Finding the Degree Program That's Right for You

You've narrowed down your college options and waded through applications, financial aid forms, and registration information. Good for you! Now the big question--what are you going to study?

For most students, the decision of which degree program to pursue is one of the most daunting parts of starting college. Your major can be a key factor in your future career, so making the right decision is important. Here's some advice to help you answer that age-old question: what do you want to be when you grow up?

Stay True to Yourself in College

Your parents, friends, and teachers might think they know what's best, but only you should make the final decision on what and how you study in school. Consider basic qualities about yourself. Do you like to help others? Is family or free time essential to you? Is your mind as organized as your room? The answers to these questions could steer your educational future.

Choose Career Training that Fits Your Personality

Once you've asked the basic questions, get some science involved. Tests like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator help you determine your strengths, but even their basic descriptions can help give you tips you can use in college:

• Are you introverted or extroverted?
• Do you tend to value logical thinking, or emotional feeling?
• Are you more adept at sensing or intuition?
• Do you prefer to judge and decide things, or keep yourself open to perception?

Your answers to the questions above can make a big difference in your ideal career training program. If you're extroverted, skilled at sensing others, and interested in helping your community, a career in nursing or teaching could be ideal. If you're introverted and skilled at making logical judgments, a self-paced career in IT could offer a satisfying challenge.

Take Advantage of Opportunities to Explore Your Career

Turning your passion into a career can take time. Once you've selected a field of study or a career path, invest some time in exploring your options. Take advantage of work-study opportunities, summer jobs, or internship opportunities to gain exposure to your chosen field and find out what you like and what you don't. Going into your career with your eyes wide open can help you avoid having unrealistic expectations. Every job has its ups and downs, but if you know what to expect, you're better equipped to deal with the stresses of your chosen career.

Don't Stress Over Potential Career Changes

Many potential students delay going back to school because they never feel certain they're picking the right degree program. Take a deep breath and remember that many career training and degree programs can be applied to multiple careers.

For example, a sociology degree could prepare you to become a sociologist, but the critical thinking and research skills you learn could set you on the path to work in social services, management, advertising, or even journalism. A student who graduates with an art degree might be ready to locate an MBA in accounting after working for a few years.

Your goals are allowed to shift as you grow, and broader degree programs are designed to help you weather potential career changes down the line.

Just as your needs, goals, and desires may change over the years, so too can your idea of your dream job. Take time to find the perfect partnership in a career, and you can be rewarded with a lifetime of satisfying work.