As students, we all either came to MSU with a particular major, or find our major soon after coming to school, but declaring a major is not the only important step when it comes to your college education. It's easy to say that you want to be a Communication or Engineering or even an Accounting major, but it's continually hard to truly become an active member within that major. 

We all chose what we want to be when we grow up, and we chose a major that somehow corresponded with that. However, we have all seem to forget that being actively involved within our major is what is the most crucial aspect of getting ahead in college. 

Being a member of each major on our campus comes with its own perks and rewards. There are countless ways to get involved with your major to help set you apart as a student.  

1. Join Major Clubs. Almost every major has at least one club that is specifically tailored to its students. Most of these clubs simply require a small payment for dues, and then you are a member! Poultry Science has the Poultry Science Club, Pre-Vet has a Pre-Vet club, and even the Communication department has a variety of clubs for each concentration within the major like the Public Relations Association of Mississippi. Joining specific major clubs will help you tremendously to make friends within your major. You'll meet students who can help you with your major classes, and someone to talk to who really knows the ups and downs of your particular coursework.  

2. Become An Ambassador. A plethora of majors on our campus also have ambassador programs to become involved with. These programs select rising stars in their majors to act as positive faces for the department. Trying out for this honor will help you to gain more inside knowledge of your major and will give you some say into the inner working of it. You will also be able to connect with more faculty members that you will be sure to work with. If your major does not have an ambassador program in place, then talk to your major about possibly starting such a program. Just because they haven't started that program, doesn't mean it isn't possible.  

3. Join An Honor Society. Many of our departments on our campus have their own national or local honor societies. They usually have qualifications about grades and classification, but if you are invited to join one them, do not let the opportunity pass you by. Honor societies are a great resume builder, and they help you to meet interesting new people who share the same interest in your major as you do.  

4. Work Within Your Major. Two great things to have in college are money and connections. Working within your major makes these two things easier to obtain. There are student working positions in almost every department on campus, and they encompass many different jobs. 

For example, I work in the front desk of the Communication Department. Every day that I work, I get to personally speak with many important faculty and staff members. Not only am I making money by having a job, but I am also making connections with influential people. Working at the desk is definitely not the only job available. Teaching assistant positions can also be available depending on your year in school and qualifications.  

So go talk to your department! Ask them about their clubs and societies, and while you're at it, pick up a job application. Make it your goal to know everyone in your major's office, including your department head or Dean. It is so important to your college career that at the end of it the influential people within your major remember you as a top notch, involved student. Being involved in your major will help your professional life in a major way.