When I started college, my declared major was business. And for several semesters, that was my only official major. But I wrestled with insecurity about my major because I felt like I should also study something writing-related. I knew it probably wouldn’t be practical for me to solely major in English because I didn’t want to be an English teacher, but it took me several months to decide to double major in business and communications.
It’s common for high school and college students to struggle with questions and concerns about what to study in college. There’s so much pressure to select the “perfect” major from hundreds of options. I understand if you have decision paralysis, but there are ways to overcome it. As a girl who was unsure what to study in college, here are five tips to help you decide:
1. Pray with patience.
Although you’ve probably received this advice many times over the years, I can’t overstate the importance of prayer. I honestly should’ve been more prayerful about double majoring. Selecting a major isn’t an easy decision, so I recommend you pray about what to study in college and seek God’s will. Rushing into a decision isn’t a smart idea.
2. Ask for guidance.
If you’re unsure what to study in college, ask your parents and siblings for advice about the specific major(s) you’re considering. Meet with your academic advisor and trusted professors to discuss potential options. Seek guidance from friends who chose the major(s) you’re considering, and find out what career paths they’ve taken since graduation.
3. Get practical experience.
I realize it’s not always possible to get practical experience in the area(s) of study you’re interested in, but do your best to find paid (or unpaid) opportunities to intern or job shadow in that area(s). After my sophomore year of college, I did a summer internship in the human resources department at a hospital—where I learned human resources wasn’t my thing. Similarly, after my junior year of college, I did a summer internship with a newspaper—where I learned journalism wasn’t my thing. Those experiences were beneficial because they helped me learn what my career interests (and disinterests) were.
4. Consider all your options.
Have you ever heard a fellow student say, “I guess I’ll major in _____ (insert popular field of study such as health science or psychology) because it seems interesting”? Honestly, that’s not a sufficient reason to study something. Please don’t pick a major just to avoid the decision-making process (and the research that’s part of this process). I recommend reviewing the academic catalog for the college or university you’re attending (or planning to attend), identifying the major(s) you’re considering, and learning about the classes required for that major(s). If you have room in your schedule, sign up for one of those classes and see how it goes. Also, evaluate majors related to the major(s) you’re considering. For example, if you’re interested in studying history, research the class requirements for history but also for economics, political science, and similar majors. You can also choose a major that’s practical and a major (or minor) that’s fun but not as practical.
5. Remember that you can’t wreck God’s plan.
If I could go back several years and have a chat with the college freshman version of Grace, I’d give her this advice because she was terrified that if she didn’t pick the “perfect” major, she wouldn’t be able to achieve her dreams after college. But friends, God’s plans for you are so much bigger than your major. While it’s wise to study something in college that will help you find a stable job after college, you can’t know everything—and God doesn’t expect you to. You can find great comfort in the truth that God’s perfect plan always prevails—even if you don’t pick the “perfect” major.
No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail against the Lord. The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord. (Proverbs 21:30-31 ESV)
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