feel for what kind of job you want to get before you have to start paying them back. A good place to start is by talking to people who are currently working in the field. They can give you an idea of what their day-to-day work-life is like, how much money you might expect to earn and which subjects you should focus on during college. It’s also a good way to start building a network of people who can help you find a job when you graduate.
2. Take Introductory Classes
Most schools do not require you to declare a major until your junior year. Try taking some introductory courses to get an idea of which business subjects you want to study in more depth. Once you have taken a few classes, you should have a pretty good idea about which path you want to take.
3. Join Some Clubs
Extracurriculars are good items to have for your resume. They are also a good opportunity to learn more about the career path you are considering. Most schools have some sort of business-related clubs that host events, invite speakers, go on trips and do other activities that may give you more insight into what you would like to study.
4. Get an Internship
Internships are another good resume builder. They can also be a good way to get an idea of what sort of work you might want to do. If possible, try to get an internship where you will be doing work that is related to the actual field you are interested in, rather than just busywork that may not give you much of an idea of what the job is like. However, even if the tasks you are assigned don’t seem very important, an internship may give you access to people who can be a valuable resource in your career planning.
5. Talk to Your Advisors
Academic advisors exist to help students pick the best courses to accomplish their career and educational goals. An advisor can also help you choose a major. Additionally, you may want to talk to your professors and career counselors.
6. Decide How Long You Want To Attend College
Some majors can lead to a career in as little as two years. For others, you may need at least a Bachelor’s degree to get an entry-level job. For some career tracks, an advanced degree, such as a masters in business, may be an expectation. Take into consideration any licenses or certifications you may need to perform your goal job. Some of these may require additional coursework beyond the undergraduate level.
7. Consider Industry Trends
When considering different majors, it is a good idea to research industry trends. A major in a field that is growing may be more valuable to you than one in a field that is stagnant or declining. Read professional journals. Sign up for industry newsletters online. Stay up-to-date on computer technology and consider taking extra technology courses on top of what is required for your degree.
8. Take an Aptitude Test
Aptitude tests are not 100% accurate but can give you a good idea of what areas of business you may have the most interest in or compatibility or talent for. You can find various career-related aptitude tests online. A career counselor at your school may also be able to provide you with some tests to take.
While choosing a major is an important decision, it is also important to keep in mind that many people do not end up working in a job that is directly related to their major. Focus on becoming a well-rounded student, whichever major you select, and the skills you gain should translate to whatever career path you take.
