The 'Major' Decision
Find a starting point
Traumatized by the future? Try some advice from the Googolplexperts!
Dig up the results of personality or career quizzes that you took in middle school and high school.
Or Try These TestsTry these tests to give yourself an idea of what interests you, what your personality is and what type of environments you enjoy.
Even if they aren't completely accurate, they can give you a general idea of something to look into more.
Close Although you may laugh at the results and suggested careers, they provide insight into the type of career or the field you should consider.
The Results May Make You LaughThe results of your career quiz might have told you that you would make a good teacher or newscaster, or in the case of my mom, a mortician!
Close Just remember that these aren't official and shouldn't be taken that way; they are merely a starting point.
Merely a Starting PointFor example, my personality and career test results indicate that I enjoy working with and helping people, but that I also enjoy working by myself and being organized.
That's my starting point.
Close Don't just rely on career tests. Take from all areas of your life to determine your interests and talents.
Look at experiences in high school such as:
- Classes
- Extracurricular activities
- Jobs
Jobs I had never taken a class in finance in high school, but my job as a teller at a credit union got me thinking about a finance career.
Close All of these can give you further insight into what you enjoy—and what you don't. Then, look at the careers that appeal to you. See if they fit with your interests. One way to gather career information is through an internship or job shadowing.
Job ShadowingThrough one of my classes, I was able to job shadow a pediatrician for a morning. I followed her as she met with patients and worked in her office.
It was really interesting because I got to see what I could potentially be doing with my life.
It was probably the best thing I did. Job shadowing helped me realize that what I wanted to do WASN'T what I thought it would be.
To job shadow, try contacting someone who works in the field you are interested in to see if they allow it and when it would be best.
Be sure to ask any questions you may have and send a thank you after the experience.
Close 
Sometimes switching schools for a major is necessary.
You Can Switch Schools!
Jen switched. Here's a site to help you find out which colleges offer which majors.Close
My roommate Jen was going to the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, with an undecided major.
When she realized she wanted to major in psychology, she started looking at other universities, because UW-Milwaukee didn't have the best program in that field.
Jen switched after her freshmen year to go to UW-Madison, where she could get the best program in the state for majoring in pPsychology.
Major researching
After you have a list of possible career fields, look at the majors offered at the schools you are considering. Then:
- Try out some of the classes.
- Talk with an advisor.
- Talk to students.
- Talk to some of the teachers in the major or department.
See if there are opportunities to talk with alumni about what they have done with the major. Despite coming from the same major, people end up in a wide variety of careers.
Making the "major" decision
How I determined my major.
How I Determined My Major
Because I found out that I enjoy helping others, but also enjoy working by myself, I've looked into careers such as teaching. But I also know that I like helping people solve problems. From my job experience as a credit union teller, I know that I like to help others with money problems.
This has led me to look at business majors. The finance major focuses on big business, and I don't like that. I want to help families and kids with their money.
So I'm majoring in personal finance at my school. With this major, I can go in many directions that all relate to my interests.
Close As high school comes to a close, many people will begin to ask you what you plan to major in once you get to college.
Choose your response carefully because you never know what college will bring. With some research before you even get there, you can make the decision that much easier.
So next time someone asks that question, remember, "Undecided, but thinking about…" is a great major. 
True or False: When Benjamin was 15, he published articles under the made-up name of "Silence Dogood." Click Ben's head for the answer.
TRUE: He sure did. Dogood had lots of advice for people. She criticized the world around her--especially how women were treated. Franklin snuck the letters under his brother's print shop door at night. They were a smash hit, and everyone wanted to know who Silence Dogood was.
Age 22
Madison, WI
WRITTEN BY:
Kelsey
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When you're ready for a loan, other members' savings will be there to help you out at the lowest possible cost. |
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