When I graduated high school, I was like many of you – full of potential, but unsure of what direction to take. The path ahead seemed foggy at best. I decided to enroll in a junior college, thinking it would buy me some time to figure things out. But after just one semester, I found myself disengaged and ultimately didn’t return.
Fast forward 13 years and two kids later, I realized it was finally time to make a decision about my future. This time, I knew I needed to look inward. I reflected on the people who had made the biggest impact on my life and what their positions were. I thought about what they valued and how they had influenced me. Most of these influential figures, I realized, were my former teachers.
This personal journey of self-discovery led me to where I am today, and it taught me an invaluable lesson: there are many ways to choose a major that fits your goals, and sometimes the path isn’t straightforward. But that’s okay – in fact, it’s part of the journey.
My story isn’t unique, and if you’re feeling uncertain about your future, you’re not alone. Whether you’re a fresh high school graduate, a returning student, or somewhere in between, choosing a major is a significant decision. But it doesn’t have to be a stressful one. Let’s explore how you can align your studies with your career goals and personal interests.
Understanding Yourself: The First Step
Before you can choose a major that fits your goals, you need to understand what those goals are. This involves some serious self-reflection. Ask yourself:
- What subjects do I enjoy studying?
- What skills do I naturally excel at?
- What kind of work environment do I see myself thriving in?
- What values are important to me in a career?
- Who are the people that have made a significant impact on my life, and what can I learn from their careers?
Leveraging the Focus2 Interest Assessment
Here at Hardin-Simmons, we’re fortunate to have access to the Focus2 Interest Assessment. This tool is designed to help you explore potential career paths based on your interests, skills, and values. Explore Your Interests / Self-Assessment – Hardin-Simmons Virtual Career Center (hsutx.edu)
The Focus2 assessment consists of several inventories:
- Work Interest Assessment
- Personality Assessment
- Skills Assessment
- Values Assessment
- Leisure Interest Assessment
By completing these inventories, you’ll gain valuable insights into career fields and majors that align with your personal profile. The system then matches your results with potential careers and majors offered at Hardin-Simmons.
Connecting Interests to Majors
Once you’ve completed the Focus2 assessment, you’ll have a clearer picture of potential career paths. But how do these translate to majors? Here’s a quick guide:
- Review the suggested careers from your Focus2 results.
- Research the educational requirements for these careers.
- Look at Hardin-Simmons’ list of majors and see which ones align with these career paths.
- Don’t forget to consider minors or double majors that could complement your primary field of study.
Exploring Beyond the Classroom
Choosing a major isn’t just about classroom learning. Consider these opportunities to gain practical experience:
- Internships: Many departments offer internship programs. These can give you real-world experience in your field of interest.
- Study Abroad: Hardin-Simmons offers various study abroad programs. These can broaden your perspective and make you stand out to future employers.
- Student Organizations: Joining clubs related to your potential major can help you network and gain leadership experience.
Flexibility is Key
Remember, choosing a major doesn’t lock you into a single career path for life. Many successful professionals end up in careers not directly related to their college major. The skills you learn – critical thinking, communication, problem-solving – are transferable to many fields.
–Biology Major to Christian Author: Lee Strobel, a well-known Christian apologist and author of “The Case for Christ,” originally majored in journalism. His investigative skills, honed during his studies, later served him well in researching and writing about Christian faith.
–Music Major to Ministry Leader: Bill Gaither, the gospel music icon, majored in English and music education. While his music background directly contributed to his career, his English studies enhanced his songwriting abilities, allowing him to touch millions with his inspirational lyrics.
–Business Major to Nonprofit Founder: Bob Goff, author of “Love Does” and founder of Love Does (formerly Restore International), holds a law degree but majored in business as an undergraduate. His business acumen has been crucial in running his nonprofit organization, which promotes human rights and education globally.
–Education Major to Political Commentator: Mike Huckabee, former Arkansas governor and presidential candidate, majored in religion but began his career as a broadcaster and pastor. His communication skills, developed during his studies, proved invaluable in his political career and as a conservative commentator.
–Psychology Major to Christian Counselor: Dr. James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family, majored in psychology. His understanding of human behavior, rooted in his studies, became the foundation for his influential work in Christian family counseling and advocacy.
Seeking Guidance
Don’t hesitate to seek help in this process. Hardin-Simmons offers several resources:
- Academic Advisors: They can provide insight into specific majors and course requirements.
- Faculty Members: Professors can offer valuable perspectives on their fields of study.
- Career Services: Our office can help you interpret your Focus2 results and explore potential career paths.
Conclusion
Choosing a major is a journey of self-discovery. It’s about finding the intersection of what you love, what you’re good at, and what the world needs. By utilizing tools like the Focus2 Interest Assessment and the resources available at Hardin-Simmons, you’re well-equipped to make an informed decision.
Remember, the goal isn’t to have it all figured out right away. It’s to start on a path that excites you and aligns with your goals. So, take a deep breath, dive into self-exploration, and embrace the journey ahead. Your perfect major – and future career – is waiting for you to discover it, whether you’re just starting out or returning to education after a break. It’s never too late to pursue your dreams and make a positive impact, just like those influential teachers in my own life.
