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Choosing a Major

alyssazemple

If you have read my posts you may have noticed a trend that includes choosing a career pathway that fits your interest and making the most of your education. A report that was recently published by the Hechinger Report shows that some colleges are easing up on pushing students into picking majors right away (www.hechingerreport.org). Peers are an important part of an adolescent's life and I have found that many students choose college majors based upon what their friends are choosing, whether or not it is the right fit for them. This can set students up for a long and expensive college experience. If you find yourself in this predicament you may want to look into pursuing a gap year. If you would like more information on how a gap year can benefit you reach out to info@atozeducationalconsulting.com or 612-735-1261.


Dickinson College in Pennsylvania just started a program called “Explore More: Jumpstart to Connecting the Dots.” This program is designed to help students explore their strengths and interests before declaring a major (www.hechingerreport.org). There are so many options that students are not aware of. It is important that students understand what options are available before making their decision. In my opinion this is something that can be and should be explored while in middle and high school so that students can start off on the right path.


The Hetchinger Report found that when the “Explore More” program started about 40 percent of students who declared a major right away ended up changing their major. It is human tendency to want to feel that you have a purpose in life and that your work is meaningful. It is disheartening when students and families spend so much time and money on an education that doesn’t provide meaning to the students life. Many students feel pressure to continue in a major even if it isn’t the right fit for them because of the high cost of college and the burden of student loans - they are itching to get out into the workforce to begin paying off this debt.


As I have mentioned in previous posts, when students graduate from high school and pursue a post-secondary education it is the first time they are making decisions on their own. One piece of advice for parents is to allow your child(ren) to have input in their daily decisions with your guidance; don’t try to make sole decisions for your child(ren). It is important that when students make decisions they know the reason behind their decision. This can help your child(ren) to build confidence in their decisions and help ensure them that they are making a decision that is right for them.


If you would like some support and guidance in choosing a career pathway, reach out to me at info@atozeducationalconsulting.com or 612-735-1261.


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