Let Your Interests Guide Your College/Career Choices

Entry by Pat Patterson

If you have not declared your college major yet, try not to be persuaded to pursue a degree solely based on the current economic conditions.  Statistically speaking, in our current economy, students with certain majors have landed more job offers after graduation than students with other degrees.  However, it is important to pursue a major that you are interested in, and let your passions guide your career decisions.  After all, you are more likely to perform well when you have an interest in what you are studying, and it is uncertain which courses of study may “increase your odds” of landing a job one, two, three, or four years from now.

A recent article in the Chicago Tribune echoes this sentiment:

The key is to think ahead about which jobs would also let you capitalize on your interests. And the earlier you start, the more opportunities you’ll have to build practical experience through an internship or part-time job.

Keep a long-term perspective and remind parents to do the same. Given that college tuition, room and board now runs as much as $50,000 per year, parents may put pressure on college-bound children to pursue degrees in industries with good job growth.

But that kind of thinking can be risky, said Goodman, the college admissions adviser.

“Kids do better when they like what they do,” he said. “No economy lasts forever.”

As the article references, one of the best ways to test out a potential career interest or gain valuable work experience in an area of your interest is through interning.  It is important to intern as early and often as you can.  Trust me, regardless of your degree, employers will look favorably on your job application if you have work experience related to their job openings. 

Uncertain what types of jobs may coincide with your interests or uncertain what types of jobs you may be able to land with your major? Stop by your school’s career services office and see where other individuals with your major or intended major are now – I am sure some of the results will surprise you.  Of course, don’t forget that you can find internships for free using www.workandlearnindiana.com!