Finding a college major that will result in a long-term job requires you to set a criteria:
1. Are you looking for a major where you have a good chance of being hired in your region; jobs that are high in number or growing fast?
Or, is salary more important to your definition of security?
Once you think about those questions, then set your criteria for your perfect college:
2. Should it be local? Lowest cost possible?
3. Now, before going further, take a pause. What will really make you happy while in college? And then, later, when on the job? What type of lifestyle are you looking for from both situations? What do you value? What type of students and coworkers, and school and work setting, study topics and duties will get you excited?
These questions aren’t at all easy to answer. First job experiences and networking are ways to help you answer them. But if you’re willing to research your opportunities thoroughly before making a decision, you’ll have a better chance of making the right choices.
When you’ve answered these questions, it’s time to start shopping for colleges and jobs. The following resources will help you zero in on a major and job, the job opportunities in your region, and the colleges in your region that offer the right major:
“50 Best College Majors for a Secure Future”, by Lawrence Shatkin
College Matchmaker search engine from The College Board
The Occupation Outlook search for job titles and growth projections in your region
For more help, email jill@whatsyourmajor.net
My mission is to empower youth with: - The knowledge about career possibilities, and the education and training needed to attain them - The creative-thinking and emotional skills that make for good career decisions and which employers prefer; - And the resilience needed to flourish in life.
