The voices in the back of our heads are different. Sometimes they lead us to the right choices with feelings of fulfillment, and sometimes they lead us to utter vulnerability. And you could see this cycle of confusion as normal in regards to failures in life, but if you made it to your graduation day successfully, what could there possibly be going wrong? Isn’t this moment what you wanted in the first place?
For some people, the doors that open after graduating are thrilling. They keep knocking from one to another, excitingly looking for a spot to invest their taught skills on. Whereas for others, the search for job opportunities can be devastating. What millennials seem to be asking nowadays from the labor market are growth and meaning; however, not every employer fulfills these criteria in reality.
Here are five things to consider when choosing a degree program that is right for you and your future career path:
Step 1: Introspection
It is common for us to hear people the whole time telling us that we are good at something and bad at another. Speaking on the third person is rather easier than talking about one’s self. However, it is very important that you conduct a proper self-analysis and notice the aspects of yourself, which can help you succeed. Consider taking into account the things you most enjoy doing and ask yourself questions, such as:
- Am I making this decision solely based on my will?
- Am I being influenced by people’s perceptions of my abilities?
- What do I most enjoy doing, and where do I see myself working in the future?
- Which achievements make me more proud of?
- Is passion my priority or is it the earning potential?
These and other relevant questions that you may consider helpful, clear out your thoughts, and can maybe push you towards a visualization of your future (employed) self.
Step 2: Take a gap year
When in doubt, take a gap year. The choices you make do not have to follow the patterns of others, nor do they have to be precipitated. If you’re unsure about your career alternatives, then take some time to figure it out and experiment with practical opportunities. Try working part-time jobs, remote or seasonal jobs, just to get a heads up of what expects you later on in life. This experience will help you differentiate at least some of the highlights of the 9-5 life. Although a year passes by quickly, you’d be amazed at how thoughts can change or shape themselves when deciding about a career that’s going to characterize you for life.
Step 3: Pick a major based on your values
After you’ve finally set aside a decision, make sure that the benefits of the degree you’re considering rely on these crucial elements:
- Values
- Interests
- Abilities
- Passion
Understand that you should not be asking yourself what major should I choose? Instead, replace that sentence structure with the question: What major is the right one for me? Provide the answer for yourself, following the standards you have built through your life and based on the abilities you would like to see yourself progress in. But most importantly – make a decision based on what you feel passionate about doing in long-term.
Step 4: Search your field’s options
Luckily, there’s plenty of information online nowadays, which can keep you from making the wrong choices. Dig a little deeper into the current situation of the university you are planning to enroll in, its reputation, the availability of student development programs that they have going on. Furthermore, consider the pros and cons of pursuing a bachelor’s degree in a certain field by finding out the employability options, accessibility of new generations, and of course, the payment rate. Sometimes your choice of career may not be of demand, considering the rapid market changes and dynamics. Still though, if you have enough determination, there will always be a chance to shine.
Step 5: Networking
You’d be amazed at the number of people who have walked in the same shoes of confusion. Deciding on a career is never easy for anyone, but what you will understand is that things create their natural flow eventually. Talking to different people and absorbing diverse perspectives will boost your self-esteem and develop new horizons. It is specifically beneficial if you talk to people who are now employed and with a setup career. They know all about the perks of pre-graduation and post-graduation, but seeing how life turned out to be for them will probably keep you feeding your goals.
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If you’re looking for more similar approaches to clear out your major related confusion, here are four perfectly curated resources:
- What Colleges Want in an Applicant (Everything) – New York Times
- Six Myths About Choosing a College Major – New York Times
- Comparison: Return on Investment of Various College Degrees – Discover
- The Six Classes That Will Make Any College Grad Employable – Forbes
Whereas if you have already decided on a bachelor program, and you can’t wait to get enrolled, why not choose Potomac? Contact us for more information.
