Out-of-school experiences can be an excellent source of not just social, personal and emotional growth, but also of clarification. As high school students begin to consider college majors, they often turn to their course work and school-sponsored extracurricular activities for guidance.
However, out-of-school experiences like job shadowing and service projects can also help students recognize whether or not a particular subject is for them. Here is a four-step guide to help you choose the best out-of-school experiences for you, as well as how to maximize the information they can provide:
1. Narrow your academic choices: If you cannot decide between seven or eight potential majors, then it will be difficult to give yourself seven or eight experiences to test each one. Not only will you likely run out of time, but you may also find it difficult to remember each experience clearly.
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In your junior or senior year, try to decide what you truly wish to study. In other words, think about what you are most passionate about. Perhaps you enjoy theoretical math or physics or creative fields like music or writing.
By the second half of your high school experience, you may be completing Advanced Placement, honors or upper-level course work. These classes can allow you to delve deeper into a specific subject. Think about what you enjoy studying in school as well as what you enjoy doing in your spare time. Then, determine the one or two majors that most closely relate to this interest.
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2. Decide what you want to know about your potential major: Once you choose a major to investigate, decide which areas of the major you would like to explore. Perhaps you want to know more about what it’s like to study in a college environment. Perhaps you are more interested in your future career opportunities.
For example, a student who is considering nonprofit management might decide to volunteer in the administrative office of a local organization. Whatever your questions about your potential major might be, make sure you have some. You will need them to properly focus your search for potential experiences.
3. Research possible answer sources: You can now begin to research your question. Identify companies, groups or individuals who may be able to provide you with the answers you seek. If you would like to learn about what advanced study in your discipline is like, you can reach out to local undergraduate departments or participate in a pre-college summer course. If the major you have identified lends itself to a specific career path, you can find companies or individuals in your area who specialize in it.
4. Review what you will gain from a potential experience before committing: Rather than accepting the first relevant experience that comes along, compare multiple options to determine which will offer you the deepest and most authentic experience. Politely ask about what you will be doing and how much experience you can expect to gain.
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Be sure to ask if it a one-time opportunity or an ongoing commitment. Ongoing commitments allow you to experience a field over an extended period of time, as well as to truly gauge your interest in it. These experiences are often preferable if your schedule permits them.
If you shadow a doctor, ask if you will you be able to examine test results and x-rays. If possible, reach out to others who have previously enjoyed these experiences to be sure that what you have been told is true. If you are considering a yearlong junior reporter opportunity, ensure that you will have the chance to speak to current journalists.
Whatever you wish to study, and however you choose to investigate that field of study, make sure that the experience you select is about you and what you hope to learn from it. To truly have a valuable and informative experience, it is of the utmost importance to think long and hard about the major you would like to investigate, as well as what you want to know about it.
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Seek Out-of-School Experiences to Help Choose a College Major originally appeared on usnews.com
