Selecting the Perfect Major

How important is it to select the perfect major anyhow? In order to answer this question one has to understand why they are selecting the major of choice. Is it for money, happiness, or both.  A great deal of students every year graduate within a field that they will never work in after college. According to an article in The Washington Post only 27 percent of graduates closely work jobs related to their major.
Now we all have heard many students choose their majors for their parents or even for money, but happiness should be a key factor. Much thought and problem solving should go into deciding what career you should pick. Remember when  figuring out your desired major there’s always a proper way to selecting the perfect one.  
Here are 4 steps that will help your decision:
Step 1: make a list – This list can include anything that you are interested in. I should consist hobbies,  dreams, and interest. Your list may range from design to nursing. Just allow your mind to wonder.
Step 2: Research- When choosing of your major  deep consideration should take place. You will need to research the major’s pros and cons. Some pros may be annual pay, paid vacation time , and all paid traveling expenses. On the other had the cons may be working weekends and holidays. Pay attention to the jobs that can be held throughout this field of study.  Make sure you have more pros then cons because you never want to choose a career that you will hate in the end. Another research tip is to understand the course of the career. When looking into the career check the path that has to be taken such as graduate school and ph.d programs. Realize that some majors need other degrees to to receive a job. Also look into the job market. Yes the job market constantly changes, but you never want to select a career that is not ever called for. 
Step 3: Visiting a location: After researching the actual jobs on your list attend different colleges and programs. While attending those departments ask for curriculum sheets. Pay attention to the classes which will need to be taken. Also ask about internship programs that are offered because at the end of the day internships are a shoe in to succeeding.  Do not forget to ask about minor programs. Minor degree programs will be able to give you an insight into another choice of career. Remember that after graduation job seekers will be looking at your resume and having more experience is always better.  Have a meeting with a dean or professor. Make sure that the faculty member understands what you want to do with that particular major. They will be able to lead you into the correct direction. 
Step 4: Finalize – Once all of the aggressive work is done it’s time to eliminate your list. When eliminating careers off of your list apply all of the knowledge that you have received.