"When my major aligns with my career, the result is remarkable. But when my career aligns with my passion, true happiness is achieved." – Albandari Alsalim
With the expansion of educational fields and the increasing number of academic disciplines, students today face greater uncertainty in selecting a major. In a workshop held as part of the Misk Tour initiative, career consultant Alandari Alsalim addressed key strategies for making informed decisions when choosing a university major.
According to Al-Salem, "Feeling uncertain about your major is completely natural—it reflects a student's openness, curiosity, and diverse interests." However, this decision marks a pivotal moment in a student's journey after high school, as it presents a significant challenge that requires careful thought at an early age, given its long-term impact on both career and life trajectory.
Choosing a University Major: Four Key Questions
Before making your decision, consider these four essential questions to help you choose with confidence and clarity:
Based on the saying, “Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life,” identifying the activities and tasks that bring you joy and fulfillment is a crucial motivator for success. Whether in university or the job market, research has shown that students perform better in fields they are passionate about.
To guide your choice, ask yourself:
Understanding your strengths and weaknesses will help you make a confident and realistic decision about the major that best suits you. Assessing available options based on your abilities ensures a more informed and strategic choice.
University education is a significant investment in both time and money. Therefore, students should take a practical approach by considering the expected financial return of their chosen major and ensuring it provides a stable and sustainable income for a secure future.
This question encourages students to choose a major that aligns with the needs of society and the job market, both locally and globally. The focus here should be on fields that address real-world challenges or contribute to future innovations, making the major not only valuable but also personally fulfilling and impactful.
If you can confidently answer three of these four questions, you are likely on the right path toward selecting the most suitable major. Additionally, career assessment tools such as the Birkman Test, DISC Personality Test, and Yasser Alhozimey’s Major Selection Test can provide valuable insights into personal inclinations and career preferences.
The Equation of Ability and Passion
A simple yet effective formula for career success is balancing ability and passion. When both exist, a person is more likely to achieve excellence in their chosen field. However, if ability is present but passion is lacking, long-term fulfillment and persistence may become difficult.
Studies indicate that passion alone can drive individuals to persevere and improve, even if they initially lack strong abilities in a field. Passion fosters determination, and with sustained effort, it ultimately leads to success.
How Can You Discover Your True Interests?
In the workshop, Al-Salem outlined several simple methods to help individuals identify their interests and determine what they truly enjoy:
Finally, early preparation, patience, and careful selection are key factors in overcoming hesitation and making a well-informed decision that aligns with both personal aspirations and future career success.
