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Figure Out Your Major with FYE

From Undecided to Decided 

What does it mean to be undecided? You may be considered undecided if any of the following bullet points apply to you :

  • You are completely lost when it comes to selecting a major
  • You have not committed to a specific major
  • You may have two or more majors you are considering
  • You have chosen a minor but not a major
  • You vaguely have an idea about your future career
  • You may not have a specific goal set for yourself
  • You are brand new to college and don't know where to start

If you are undecided on a major, you are in luck! LACC is here to support you as you embark on this journey to transition from undecided to decided (with confidence)! Here are some ways for you to explore your future options.

Get to Know Yourself

The most successful people in the world often take time to reflect and explore what truly makes them happy. A key step in this journey is understanding who you are—your interests, strengths, values, and personality. Gaining clarity in these areas can help you make thoughtful, informed decisions about your education, career, and personal life.

Below, you’ll find helpful definitions and reflection questions to guide your self-exploration:

✨ Interests – What excites you and sparks your curiosity

  • What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

  • What topics do you find yourself exploring online just for fun?

  • What fascinates you or catches your attention without trying?

🔧 Skills – What you’re naturally good at or want to develop

  • What tasks come easily to you?

  • What do others compliment you on?

  • Are there skills you already have that you’d like to strengthen?

💡 Values – What’s important to you in life and work

  • What beliefs guide your decisions and priorities?

  • Are there causes or issues that are close to your heart?

  • What values must be present in your future career or lifestyle?

🌟 Personality – Who you are at your core, without outside influence

  • What qualities make you unique?

  • How would you describe yourself in three words?

  • What would friends or mentors say about your personality?

Tips for Self-Discovery

  • Create a life timeline. Reflect on your highs and lows, and include space for what you want your future to look like.

  • Make a list of your likes and dislikes. Look for patterns or surprises.

  • Start journaling or build a vision board. Visual reminders of your goals help keep you focused and motivated.

  • Seek inspiration. Read books, talk to people, or attend events that energize and challenge you.

  • Try new things. Growth often comes from stepping outside your comfort zone. Take a class, join a club, or explore a new hobby—you never know what you might discover.

Self-exploration is a journey, not a destination. Take the time to understand yourself—you’re worth it.

Explore Career Options

Now that you’ve taken the time to explore who you are, the next step is figuring out what kind of career path aligns with your interests, strengths, and values. Having a career goal—even a general one—can guide your academic choices and help you stay motivated as you move through college.

Exploring careers means understanding not just the job title, but the lifestyle, responsibilities, and future opportunities that come with it. Here are some key factors to consider as you build your career plan:

🔍 Job Duties – What will you do every day?

  • What are the daily responsibilities of this career?

  • Are there tasks or responsibilities that go beyond the job description?

  • Does this work align with your interests and strengths?

📍 Work Environment – Where and how will you work?

  • Will you be working in an office, remotely, outdoors, or traveling?

  • Is the job located in your area, or will relocation be required?

  • Will you work independently or as part of a team?

💵 Pay & Benefits – How will you be compensated?

  • What is the average salary, and how often are you paid?

  • Are there benefits like health insurance or retirement plans?

  • Can you grow in this role and increase your earnings over time?

📈 Job Outlook – Is this career future-proof?

  • Will this job still exist 5, 10, or 15 years from now?

  • Is the industry growing or shrinking?

  • Are there any emerging fields that may compete with or replace it?

🔄 Similar Careers – What are your backup options?

  • What other jobs are similar in nature or skillset?

  • Do these alternatives offer the same level of compensation or job satisfaction?

  • Are there different titles for the same type of work?

🎓 Education & Training – How do you get there?

  • What degrees, certificates, or licenses are required?

  • Are there internships, apprenticeships, or other training programs to complete?

  • Do requirements vary by location or employer?

Tips for Exploring Careers

  • Use online resources like O*NET, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, or CareerOneStop to research job duties, salaries, and educational paths.

  • Try it out! Internships, part-time jobs, or volunteering in a field of interest can give you real-world experience.

  • Job shadow or interview professionals in your field of interest to hear firsthand what the job is really like.

  • Attend career panels or field trips hosted by your school to learn more about different industries and career options.

Exploring careers is all about learning what’s out there and discovering what fits you.

Explore Major Options

Once you’ve explored potential careers, the next step is to identify one or more college majors that align with your goals and interests. A major is an academic focus area that allows you to specialize in a particular field. Some majors—like nursing or accounting—lead directly to specific careers, while others offer broad, transferable skills that can apply to many different paths.

One of the most common questions from first-year students is:
“Can I change my major if I realize it’s not the right fit?”
Yes! Changing your major is completely normal—and more common than you might think. In fact, research shows that about 1 in 3 students change their major at least once during college. And with today’s ever-changing job market, shifting career paths is often part of the journey.

Tips for Exploring Majors

  • Start by meeting with an academic counselor.
    You don’t need to have it all figured out—they’re there to help you explore options and find a path that fits your interests and goals.

  • Make a “not for me” list.
    If you're unsure what you want to major in, list the majors you don’t want and why. It’s a great way to narrow your options.

  • Consider earning potential and job demand.
    Look into the long-term outlook for careers related to your potential majors.

  • Stuck between two majors?
    You may be able to choose one as your major and the other as a minor—a great way to explore both areas without overloading your schedule.

Remember, choosing a major is an important step—but it’s not a lifelong commitment. What matters most is choosing something that interests you, challenges you, and supports your future goals.

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