Key points:
Deciding on a college major is a complicated decision even for the most dedicated students. Before enrolling, students should consider their own skills, career prospects, and ability to thrive within the department as a whole.
As a parent, guidance counselor, or teacher, you can help students navigate college careers by doing a little research of your own. Focus on learning more about the student's goals and motivations and research potential professors before the semester begins. This will help you guide students toward a major that is both enjoyable and financially rewarding.
Many students attend college knowing that they will earn a GPA. 1.2 million dollars more during his lifetime. While the financial reward of graduating should not be overlooked, students' interests should not be overlooked when choosing a degree either.
When trying to find the best major for a prospective student, focus on understanding their needs and motivations. What questions keep you up at night? What classes do you enjoy most in high school? How do they perform in their favorite class? Asking these questions will help students navigate their potential major and avoid disappointment in the future.
Remind students that choosing a degree in a subject they enjoy is more beneficial than earning a degree they think makes sense. Often, students enroll in careers out of the mistaken belief that some careers are more practical than others. This is a mistake, since students who enroll in subjects they do not like are more likely to fail classes and miss their degree entirely.
If students are having difficulty deciding between subjects they are interested in, encourage them to enroll in prerequisite classes that fulfill both degree requirements. Courses such as chemical engineering and mechanical engineering often have the same requirements for freshmen and sophomores. Taking classes strategically will give students the opportunity to develop their skills and gain experience while delaying their decisions.
There is nothing wrong with choosing a college major that leads to a high-income career. In fact, many students find that projected income helps simplify the decision-making process and find a degree that suits them.
Pursuing a profitable career is also more important today than ever. Federal student loans are more expensive now that interest rates range between 5.5 and 8.05 percent. This, coupled with the fact that college credits are more expensive, means that many students are putting their financial well-being first during the decision-making process.
As a teacher or parent, you can help students manage the financial stress they may face by alerting them to assistance programs. Some students who are already enrolled may be eligible for student aid programs, while others will be able to enroll in the new income-based repayment plan.
Remind students that the highest-paying careers are often those where their interests align with their roles. However, the reality that certain stocks tend to make more money than others should not be sugarcoated. Currently, the highest paying careers for graduates include:
- Chemical engineering
- computer's science
- Business analysis
- Economic Sciences
These degrees can prepare graduates for life and lead them to interesting career paths. STEM-oriented degrees also typically champion transferable skills, meaning your student will be set up to succeed as the world of work changes.
Enrolling in college classes and taking courses is exciting for any student. However, as a parent or teacher, you know that the quality of the teachers your child will work with is just as important as the topic they will cover.
Research the department together before your student enrolls. A quick Google search will let you know if the department is undergoing a restructuring or has recently come under fire for poor performance. You can also use sites like RateMyProfessor to learn more about teachers before you sign up.
Ask about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives before your student enrolls in a particular degree. This is particularly important if your student comes from a traditionally marginalized background. Discrimination, intentional or unintentional, occurs on campus and can detract from a student's ability to learn.
When researching a department, you may be surprised to learn of initiatives to increase inclusion. This is because many fields are being left behind due to underrepresentation. For example, him tech-sector-needs-lgbtq-voices” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>The tech industry currently needs more LGBTQ+ voices to guard against stereotyping and overcome bias in program development. Your student may even be eligible for scholarships if they are part of the LGBTQ+ community and have a passion for technology.
Deciding on a university career can be a difficult process for students. There are hundreds of careers to choose from and many students feel pressured to choose a career that is considered practical. Help students choose a major by analyzing their interests and projected income. This will ensure that students enroll in degrees that will lead to future success in a field they love.
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