College Major & Career Exploration
Choosing a college major and career path can feel overwhelming, especially at 17 or 18 years old, and let’s be honest, many of us adults are still figuring it out! All that aside, the key to long-term success and fulfillment lies in aligning these choices with personal interests and strengths. Rather than selecting a major based solely on job market trends or external pressures, students should explore subjects that genuinely excite them. While market trends are invaluable and although I include many of those elements in my college counseling work, I also firmly believe that passion fuels persistence.
With passion fueling persistence, setbacks and challenges are met with a different type of energy and I find that many of my students remain motivated through their coursework, internships, and career-building experiences. When students engage in what they love, they are more likely to develop expertise and creativity, setting them apart in their chosen fields.
It’s also important to remember that career paths are rarely linear. Many successful professionals started in one direction, only to pivot when they discovered new interests or faced unexpected challenges. Some entrepreneurs launched businesses after working in entirely different industries, while others found their true calling after experiencing setbacks. Understanding that change and growth are part of the journey can ease the pressure of making the "perfect" decision early on. College is a time for exploration, and students should remain open to new experiences, courses, and mentorship opportunities that could shape their futures in unexpected ways.
Real-world experiences play a crucial role in career exploration. Internships, part-time jobs, volunteer work, and informational interviews allow students to test different roles and industries before committing to a specific path. By connecting with professionals and asking about their career journeys, students often discover that setbacks and redirections are common and valuable. Learning from others’ experiences can provide reassurance that success is not about following a rigid plan but about adapting, growing, and finding opportunities in unexpected places.
Beyond academics, students should reflect on their personal values and strengths. What problems do they enjoy solving? What kind of work environment energizes them? Do they prefer working with people, data, technology, or creativity? These self-reflections help students make informed decisions about their majors and careers. When their choices align with who they are and what truly matters to them, they are more likely to find satisfaction and success in the long run.
Ultimately, college and career readiness is about more than just earning a degree or securing a job, it’s about creating a path that supports personal identity and aspirations. No student should feel locked into a single trajectory based on societal expectations or pressure. By embracing exploration, learning from setbacks, and seeking out real-world connections, students can build meaningful careers that reflect their true passions and strengths. The most fulfilling career paths are not the ones that follow a straight line, but those that evolve through curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to grow.