Declaring a major: What am I doing with my life?

It can be daunting when one realizes that you don't go to college just for the friends and the weekends. In fact, sometimes it might even feel like, "what's the point of college anyhow?" This is a valid feeling especially after you pour yourself into class after class and you start to wonder what for.

Me, not fine with deciding my future: Photo Credit

Then, sophomore year hits.

"Declare a major," they said. "It'll be fun," they said.

But is it really? One of the biggest decisions of your life and "it'll be fun." I doubt that. Choosing a major is pretty intense to be honest. It's like saying "when I grow up, I wanna be" - *insert childhood dream* but instead of your parents reassuring you and saying you can achieve your dreams, they rip off the bandage and tell you could never be a *insert childhood dream* and even if you do, you won't make any money and it's a horrible business to get into. Phew. And I thought my parents were tough.

It could definitely be worse. You could be this guy:

Even more not fine with deciding my future: Photo Credit

But is choosing a major really as terrible as it seems? What can you do to choose the right major?

Things to do when choosing your major:

• Talk to your academic advisor. They've gotten you where you are so far, why not let them help out a little more? Since they've already spent at least a year getting to know you and helping you pick out classes, they're a great resource to see what majors might be good for you. They may even suggest something you did even realize you loved. Say you took a bunch of English classes when you kept telling yourself to be a Bio major. Your advisor can help you spot these things.
• Reflect on what your favorite classes have been. Think back on all the classes you've taken. Which have you been most passionate? Done well in? Seen yourself going into this kind of career? Looking back at past experiences can be really helpful to deciding a major. You wouldn't want to become an Econ major if you hated every Econ class you've taken.
• Visit C3 to get an idea of what life after college looks like for your major. C3 is one of the best hidden gems on campus for where to get advice about after college. When you graduate, do you see yourself getting a job right away? Going to grad school? No clue? C3 can help talk you through the options with whatever majors you're interested in. Even if one major suggests you can't go straight into the workforce after graduating, C3 could probably set up a meeting with a Coe alum who did! Don't be afraid to go in and ask questions over in McCabe.
• Remember, you can still change your major. Just about until you graduate, you can always change your major. You can even add majors sometimes. On the flip side though, don't get bogged down thinking you can't escape your poli-sci-history-psych-neuro-chem quintuple major. You don't have to do it all. If your major doesn't want to stick, you can still change it. Figure out what's right for you.



You'll find the right major. Cap believes in you: Photo Credit

• Follow your heart. Cheesy, I know. But honestly, pick a major that will make you excited to be getting an education. Sometimes people around you can try to tell you that "you should do this" or "don't do that," but it's your life and you can't let others live it for you. Listen to your friends and family's suggestions, but remember, that's just what they are - suggestions - don't be afraid to go after your dreams. Because choosing a major is pretty major.