They say youth is the period for learning through missteps.
(The perfectionist part of me prefers to sidestep errors whenever possible.)
Still, early adulthood often involves taking chances and “following your instincts” before settling into the responsibilities of full-fledged adulthood.
And yet, many major decisions are made during this phase—like selecting a college or mapping out a career.
College Regrets… We’ve Had a Few
A recent study from Gallup and the Strada Education Network discovered that 51% of almost 90,000 former college students said they would alter their major, choice of school, or the degree type they pursued if given a second chance.
Regrets about major selection topped the list. Thirty-six percent wished they had picked a different area of study, 28% would have chosen a different college, and 12% would have opted for a different degree level.
Yetfour in five respondentswho completed a degree or credential program felt they received a quality education.
College can be an incredible experience, but if you’re a current or prospective student, now is the moment to consider how your choices will affect your future.
Research, Research, Research
Whether you’re deciding on which college to attend or what major to declare, thorough research is essential.
The College Board’s Big Future is an excellent place to learn about schools you’re considering. You can utilize theirinteractive toolto narrow down colleges that might suit you.
You can also explore information on college majors and career paths.
U.S. News & World Report compiles yearly rankings of top colleges and universities and provides extensive data on each institution. They also offer rankings by region, major and other classifications.
When selecting a major, it’s wise to weigh the employment prospects for that field. TheU.S. Bureau of Labor Statisticsoffers data and statistics on nearly every career you can imagine. You can discover which occupations are expanding and which offer higher compensation.
Get a Taste for the Real World
Research is invaluable, but nothing replaces hands-on experience.
If possible, take campus tours before committing to a school and ask plenty of questions.
While in college, try to land internships in your intended field so you can see what life after graduation might feel like.
Find a mentor—or several—who are working in the role you hope to pursue. Probe them about their career journey. If feasible, request to shadow them for a day.
The key point is that college is a major investment, and the choices you make can have long-term consequences. You’ll want to avoid lingering regrets.
Caroline Hart is a contributing writer at Savinly. She earned her degree from Hampton University (go HU!!) and cherished her time in college. Aside from student loan obligations, she has no regrets.
