Dear Roadie,
My daughter is headed into senior year, and the “What do you want to major in?” question is coming at us from every direction — college fairs, relatives, and even the school counselor. The truth is, she has no idea. She’s a strong student, but she’s not one of those kids who’s had a career dream since kindergarten. I can tell the question stresses her out, and I don’t want to push her toward something just because it sounds “practical.” At the same time, we know college isn’t cheap, and I’d love for her to at least have some direction. How do we strike the balance between exploration and making a smart investment?
— Stuck Between Liberal Arts and LinkedIn
Dear Stuck Between Liberal Arts and LinkedIn,
First, take a deep breath. Your daughter is in very good company. Approximately 80% of college students change their major at least once, and many go in undeclared. Choosing a major feels like a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be a paralyzing one. Think of it more like an on-ramp than the end of a road.
That said, I get it. You’re trying to help her make a decision that balances her interests, future job prospects, and the cost of college. Here’s how to support her without adding pressure:
1. Start With Strengths, Not Just Subjects
Encourage your daughter to think less about the question “What job do you want?” and more about “What do you enjoy doing, learning, solving, or creating?”
Maybe she loves writing but doesn’t want to be a novelist. That could translate into marketing, communications, or user experience roles. Is she constantly organizing group projects or tutoring her friends in math? That might signal potential in business or education.
Look for patterns in how she approaches problems, where she loses track of time, and what lights her up. Then start an open-ended conversation about what you both observe.
2. Try a Career Inventory or Interest Assessment
You can take a few quick online assessments together (the Strong Interest Inventory, Career Fitter, or even the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). They’re not crystal balls, but they do help students connect the dots between their interests and potential career paths.
And sometimes, seeing a few real-world job titles on the screen makes the whole idea of “choosing a major” feel more concrete.
3. Make Majors Make Sense
Majors aren’t always what they sound like. For instance, a major in psychology doesn’t mean your student has to become a therapist. It can lead to roles in research, HR, UX design, or data analysis.
Take some time together to research what different majors actually involve (both in coursework and career potential). Sites like MyMajors.com or What Can I Do With This Major? are great places to start.
4. Encourage Real-World Conversations
If your daughter is even mildly curious about a field, help her set up short conversations with adults in that space. It doesn’t have to be formal—just a 20-minute chat with a family friend, neighbor, or alum who can share what they actually do and how they got there.
Hearing firsthand how people land where they are can be eye-opening—and sometimes, relieving. Many people didn’t have it all figured out at 18.
5. Be Open to Being Undeclared
Some colleges have excellent exploratory programs that encourage students to sample a few disciplines before declaring a major. Look into schools that support this kind of flexibility if your daughter truly isn’t sure yet.
And here’s the key: even if she goes in undeclared, she should still take strategic core classes that meet general education requirements and expose her to different departments. That way, she’s discovering without delay.
6. Talk About Career Outcomes — But Keep It in Perspective
Yes, ROI matters. But a major doesn’t always equal a career path. Many employers are looking for skills: communication, analytical thinking, and adaptability.
A student who’s engaged and proactive in any major — taking internships, building relationships, seeking mentorship — will have far more options than someone who picked a “safe” major but coasted through.
At the end of the day, your job as a parent isn’t to hand her the answer. It’s to give her space to ask the right questions. Be curious with her. Explore with her. And remind her that this isn’t a one-shot deal. It’s a journey.
_______
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