Congratulations! You’ve just started college, or college is in your near future! You have tons of experiences before you, just waiting to be unfolded. Before you can confidently state your place in the world, however, you probably want to pick a major.

Picking a college major isn’t always easy; you may wrestle with your family or wonder what you’re truly going to be good at. Ultimately, this decision can be painstaking, but it’s a great way to figure out who you truly want to be. After all, this is your time to develop yourself and tout your amazingness to the world!

In honor of your efforts, here are ten great tips to help get you started:

1. Follow Your Passions

If you spend your Saturdays wandering around Etsy, dreaming about the store you could have someday, you’re probably an artsy person. Those passions are part of who you are, and the more you embrace them, the more amazing you’ll be when you start your professional career. You’ll find that when your school schedule gets tough, the fact that you followed your passions will keep you energized and focused.

2. Do What You’re Great At

If crunching numbers or crocheting quilts has made you happy to this point in life–that might be your calling. Maybe you grew up in a small town where art museums weren’t a thing. That doesn’t mean you don’t deserve to be on the walls of some amazing gallery!

Investigate yourself! Look at things you love to do, and search for a world where others share the same view. In the end, you may discover things you didn’t even know about yourself, and you’ll put yourself on a path that truly makes you happy.

3. Know How Much School You Want to Commit To

Certain occupations require higher degrees. Before you set your intentions in stone, it’s best to understand the field you’re interested in working in. Some positions require a master’s degree to be considered as a qualified candidate. If you’re willing to put the work in, that’s awesome! But it’s best to know what’s expected of you before you commit to a major.

4. Where Do You See Yourself in Ten Years?

Yes, it’s an annoying question, and the truth is, it will never be less annoying. You’ll be asked this question for the rest of your life, so you might as well start now. When you look at yourself ten years from now, what do you see? Are you driven to take photos from the moment the sun comes up? Have you created clothing no runway should be without? This is your time to turn big dreams into amazing realities!

5. Follow the Advice of Your Folks and Friends

While we absolutely advocate individualism, sometimes, the Powers That Be are correct in their observations. If your friends and family members support your love of art and want to see you achieve the next level of success, embrace that support! If you have an eye for graphic design or spend countless hours trying to unfold the latest gaming algorithms, there’s no reason you shouldn’t put those skills to use in a professional environment! If you’ve heard time and time again that you should get paid for your past time, it’s time to get to it!

6. Balance Love with Learning

Sure, you may be an amazing quilt-maker, but can you make that a career? Maybe you can! If you’re not sure, though, balance your sewing skills with a degree in fashion. This concept applies to every art-inspired industry. Know what you love to do, then figure out a way to make it work for you.

If you’re wavering on the possibilities for a fruitful future, check out all of the opportunities Academy of Art University can provide. With plenty of incredible students and outstanding career options, you’re sure to find your perfect fit on our campus! Reach out to us today to learn more!