How To Choose Your Academic Path (2024)

While entering college after high school is an amazing milestone, it can also be quite stressful. A lot of the time, students feel pressured to know exactly what they want to do as soon as possible. It can be hard to decide on an academic path when there are so many options available and when you have little to no experience. There are several tips you should consider that can help you finally decide on the degree you want to pursue. Here are some tips on choosing the right academic path.

How To Choose Your Academic Path

Transitioning from high school to college can be a hectic time. Not only are you adjusting to a completely different schedule, environment, and lifestyle, but you are also left with the daunting task of choosing what to study. There are several steps you could take as a student to make the decision process easy and stress free. Here are some tips that will help you finally decide on an academic path.

Why is Your Degree Important?

Pursuing a college degree marks a major achievement in your educational journey. It is an accomplishment that provides life-long benefits and can lay the foundation for a successful future. Your degree will teach you valuable skills, expand your opportunities, increase employability, and impact your earnings. This is why it is so important to choose an academic path that aligns with you and your interests. As you go about deciding on your academic path, it is important to remind yourself of your “why.” Your sense of purpose can serve as motivation throughout your academic journey, providing you with resilience when you face challenges. Make sure you choose the path that is best for you.

1. Consider your goals

When choosing an academic path, consider your goals. Consider how long you want to be in school for. You may want to graduate early, or maybe you don’t mind staying for an extra semester or two. This will help you decide your course load and degree of choice.

Another academic goal you may want to think about is whether or not you want to pursue higher education. Maybe a graduate degree will complement and expand on your bachelor’s degree. You should also take into account the skills you want to gain. Ask department faculty about the specific technical skills you would gain if you pursued a certain degree.

But, don’t limit yourself to just academic goals. You should also consider any career interests you may have. Think about how a certain degree can open doors to multiple job opportunities. For example, a degree in Digital Design doesn’t limit you to just graphic design. You could work as a UX designer, art director, animator, and so much more.

Income can also play a major role in what you decide to study. Explore professions that align with your desired income level and reach out to a career development advisor for guidance on everything career-related. You can also speak with an academic advisor to help you create a graduation plan.

2. Consider your current skills and interests

Another crucial step in choosing your academic path is thinking about your current skill set and interests. Consider the activities you excel at and the subjects you like to learn. It may also be easier to take a step back and consider the broader areas of study you may be interested in. Do you like science, art, history, or business? You can start by recognizing one of these academic areas and narrowing down from there. NJIT offers over 100 specialized areas of study to select from. Identifying your strengths and passions can be very helpful in choosing a path that aligns with your abilities and brings you fulfillment.

If you’re still unsure about your interests, take some time to reflect on your hobbies, your strengths, and weaknesses. Consider the activities you can see yourself doing on a daily basis and the lifestyle you aspire to post-grad. You should also think about your preferred working environment and what you usually like to work with. Do you enjoy working with people? Data? Chemicals? Asking yourself questions and engaging in this self-exploration process can be a great way to discover your passions, and ultimately find a fulfilling academic path.

3. Join clubs and organizations

Joining a club or organization can be a fun and laidback way of discovering what you love. Not only will you be engaging in fun activities, but you will also be surrounded by like-minded individuals and make friends along the way. Joining clubs and organizations is a great way to network, learn from diverse perspectives, and even build your resume, as you will also be gaining both soft and hard skills. You will be able to explore a wide variety of subjects and activities, hold leadership roles, and have access to helpful resources. Participating in clubs will enhance your college experience and allow you to build life-long connections.

4. Find internships

Internships will give you real-world experience in the field you want to pursue. Don’t be afraid to apply for an internship, even if you believe you lack the necessary skills and experience. Internships are meant for students early in their academic careers to gain valuable work experience. You can try applying for an internship at a company or for a position that piques your interest even in your freshman year. The experience you gain will help you uncover your likes and dislikes all while boosting your resume.

Internships also provide a means for you to network with leaders in your field of interest. You’ll have the opportunity to speak with people that have experience in the industry, ask them questions, and learn from them.

5. Find volunteering opportunities

Volunteering can be a deeply enriching experience that allows you to give back to the community. But, it also provides you with hands-on experience that may align with your interests and goals, and it can help develop your resume. If you're stuck on deciding what to study, volunteering provides easy access to exploring different companies and job possibilities. There are numerous ways to participate. Check out your local non-profit organizations, volunteer websites such as VolunteerMatch or DoSomething.org, community events, religious institutions, or government municipalities for opportunities.

Choosing an academic path that speaks to you

Choosing an academic path that aligns with your passions can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. Starting early in your academic journey to explore different subjects, engage in extracurricular activities, and seek mentorship can help you make informed decisions. Remember, it is okay to evolve and adapt your academic path as your interests and goals develop. The key is to stay open to new experiences and continuously learn about yourself, as this journey will ultimately lead you to a fulfilling and rewarding educational and career path.

With NJIT’s comprehensive list of majors and degrees, you are bound to find an academic area of study that speaks to you. NJIT also offers resources beyond the classroom, including study abroad opportunities, internships and co-ops, community service opportunities, and student leadership opportunities, to help you develop your resume and find something that sparks your interest. Apply today and discover the path that resonates with you!