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So, you’ve chosen a major. That’s exciting! You’re committed to a course of study and have started working toward earning your degree. By now, you’ve likely begun thinking about what’s next: your career. Deciding what to do with your major after graduation can be challenging. The first step is to consider what you’re passionate about. You should also think about what you’ve enjoyed, valued, and been “good at” throughout your life. 

Narrowing down your options based on these things is an excellent jumping-off point. For further help choosing what to do with your major, remember that Lackawanna College is here for you. Our dedicated advisors are ready to support you in any way they can. So, take a deep breath, the opportunities are indeed endless! 

How Do I Know If I’ve Chosen The Right Major?

Figuring out whether you’ve chosen the right major takes time, and that’s okay. You might initially doubt your decision—what if you decided too quickly or missed out on a program? As long as you pick something you genuinely enjoy, we guarantee it will all work out. After the initial fear of declaring your major fades, start visualizing your ideal life after graduation. This is an important strategy that will help you determine if you’ve selected the best major for the future you want. 

Part of visualization involves considering the field’s growth and whether your job will provide the lifestyle you desire. Also, consider the possibility of travel – would you want to include it in your career? If your chosen path offers high earning potential but isn’t in high demand in your town, you might need to relocate. Is that acceptable to you? Pursuing higher education is undoubtedly challenging. However, regardless of your choice, your classes, work, and potential career should ultimately be inspiring and motivating rather than draining.

What If I Want to Change My Major?

If you’ve been thinking about your future or are not enjoying your classes, you might decide that your current major isn’t the right fit. You might be surprised to find out that you’re not alone. Most students change their major at least once during college. Students often realize they want to switch because of their courses, personality, or a work or volunteer experience that helps them understand or discover their true interests.  

Lackawanna College offers a wide range of programs and extracurricular activities for you to explore to find the one that best fits your interests and career goals. In addition to your major, experiences such as leadership roles, volunteer work, and internships can influence your career path and help you stand out to employers.

What If I Like My Major But Don’t Know What Career to Pursue?

Perhaps you began college with a clear idea of what you wanted to major in. If that’s the case, you’re probably not wavering on your choice of major. What you might be uncertain about is the career you’d like to pursue. Think more carefully about your specific interests and which careers align with them. Also consider whether additional education will be necessary and which skills are most valued in your area of interest. Explore potential careers further by participating in related extracurricular activities. This will help you explore those interests and develop relevant skills. 

If these considerations have led you to discover multiple careers that interest you, make a list. Do some research and connect with active professionals in the field, either in person or over the phone. They can explain what you can expect from a career similar to theirs and discuss the obstacles you might face. They can also share their job hunting experiences, but remember, depending on when they graduated, things may have changed. No matter how you connect, their stories might inspire you in unexpected ways!

Who Can Help Me Figure Out What to Do with My Major?

The people who know you best are valuable resources when it comes to helping you decide what to do with your major. Family members, friends, old teachers, and mentors have been right there with you as you’ve grown into who you are today. Their input and observations, like your strengths and weaknesses, can offer helpful guidance and may even reveal a future you hadn’t considered before. They want what’s best for you, no matter what. 

Outside of family and friends, consider seeking assistance from your school. Lackawanna College has a knowledgeable team of compassionate advisors who would love to help you choose a career based on your major! Your advisor can also help connect you with industry experts who can offer insight into the day-to-day of your potential job. 

Career Connections Start At Lackawanna College 

Some majors, like pre-med, can be clearly connected to careers. But in some cases, like with English writing, that’s not always true. While it’s correct that your major provides the foundation for your future, it doesn’t determine everything. Instead of focusing only on one program of study, make sure to also build transferable skills. These include critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving—useful skills in many different fields.

Most careers offer multiple pathways to reach your goals. During your time at Lackwanna College, focus on self-discovery, explore interests, and stay open to new opportunities. Remember, you are more than your vocation! It’s about finding a career pathway that aligns with your passions and values.