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Cecile Peterkin -- Yes, you are still a student at this point. But when deciding on which college major to pursue, you may want to think in career terms and take the following into consideration.

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A major is a specific subject area that university or college students specialize in. When it comes to choosing which major to take in college, it is not enough that you pick the one you think is cool, or the one your parents want you to choose. Keep in mind that upon finishing college, you will begin your job search and your college degree will play an important role in your career or job search success.

Don’t forget to take these things into consideration before you choose your major:

What are you passionate about?

This is one question that is too often ignored in college planning. Oftentimes, the people around you may seem to have a better idea of what major is right for you. So they tend to give you all the good reasons you should pursue being a doctor, a lawyer, and so on. What they don’t necessarily know, however, is whether or not the job is right for you, and whether or not the role is what you want to be. Before you choose a major, ask yourself what it is that you would love to do for the rest of your life, and base your decision on your passion.

What is the earning potential of your desired major?

You cannot simply ignore the importance of job opportunity and salary potential in your field of interest. Without a doubt, the earning potential of your prospective job will have an impact on your future, as well as your future family’s. Choosing one of the top paying majors is not the only way, though. You want to get a degree that will open many doors for career advancement in the future. In short, you should pursue a major that offers flexibility.

What might future work be like?

Yes, you are still a student at this point, but when you are deciding on which college major to pursue, you might want to think like a career person. After four or five years, you will have a bigger decision to make -– what job are you going to be applying for? There will be many aspects to consider, such as salary, career opportunities, advancement, location, and so on. It may all seem so overwhelming, so take into consideration the type of work you can get with a particular major. If you love to travel, for instance, you may choose a major that leads to careers that involve traveling. If your strength is talking to people, perhaps pursue a major in public speaking.

For a young adult like you, deciding which major to take in college can be very hard and complicated. Thus, take time to think things through and make sure that you weigh all the options available to you. You may even seek advice from reliable people who know a lot about career planning. Do whatever is necessary for you to be able to come up with a smart decision.

Cecile Peterkin is a certified career and retirement coach, and a registered member of the Career Professionals of Canada and the International Coach Federation. She is also the Founder and Senior Career Strategist at Cosmic Coaching Center, provider of career and life management services for middle managers and mid-career professionals across Canada, United States and Europe.

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The views and opinions expressed in these articles do not necessarily reflect those of College Central Network, Inc. or its affiliates. Reference to any company, organization, product, or service does not constitute endorsement by College Central Network, Inc., its affiliates or associated companies. The information provided is not intended to replace the advice or guidance of your legal, financial, or medical professional.