5 Things To Keep In Mind Before Opting For Science Major

Gaurav Vohra Mar 09, 2020

Graduating the 12th boards feels like one has just crossed a milestone but the satisfaction is fleeting as one soon faces a bigger challenge - choosing a major for the undergraduate degree. College is a big investment and making the right decision is crucial for one's career trajectory. The dilemma of choosing a major might get to be a little overwhelming for most. Science is a popular major but it’s important to test the waters before jumping in. A little guidance surely won’t go amiss. Here’s something that every student wishing to pursue a major in science should be aware of.

Align your interests and strengths with your goal

The first indicator of whether science is the right major for you is if the subject interests you. Aligning your strengths and weaknesses with your goal is important to establish a successful and fulfilling career. Herd mentality impedes growth and it’s important to make an informed decision.

Keep your options open

Uncertainty is the only certainty there is, so it’s important to keep your options open and not choose a very specific degree. It’s probably better to get a degree in, say, Chemical Engineering rather than Metallurgical Engineering at the graduation level. Our likes and the demand is bound to change over time so it’s a good practice to keep our bandwidth open to accommodate the same.

Career prospects

The third factor to consider is the employability aspect of the course. College is, after all, a huge investment of one’s time and resources, and it’s essential to ensure that the returns are satisfactory. Career prospects and financial gains should be a part of your college checklist.

Add location to your checklist

It’s also important to keep in mind that some careers are location-specific. An aspiring techie’s dream of working with cutting-edge technology would probably be better realized if he pursued his studies in say, Bangalore, the tech hub of India.

Choose the right college

Lastly, it’s important to keep in mind that the college you graduate from will always carry weight throughout your career. Not just in terms of reputation, but also the quality of education and the skills imparted. The mindset you acquire in college will be one that you carry forth into your next venture. The merit of a program should not solely rest on the reputation of the institution as not all majors are of the same stature.

The world of science is a goldmine of opportunities for students who are brave enough to carve their own path. Making decisions may be challenging but this trait is one that will define the way your life pans out. Make informed decisions and you will have fewer regrets in life.