Choosing what college to go to is a difficult enough decision, let along picking a major that will lead to a lifelong career! Coming from a girl who switched her major multiple times during her freshman year, here are some tips that helped me decide on my major as well as things I learned on the way.

1. Make sure it's something you LOVE!

I know this is something everyone has heard, but it's true! Some people think that picking a major just means going into a field that you will make tons of money, and that is important but it's not everything. You need to make sure that you get a degree in a career path that you will wake up every day in and have a smile on your face before going to work.

2. Do your research

Before jumping into a four-year commitment with a major you should do some research on it. Look for things like career opportunities and even options to continue your education. You want to make sure you understand what you're getting into and what you can do with a degree in your major.

3. Know what's expected of you

Something that will seriously benefit you is knowing what your major needs from you. As an English major with a concentration in secondary education, I wasn't aware all the teaching exams we're required to take before graduating as well as all the documents we need to "prove" that we have met teaching requirements. Understanding what a potential major requires can help you plan ahead and make sure you can accomplish the tasks.

4. Plan for your future

When you pick a major on your college applications, it's hard to imagine where you'll be after graduating, but it's something you should really consider. Making sure you will be able to find a job upon graduation that offers a salary that you can live off of is a big deal. Yes, most people will have their parents to help them when they leave school, but you'll need to be able to have a job for the rest of your life that will pay the bills. Happiness in your future career is paramount, but being financially stable is also the main factor.

5. Give it a test run

Getting a feel for what your future will be like in your major is a big deal. Being able to experience the jobs that you would have after graduation is the ultimate deciding factor in choosing a major because if you do an internship or shadow someone in your field and you don't like it then why would you invest so much time and money into it? Trying a career out can help you decide if a career is perfect for you or if it's not.

6. It's okay to change your mind!

It's hard for someone to know what they want to do for the rest of their life when he or she is only eighteen. A lot of people realize that they don't like their major or that they want to do something else and that's normal! I went from Biotechnology to liberal studies to English/ secondary education. Some people just need to try a few majors out until they find the perfect fit.