Which major should I choose? This is a question that almost everyone asks at some point before beginning college. Maybe you have a general idea of what you want to do or maybe you are absolutely at a loss. Today, I want to give you three simple steps to help you decide what you would like to major in. I know that I struggled quite a bit to figure out what I wanted to do and switched my major several times before beginning here at Cedarville. Looking back on my experiences, I found three things that I would like to share with you that helped me and will hopefully help you as you decide what you would like to study in college.
Step #1: What brings you joy?
When you have moments of free time, what do you enjoy doing? Are there subjects in school that you are drawn to? Do you like people or do you prefer to be alone? Are there things or activities you do that bring you joy?
You were uniquely designed with special gifts and talents. These are things God has gifted you with. I encourage you to think about what you enjoy doing and what you are good at and consider whether or not it is something you would like to learn more about and use in a job. If you can work a job or take an internship doing something you are interested in, this will also provide valuable experience and a look at what it would be like to do that type of work.
I would encourage you to be mindful of two things when thinking about what you are interested in and possible majors related to your interests. First, there is a difference between activities you enjoy as a hobby and activities that you would enjoy as a job. (You may like animals, but does that mean you should be a vet? Do you enjoy science, surgery, and blood?) Second, I would encourage you to keep in mind that while it is important to think about supporting yourself and earning a living, there is a balance between simply pursuing a career path for the sake of money and using your gifts to do what God has called you to do.
Step #2: Take a strengths or personality assessment.
Strengths and personality assessments are often very helpful in figuring out your strengths and possible majors that would fit those strengths. Cedarville offers a career assessment test, which you can find here. I have taken this and found it helpful.
Another assessment to help you discover your strengths that I found extremely helpful is Clifton Strengths. This helped me break down my personality and strengths and discover what I was good at and what I was not good at. After completing the assessment, I was sent a report that broke down my results and showed me areas of thinking, behavior, and interaction that I was strong in. Looking through it, I was able to see areas of strength and areas of weakness that accurately described me. I was able to know myself a bit better, and that knowledge helped me as I was looking at different majors.
Step #3: Pray.
Pray. While evaluating your strengths and taking tests to help you discover what you want to major in are valuable, I cannot emphasize enough how important it is that you take your questions and decisions to God. Although picking a major can be scary and often full of uncertainty, you can take comfort in knowing that God has a plan for your life. The Creator of the universe knows and cares about you and when you seek Him, He will guide you.
When I was uncertain about my major or thought that I had finally picked one I was happy with, God opened doors that I hadn’t even thought about or considered. His plan is the best plan, so take the time to lay your decisions before Him, and trust that He will guide you to where He wants you.
I hope these steps help you as you begin to think about majors and what you want to study in college. I know that this time of your life can be a little scary and uncertain, but there are so many exciting things to do in the world. God has made you with unique gifts and strengths just waiting to be discovered.
Student Life Blogger
- Year & Major: Sophomore, Communications
- Favorite Bible Verse: Lamentations 3:22-23
- Favorite Class at CU: Communication in Applied Context
Tags: #choosing, #major, #yourstrengths
Posted in: Student Guide