IBMC Articles

Three Things to Bear in Mind when Choosing a College Major

Colleges in Cheyenne, WY offer numerous courses to pick from, with options ranging from therapeutic massage to IT skills. Choosing the right major can be a challenge; however, the following pointers can enable a person to make a wise, well informed decision along these lines.

Consider Talents, Interests and Capabilities

A person who is not sure what he or she wants to study should consider his or her talents and interests. While not all interests or hobbies can be turned into a career, many can. For instance, a person who enjoys gardening may want to consider a career as a landscaper. Those who enjoy hands-on work may want to study HVAC, welding, construction work or handyman work. A person who enjoys helping others may find a career in healthcare to be the ideal option.

At the same time, it is also important to consider physical capabilities. Some jobs require that a person spend a lot of time on his or her feet and/or work outdoors in inclement weather. Other jobs require that one have good interpersonal skills.

Consider the Job Market

Paying attention to the job market can save the person the heartbreak of studying for a diploma and then discovering that there are no job openings in the field in question. The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes the job growth statistics for any given occupation and doing some research can help a person determine if studying certain courses are worth the cost.

Consider Costs

The cost of a college education varies depending on the field that one intends to study, where one studies, whether or not one studies online or on campus and the type of diploma that one pursues. Student debt can be very difficult to repay, which is why a college student should consider funding options when choosing which course to study. Alternatively, one may opt to obtain an associate’s degree in a particular field, find work and then continue studying part-time after getting a job. Furthering one’s education in this way is not difficult, as credits from an accredited college can easily be transferred to another accredited college or university.

While it is possible to change majors part-way through college, it is not easy to do so. Taking the time to choose a college major with care is always wise and will save a student time, money and hassles.

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