Navigating College for Today’s Young WomanSample

What To Be When I Grow Up

College can be an incredible time, but it can also be a time full of questions, like: How do I select a major? What career will provide a good income? What does my future look like?

The unknown can be fearful, and being forced to make decisions related to such can feel like a lot of pressure.

As we’ve read this past week, God loves us, he is for us, and he gives us wisdom when we ask. He’s also given each of us gifts and purpose, which can be used in our careers. As a professor, I advise students to choose a college major and career based on the following:

• You love it.
• You’re good at it.
• You have a passion for it.
• You can make a livable wage doing it.
• There’s a need for it.

If the above is already happening in your life, God is likely leading you in a specific direction. If you’re still uncertain, you can talk to family/friends, use online career quizzes, or take a class in that subject to learn more. When I was in college, I loved science, but I wasn’t strong in math or science, so I knew it would be tough if I wanted to keep going that way.

Once you've completed some college, look into paid or unpaid internships. These can help navigate your direction, and they also look great on resumes.

Above all, be encouraged that it’s okay if you don’t know—you will figure it out—and it’s okay if you decide to change your mind. (If I’m being honest, I changed my major four times!)

God will continue to guide and help you during your college journey. Some people are surprised when I say this, but college isn’t for everyone—maybe you decide to get educated another way, such as in a trade, through owning a business, etc. Allow God to walk with you, ask those you love and trust for advice, and do research.

College can be an incredible time in a woman's life. Seek God, his word, and counsel; the journey will be more manageable. He will bless your chosen path, and you’ll look back on this time with fondness and thankfulness.

Question: Where do you need direction right now?

Prayer: Ask God to show you how he has gifted you. Ask him to continue to give you wisdom and direction for your future.