How to Approach Choosing Your Major
By Joy Lizette Aguilar – Churchill Secondary, Vancouver BC
D
you a better sense of where your true
passions, strengths and interests lie.
eclaring a major is a big decision
that must be approached with
care and contemplation. Your
major will equip you with the
knowledge and skills that are necessary
for your future career and in turn, your
career will determine the way that you
lead the rest of your life. If you have no
clue as to which major you should pick,
or if you are encountering difficulty
in selecting your major, make sure to
consider the following tips:
Identify your interests, strengths,
passions and dream occupations
By taking these four factors into account,
you will be able to more easily pinpoint
your ideal major. Your top prospective
careers should correspond with your interests,
strengths and passions. Above all, the perfect
major is a reflection of all four factors.
Keep an open mind
The ideal time to declare a major is during the
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Determine the lifestyle you want
Your vocation will play a significant
role in the direction of your life. Some
people are OK with a job they don't
totally love if it comes with a high salary.
Others would rather have an occupation
that they are passionate about, even if it
doesn't offer substantial income. Choose
a major that will give you the skills to
pursue your top career options.
second or third year of study, which means
there is plenty of time to be adventurous in
your freshman year. Engage in extracurricular
activities, ranging from student government
to varsity sports. Participate in paid and unpaid
internships. Remaining open-minded will give
Consult others
Survey different opinions and listen to
advice from a variety of people, including
your friends, relatives and acquaintances.
Perhaps one of them has completed a major that
you are interested in obtaining and will impart
some helpful insight? If you have any questions
regarding the concentrations that you would like
to specialize in, do not hesitate to pose questions
to an academic adviser.
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12-09-05 9:33 AM