Given the wide range of options available when deciding what to major in at college, it’s essential to have a reliable guide to help you make this important decision.
That’s why we’ve put together 5 tips to help you choose a college major, backed by experts in the field and the extensive experience of Universidad ORT Uruguay many of our country’s most prominent professionals.
Still not sure what to study?
Learn about the degree programs at Universidad ORT Uruguay
1. Self-awareness: the starting point for choosing a college major
The first step in choosing the right college major —as well as in making important decisions in so many other aspects of your life—is getting to know yourself. According to experts, the key lies in reflecting on your skills, interests, and values.
For example, in What Color Is Your Parachute?, a go-to book for those seeking to understand their abilities and career prospects, author Richard Nelson Bolles notes that "knowing our strengths and weaknesses will allow us to identify which areas of study and work best align with our personality and talents."
This self-assessment that Bolles talks about will help you discover your passions and figure out what kind of college major you might want to pursue based on your preferences. At first glance, it might seem a bit daunting, but you can start with something as simple as jotting down in a notebook the things you enjoy doing most, the things you’re best at, and the things you feel most comfortable with.
It’s also a good idea to try the opposite approach. That way, you’ll already have a general idea of which college majors to consider and which to avoid. The results will surprise you.
- We also recommend reading:“What to Study After High School: Strategies for the Decision-Making Process”
2. Relax and remember that, even though it may seem difficult, we’ve all been through this
We know that choosing the perfect college is a real challenge and that, at times, it may seem like we have to face this huge question all on our own. But the truth is, it’s something we all go through.
For example, this TEDx talk by Liliana Llamas, an Argentine sociologist, consultant, and speaker, might be very helpful to you:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfp3vN2B5zo
This other TEDx talk on career guidance, featuring Ivannia Arroyo, who holds a bachelor's degree in business administration with a concentration in human resources, can also be a great help in figuring out how to choose the perfect college major.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AT42GOaSbAs
Go ahead and do your own research. You’ll find that there are plenty of talks like these online, along with testimonials and stories from young people just like you. You’re not alone!
- You might also find it helpful to read our article:“Which high school program should I choose?”
3. Thorough research of the options
Once we know ourselves, it’s important to explore the various college major options.
We can turn to various sources, such as books and career assessment tests, reliable websites, and informational sessions at universities (in addition to the options we recommended in the previous point).
Carefully reviewing the program descriptions, curricula, career profiles, and job opportunities will be crucial to gaining a clear understanding of what each option has to offer.
At the Universidad ORT Uruguay you can choose from a wide variety of degree programs and short courses.
Still not sure what to study?
Learn about the degree programs at Universidad ORT Uruguay
4. Professional advice
Professional guidance plays a key role in helping you choose the right college major for you.
Career counselors are trained to help students like you make informed decisions and provide accurate information about different career fields.
“You can’t set out on a journey without knowing your destination and without having the maps and guidance to reach it by the best route,” says expert Marina Müller in her book Discovering the Path.
There, he rightly emphasizes the importance of professional guidance when choosing a career, since counselors can provide psychological assessments and vocational tests that complement our self-awareness and guide our decisions; in other words, they provide us with a roadmap to help us make better decisions.
- You might also find it helpful to read:“How to Choose a Career”
5. Think about your future career
When choosing a college major, we should consider long-term career prospects. It is essential to research job demand and growth in the field of study that interests us.
Analyzing labor market trends will enable us to make more informed decisions and choose degree programs with strong growth potential and solid employment opportunities—key aspects that define the professional training offered by Universidad ORT Uruguay.
- You might also be interested in reading:“How to Help My Child Choose a College Major”
Choosing the perfect college major is a process that requires time, careful consideration, and the right guidance. By following the advice provided by experts, you’ll be better prepared to make an informed and sound decision.
Remember that choosing a career isn't just about planning your professional future—it's also about finding a path that aligns with your interests, skills, and personal values.
Universidad ORT Uruguay proud to offer a wide variety of high-quality academic programs, supported by expert faculty and state-of-the-art facilities, to help students reach their full potential and achieve success in their careers.
We invite you to explore all the available options and make an informed decision about your academic and professional future!
Still not sure what to study?
Learn about the degree programs at Universidad ORT Uruguay