Most students only know about a few majors, usually the ones they hear about in school, from family, or on TV, but there are hundreds of options out there. Some of the best fits aren’t obvious at first. Informational interviews are one of the best ways to uncover majors you never knew existed, and get excited about possibilities you hadn’t considered.
1. Why Most Students Miss Great Majors
You can’t choose a major if you don’t know it exists. And a lot of majors don’t sound like what they actually lead to. Informational interviews let you learn how someone found a path that isn’t always well advertise , and how it turned out to be a perfect fit.
2. Listen for the Major Behind the Job
When someone describes their job, ask what they studied. You might be surprised, marketing managers who majored in psychology, engineers who started in art, teachers with degrees in environmental science.
The Difference Between a Job, Career, and Calling
3. What to Ask If You Want to Explore Off-the-Radar Paths
- What did you major in, and how did you find out about it?
- Was it a popular choice at your school?
- Did you ever consider switching? Why or why not?
- If you had to do it again, would you choose the same major?
What Questions Should You Ask in an Informational Interview?
4. How MajorMentor Makes This Easier
Because our interviews are searchable by both major and job, you can explore in both directions. Start with a career you’re curious about; then, see what majors helped people get there. Or start with a major and see what careers people ended up doing.
Final Thought
Some of the best majors for you might not be on your radar yet, but they’re out there. The more interviews you explore, the more likely you are to find a path that fits not just your skills, but your goals and personality too.