Picking a College Major in 2025
Caption: College student taking notes in classroom Photo by iStock Share this article with a friend! By Isaac W. Picking Your Major So — starting high school, or about to finish high school — you still have time to pick a course of study for college. I know you’re probably juggling a lot. A lot. New responsibilities, jobs, college applications, scholarship applications, extracurricular activities, classes, maybe sports, music, whatever other hobbies you’ve got going on in high school, plus trying to make time to hang out with friends. But picking a major is an important next step in your scholastic and professional journey. I know it’s a lot to think about. There isn’t really a “right” or “wrong” path — contrary to popular belief about college, or what social media says about certain careers paying more than others. But there is a right path for you. One that lines up with your interests, your passions, your skills, and your goals for your career and for your life. Don’t get me wrong — your major is important. Factors like job outlook, industry growth, and salary baselines shouldn’t be overlooked. But that doesn’t mean your major defines you or limits you. I believe there are a range of paths where people find success. With the right skills, planning, and network, you can choose a path that works for you. It’s not so much the degree itself, but what you make out of it: what you learn inside and outside the classroom, the relationships you build with professors and peers, and how you use your college’s resources to grow. The degree is the foundation — but how you apply it is what matters. Notice — I’m not saying you have to study STEM in college. But I am saying STEM intersects everything we do today, from education to art to engineering. If STEM fits into your path of study, it opens doors. There’s no denying STEM is important. It’s not going away. In the U.S. and globally, there’s a shortage of STEM professionals. Science, technology, engineering, and math are the building blocks of society’s growth — from entertainment to infrastructure to medicine. We need STEM. STEM needs you. 1. Start With Your Interests For me, I wrote down everything I was interested in. I used the Notes app on my iPhone, random scraps of notebook paper — whatever I had. I constantly looked at the list, added things, took things off, tried to figure out what really mattered. And it wasn’t just academic interests like math or science or reading. I wrote down hobbies too. I was trying to find common threads in the things I actually spent my time doing. For example, three things: building things, fashion, and gardening. At first, they seemed totally different. But they had similarities. With plants, I loved the process of watching something grow and develop. With fashion, I paid attention to every detail — sneakers, distressed clothes, the little designs on Jordans or Air Maxes. With building, I was always tinkering — Legos, scrap wood, nails from old projects, anything I could get my hands on. Different hobbies, but the same underlying theme: creating, designing, paying attention to detail. Then I looked at my academics. I loved reading. I was good at math and science. I also had an interest in business, entrepreneurship, and technology. When I put it all together — designing, building, business, tech, problem-solving — it pointed me toward invention. Of course, I realized there’s no “major for inventing.” But that reflection helped me land on engineering. It made sense. 2. Define Your Goals The second thing is goals. I wanted a good job. Economic stability. I wanted to learn and be challenged. I wanted to study something that kept up with society. I wanted to work in a field where I could see and feel impact — like a teacher seeing students thrive, or a doctor helping patients heal. For me, designing and building products that actually show up in society gave me that same sense of purpose. So think about your goals. Not just career goals, but life goals. Where do you want to live — big city, small town? Warm weather, cold? What kind of financial situation do you want? What kind of work-life balance? And think about future you. Will the version of you five or ten years from now thank you for the decisions you’re making today? Don’t just plan for the current you. Plan for the person you’re becoming. 3. Get Experience and Exposure By now, hopefully you’ve narrowed down your list of interests and goals. Next step: get exposure. Take career quizzes. They’re not perfect, but they give feedback and spark ideas. Volunteer. Shadow someone. Try an internship. Get into extracurriculars. If you’re interested in medicine, shadow a doctor. If you’re into tech, check out your local library’s computer lab or 3D printing program. Find mentors in the fields you’re curious about. Ask them questions. Look for opportunities at school too — AP classes, dual enrollment, clubs, competitions. And if your school doesn’t have what you’re looking for, look in your community. Organizations like NSBE, SWE, and SHPE have junior chapters where you can meet peers and professionals. 4. Match Majors to Schools Once you have a list of majors you’re interested in, start matching them to schools. For example, if marine biology is on your list, look at coastal schools. If you’re interested in history, maybe there’s a school with a professor doing work you’d love to study under. If medicine and chemistry are on your list, check out schools with strong pre-med tracks. The key: don’t rule out schools too early based on assumptions like cost or reputation. Start with your interests first. Sometimes you’ll find scholarships or programs that make a school much more realistic than you thought. 5. Build a Support System Finally — support. Find people who can walk this journey with you. Friends who are also applying to colleges,
Career Fair Lessons: Showing Up, Speaking Up, and Standing Out in 2025
Caption: Students talking with job recruiters Photo by iStock Share this article with a friend! By Isaac W. Communication Is the Skill When you’re going to career fairs as an engineering student — freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, even graduate student — the biggest skill you can effectively showcase to recruiters, engineers, and managers (to land that internship) is communication. Communication is an essential skill in every business and in every part of engineering, no matter the company or the type of work. There is always a business side to what you do — whether it’s design work, consulting, or even research and development. First Impressions Start Early How you communicate actually starts before you even get to the career fair. What you’re wearing, how you’re dressed, how you look, how you smell — these things matter. Regardless of how we feel about it, first impressions matter. That’s how we as humans decide what we want, who we like, and who we want to be around. Recruiters are literally thinking: Would I even want to be around this person at work? Notice we haven’t even touched your skills, work ethic, or grades yet. That’s all feedback people are getting from you just based on your first impression. So: come in professional attire. Business attire if possible, business casual at minimum. If you don’t have that yet — still show up. Just showing up with a good attitude already puts you ahead of the person who didn’t. The Five P’s The old saying goes: Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance. So prepare. Dress well. Handle your hygiene. And bring your materials. That means résumés. Lots of résumés. Notice I said plural, not singular. If there are 30 companies at a career fair and you only bring 5 résumés, you’ve basically given yourself 15% of the total opportunity in the room. Aim for at least 20 copies. I’d even go the extra mile and print them on high-quality paper, not the flimsy kind that crumples in a recruiter’s bag. Use a folder or, better yet, a portfolio — it protects your documents and looks professional in other settings like conferences and meetings. Do Your Research Preparation also means researching companies. Look up their mission statement, goals, recent projects, and news. That way, when you ask questions, you’re intentional, not generic. A question like “What does your company do?” puts you in the “informational” category. But something like “I read about your team’s recent project on sustainable infrastructure. How has that impacted your partnerships?” creates a different kind of conversation. And don’t forget: check out other companies too, not just the ones you think you want. Unless you’ve been in the industry for years, you don’t actually know all the opportunities out there. Sometimes the companies you’ve never heard of might be better for you than the “big names” you’ve seen on Glassdoor or social media. Your engineering degree is a versatile ID card. It says: I solve problems. I follow processes. I think critically under pressure. That applies across industries. So give yourself the chance to discover new opportunities. Warming Up Before the Big Names Now, let’s talk about nerves. Imagine walking into a career fair and seeing Google right in the middle, front and center. Their recruiters are smiling, their table looks perfect — it’s everything you imagined. You’ve got your résumé, you’ve got your pitch, but suddenly your hands get sweaty, your forehead is damp, your steps feel heavy. Anxiety hits. You get to the recruiter and the conversation doesn’t go how you pictured. You forget half the things you wanted to say. You leave feeling defeated. But here’s the hack: don’t talk to your dream company first. Start with smaller companies — the ones you’re less invested in. Often, those recruiters are alumni, eager to share advice, and just as happy to meet you. Talking to them gives you practice. By the time you circle back to Google, you’re warmed up, confident, and ready. Remember: sometimes the smaller companies pay better anyway. Don’t sleep on them. Elevator Pitch Your pitch doesn’t need to be long or dramatic. Something like: “Hi, my name is [Name]. I’m a junior studying [Major] at [University]. I’m involved in [Clubs/Projects], and I’m interested in [Area of Interest]. Nice to meet you.” That’s it. Short, clear, and it opens the door to conversation. Networking (Without the Dirty Word) Networking gets a bad reputation because people think it’s fake or transactional. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Connect authentically — then connect digitally. A thank-you email or LinkedIn request goes a long way. And don’t forget to network with peers. Talk to the students standing in line with you. They’re working on cool projects too. Networking across (peers), up (professionals), and down (younger students) builds a balanced network. That’s how you grow together. Final Thought At the end of the day: show up, prepare, and communicate authentically. A career fair isn’t just about one company or one interview. It’s about practice, confidence, and connection. You never know which conversation will open the door.
There Is Room For HBCU Students To Have A Voice In Research in 2025
Caption: Student researching science Photo by Rf_studio Share this article with a friend! By Saadiya J. If someone were to ask me what research was in my freshman year of high school, I wouldsimply stare in confusion. The field of research is not openly discussed in BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities or school systems. When I thought of research, I pictured a scientist sitting in a dark lab counting cells. My idea of research completely shifted when I was introduced to research in high school. I was a student in the Science and Technology program at Oxon Hill High School in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Research and STEM were the foundation of the program and allowed me to enter this unknown field. One requirement of the S/T Program was to complete a research practicum project during our senior year. This is when I fully understood what research was and the career opportunities within the field. To complete my research, I interned with a Neuropharmacology lab at Howard University under Dr. Kimberlei Richardson. Now– when I first read “neuropharmacology” I was very overwhelmed and nervous to dive into such a complicated discipline. As a high school senior, I felt that I would be unprepared and have nothing to contribute to a lab filled with college students and doctors. I almost let imposter syndrome control me and deter me from this amazing opportunity. Despite these fears, I was able to contribute to the lab and gain a better understanding of research on a collegiate and career level. Research became more than I originally perceived to be as a scientist sitting in a dark lab but a source of knowledge and an opportunity to grow as a person. Some advice that would help those who might be unfamiliar with research or afraid to enter a space where marginalized voices are underrepresented would be; 1 Apply to opportunities or programs even if you feel unprepared 2 Reach out to professors or non-profit organizations because there is always a position left unfilled 3. Look for opportunities that openly welcome BIPOC students As an HBCU student, attending the illustrious Howard University, one of my goals is to create space and opportunities for underrepresented groups in predominantly white spaces. There will always be a need for BIPOC to participate in research as a social justice tool. Many of the social injustices, especially in the United States, can be addressed by understanding the root causes of oppression. Maya Angelou once said, “Words mean more than what is set down on paper. It takes the human voice to infuse them with shades of deeper meaning.”, which perfectly sums up how I view research of any discipline. Research is more than just writing articles or sitting in a lab. There is a deeper meaning behind what we, as researchers, study every day. Research is an integral part of policy change, program initiatives, and a way to encourage knowledge production. We are the next generation of doctors, researchers, lawyers, advocates, educators, and politicians; therefore, BIPOC perspectives and representation are important to reshaping the world to be a safe space for everyone. Research can be a very intimidating field; however, there is always room for new voices and new perspectives. If you don’t remember anything from this article– remember to take a leap of faith and go for opportunities that might seem impossible!
How to Transfer From a State College to a Top 5 Public University in 2025
Caption: Student conversating on college campus Photo by Armin Rimoldi Share this article with a friend! By Joseph W. Maybe you weren’t accepted, or your parents felt that a smaller classroom setting would best fit your needs, or even the fact that you weren’t financially capable of affording a university tuition directly out of high school. Whatever your situation maybe it is important now that you focus on what’s next! In this article I have outlined “5” proven steps in a successful strategy to transferring from a state college to a top 5 public university. Meet regularly with your transfer counselor Typically, there is a relationship between the state college you attend and universities within the same state. This is usually a result of 2-year degree programs that produce well rounded and highly motivated students, eager to continue their education at a next level institution. With this relationship university department recruiters will visit your campus to advertise their programs and define paths that students can take to transfer into their program. For example, at my undergrad institution Santa Fe State College there was a bridge program with the University of Florida which established a consistent schedule for department advisors to meet with prospective students and provide counsel on the course requirements necessary to increase the likelihood of entering the program. Know your course timeline Studying your course timeline creates an internal sense of urgency and realization of checkpoints along your academic journey. Since any degree you aspire to obtain will take time it is important to understand where you are along your individual path to accomplishing your goals. Knowing your coursework also provides the opportunity to explore professors teaching that subject, which may be helpful in identifying instructors that suit your learning style. And in a world of comparisons knowing what you must do and when, can give a sense of calmness and pace. Which allows you to chase your dream with joy and gazelle intensity. Develop a routine Maybe it’s true, maybe it’s not but from my experience developing a pattern of professionalism builds a character of excellence. I am referring to three specific attributes: punctuality or a respect of others time by being at least 5-7 minutes early to any engagement; perseverance, establishing a muscle memory of tasks will allow you to push beyond difficult times which are sure to come; hard-work, at points along your journey it will be convenient to do the necessary work with bare minimum effort, but you shouldn’t become complacent because you have yet to reach your goals. Build connections As the 50 Billion Dollar man would yell: “Show me your network and I’ll show you your net worth!”. I cannot stress enough the importance of developing genuine relationships with Transferring From a State College to a Top 5 Public University Joseph Washington the recruiters and student affairs representatives you engage with. In many cases they can act as sponsors advocating on your behalf regarding your acceptance into programs or even providing exclusive pearls that other candidates are not privy to. Looking forward building connections affords opportunities and experiences you will not be able to obtain with your education alone. Focus on the task at hand Again, comparison is the thief of joy. And if you’re focused on accomplishing the individual goals you have set for your own future you won’t have time to divert your energy on what your peers are doing. Remember, there are many routes of the mountain of success, but you will not experience the fulfillment of your passion aligning with your purpose using someone else’s map. So tackle each course and each relationship with a dedicated focus that showcases your commitment to transforming you dreams into reality.
So You’ve Decided to Major in Accounting, Now What? Tips to Navigate your College Years Successfully and Become an Amazing Candidate in 2026
Caption: Student studying on laptop Photo by Andrea Piacquadio Written by Dariana Granados Share this article with a friend! “Only 50% of students that choose to pursue an accounting major will actually finish their degree and be successful.” That’s something I heard, and you will probably hear all the time after you decide to pursue a degree and career in Accounting. I’m so glad I did not listen, and I hope that you don’t listen either! As a first-generation student, I had little guidance when I started the pursuit of my accounting degree and career, so I exhausted every single one of my resources to become the best possible candidate I could be. I have learned extensively over the last few years from my professors, peers, bosses, coworkers, and mentors about everything you need to become a successful candidate in what’s a very competitive industry, and I am so incredibly thankful to have had them to guide me. After obtaining my Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, having extensive involvement in organizations, and successfully completing 6 internships in various Accounting areas, I am so excited to share with you my tips to not only become a great candidate, but to be sure that the path you choose is the right one for you. Get Involved with Accounting School Organizations This is your starting point and one of the most rewarding decisions you will make. During my first semester of junior year, I joined the Accounting Society and Beta Alpha Psi at my undergraduate school. Join the equivalent of those at your institution, I beg you! The students in the organization will usually have more experience than you do and have already been through at least one recruiting season, so the guidance they can give you is from their first-hand experience. It does not get more reliable than that. This is probably the best source for you to ask the questions that you’re probably afraid to ask professionals at this point of your journey. I encourage you to not only join the organizations but become involved with them. Through my leadership positions at these organizations, I developed an amazing network of both professionals and students. You will hear this many times: the accounting world is a small world. The more people you know, the better! Join the organization, become involved, and start those conversations. Accounting is an industry where you need mentors, coaches, buddies, and individuals that can help guide you through it. These organizations give you an amazing opportunity to get started. Do your Own Research If you’re anything like me, you don’t rely entirely on what you hear. You owe it to yourself to do your own research! Aren’t you glad we’re in the 21st century and can find out anything with just a few clicks? I encourage you to google your questions, watch YouTube videos, join Facebook groups, and read anonymous communities like Reddit. There is a vast amount of information out there about our industry and answers to almost any question you have. Just remember that a lot of the facts (such as pay, availability of roles, career progression, etcetera) can vary based on office location, state, and firm, so make sure you’re educating yourself on those differences. Network, Network, Network! Networking is truly my favorite word. It really is everything in this industry, and you just have to get used to it. I consider myself an introverted extrovert, as I’m sure many of you do. It takes a lot of energy for me to network and be an active listener in conversations with other people, and then having to go home and recharge my battery. Well, I had to learn to make a habit out of pushing myself out there during career fairs, “meet the firm” events, panels, firm networking events, you name it. Your junior and senior years can truly shape where you start your career, and if there’s any time to step out of your shell, it’s then. Networking with professionals is an amazing opportunity that has benefits for both parties: You (the candidate) get to learn about the firm, the practice, and the industry with real-time answers, and they (the firm) get to meet you as a candidate and see if you would be a good fit for them. That’s the beauty of networking! Only Audit or Tax? No! – Start Getting Experience Early I remember hearing at my accounting orientation about opportunities in Audit and Tax and I can assure, you will mostly hear about those two as well. However, after doing tons of research (as you will too), I learned that there are many (many) career paths to follow with an accounting degree. I did not want to blindly choose between those two options and end up in a job I did not like, so I decided to start getting experience early. I wanted to be able to make an informed decision about my future so I sook opportunities in various areas of accounting including tax, audit, corporate accounting, controllership, and consulting. That is probably the best decision I made as a student. Was it hard to do all of my internships while completing my degree? Absolutely. Do you need to do 6 internships too to make your decision? Absolutely not. I’m not encouraging you to do every single internship that exists, but I will encourage you to choose those areas that you’re most interested in and pursue opportunities in those while you have the time to do so as a student. Don’t be scared of being vocal about it to firms; you can be extremely confident in yourself and your abilities, and still have doubts about which path you want to follow. It’s only fair! You haven’t worked in audit or tax before, how could you know? Pursue those different opportunities. Believe in Yourself This is definitely the most important piece of advice I could ever give you and it
Advice for Pre-Med Students in 2025
Caption: Medical students in a class Photo by SDI Productions Share this article with a friend! Going to a high school in a small, foreign environment, I never thought I’d be able to accomplish as much as I did at the University of South Florida (USF). As the child of two immigrant parents hailing from the country of Nigeria, I had to navigate college life very differently from the average college student. My mom was not very familiar with the American college system, leaving me to rely on my brothers for help in applying to colleges and seeking scholarships. Often times, I felt as if all odds were against me, especially being a black female student studying in the STEM field.My name is Brina Akinola, and I can now say that I am a Summa Cum Laude graduate from the University of South Florida holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Sciences. My Alma Mater has provided me with many invaluable experiences that I will carry on with me for the rest of my life. Today, I am here to share with you all 5 tips/resources geared towards pre-med students that I highly recommend taking use of. These tips stem from things I wish I knew sooner, as well as things that helped me to be successful at USF. 1. Get involvedNow this may seem obvious to many, but this is something that I truly emphasize because I believe getting involved really shaped my college experience. COVID-19 hit my second semester in college, and due to me obtaining my A.A. degree, I graduated a year early. Because of these circumstances, I didn’t have the opportunity to involve myself in the number of organizations that I wanted to. If there is any club that interests you even in the slightest, go for it! You will not regret it. Not only this, but if you are applying to medical school, these experiences are great to talk about on your application and during your interviews. Getting involved in various non-academic organizations also allows you to have something to look forward to outside of your classes. Being a part of the African Students Association and Student Government at my school helped me cope with the rigorous course work I had to deal with being a Biomedical Sciences student. It also gave me a sense of purpose and fulfillment, as I was able to impact the lives of many students on campus through these organizations. 2. Obtain a license (if you can)As a pre-med student, you will need clinical hours in order to be considered a competitive applicant for medical school. Through experience, it can be very hard to find clinical opportunities without some type of license or certification. This is not saying that it is impossible, but I believe it will make your search much easier if you have some type of license related to the health/medical field. A Medical Assistant (MA) license or a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license are two that I highly recommend. There are many jobs on the market that are looking for MA’s and CNA’s, and these type of jobs are perfect entry level positions that will allow you to get your foot in the door when it comes to gaining clinical experience. Other licenses such as an Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) license, Phlebotomy license, or even just getting CPR certified are great options. Some jobs may hire you and cross train you for a position they have, even if you are not certified for that particular job. For example, I currently work as a Unit Coordinator at a Pediatric Urgent Care, but I will soon cross train to become an MA (the position I originally applied for) because I do not currently have my MA license. Contact your pre-health advisor and see if there are any opportunities at your school to obtain one of these licenses. I got my EMR license as well as my CPR/BLS certificate through USF for a great price. 3. Find shadowing and research opportunities early onOne thing I wish I could have done was look for shadowing and research opportunities early on in my collegiate career. Unforeseen circumstances such as COVID-19 occurring my second semester of college truly deterred my chances at obtaining shadowing and research opportunities. I highly recommend emailing many doctors in your area regarding shadowing opportunities, as you will also need some experience applying to medical school. I have found that doctors who work at smaller practices might be a little easier to get in touch with instead of doctors at large hospitals. Although research is not required, it can look very good on your application, especially if you are applying to a medical school that is heavily research-oriented. Again, email all research professors on your campus and see if they are willing to take you on. Getting shadowing and research out of the way during your freshmen/sophomore year will allow you to focus on the more rigorous course work you will have later on, and will also allow you to focus on studying for your MCAT. 4. Utilize the tutoring hubI never really studied for tests in high school, so coming to college and having to study for long hours every day definitely was a big shock to me. I learned my lesson when I had to take my first General Chemistry 1 test. I had spent so much time prioritizing my Pre-Calculus test that I only took maybe 2 days to study for my chemistry one. I ended up not getting a grade that I was satisfied with, and knew I had to change my studying habits immediately if I wanted to succeed. My freshman year, I swallowed my pride and started attending the tutoring hub. Unfortunately, on my campus, I felt that there was a huge stigma on tutoring, causing me to be adamant about attending. Please know that there is no shame in utilizing such a resource. I often compared myself to other friends because topics came to them so naturally. I quickly learned
