Planning Your College Major: A 14-Year-Old’s Guide

So, you are a 14-year-old with a passion for political science, economics, and history. The question is, “How do you choose which to major in for college?” The short answer might suggest a career in economics, but let's dive deeper into why this is, and explore the importance of a careful, well-thought-out Career Path Plan.

Career Path Plan: A Guide to Your Future

A Career Path Plan is more than just picking a college major. It is a roadmap for how you’ll advance in your chosen career, and includes career goals, specific steps, and required resources. Here’s how to build one:

Defining Career Goals

Start by defining what you want to achieve in your career. Ask yourself:

Do you want to become a policy analyst, a financial manager, or a historian? What areas of economics, political science, or history are most appealing to you? What kind of impact do you want to have on society?

Specific Steps to Achieve Goals

Identify the steps needed to reach your goals. For example, to become an economist, you may need:

To earn a bachelor’s degree in economics or a related field To take relevant courses in statistics and mathematics To gain internships or part-time jobs in the field To pursue a master’s degree if you aim for a senior position

Resources Required

Consider the resources you will need:

Financial resources: How much will education cost, and how you will pay for it? Time: How much time are you willing to commit to your studies and career? Network: Do you need to move to a specific location or build a network within your chosen field? Social impacts: How will your choice affect your family and personal relationships? Additional equipment: Do you need specialized tools or software for your career?

Realistic Chances

Evaluate the probability of success at each step. This involves:

Educational outcomes: Are you likely to get into your chosen programs? Job prospects: Are you likely to secure a job after graduation? Market trends: Are there currently job openings in your field?

Alternative Paths

Finally, consider alternatives in case your main goal is not achievable. What other careers align with your interests and skills?

Understanding College Majors

While economics might seem like the most practical choice for someone with your interests, it’s crucial to understand the broader educational landscape. Historically, liberal arts and humanities majors, such as English, history, and political science, have been viewed as “useless” for many careers. However, the value of these majors is growing as employers recognize their importance in developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Challenges with Liberal Arts Majors

Many employers view these liberal arts majors as “unskilled labor”. They may not see the value in a degree that focuses more on theory and less on direct, marketable skills. While these programs do teach valuable skills such as critical thinking and research, these are often seen as not directly applicable to the job market.

Rebranding and Redefining Value

Some colleges have attempted to rebrand liberal arts to appear more business-oriented. For example:

Business Studies International Studies Global Affairs

However, these “rebranded” majors may still lack the specific, marketable skills that employers are seeking. It’s important to research these programs thoroughly to understand what qualifies as a “useful” education versus a “useless” one.

Exploring Alternatives

Consider the “skilled trades” as an alternative path. Skills such as plumbing, carpentry, or electrical work can be learned through community colleges or trade schools, and can provide a direct pathway to employment.

Informational Interviews

Interview professionals in your desired field to gain insights into their experiences. This will help you understand the practical aspects of your chosen career path. You can find more information in the following sections:

General Factors Doing What You Love Choosing a School Informational Interviews

By speaking directly with professionals, you can better understand the demands and rewards of your chosen career.

Conclusion

Choosing a college major is a significant decision that will impact your future. Consider the value of a Career Path Plan, the practicality of your desired field, and explore all your options. Remember that there are many paths to success, and you can always revisit and adjust your plan as you grow and gain more experience.