There’s no doubt that some college majors lead to more meaningful jobs than others. If you are leading your major search with “why” and want to make a direct impact on people through your career, below are just a few ideas of college majors that can lead you there.
1. Nursing
Nursing programs equip students with the knowledge and techniques of health care professionals who care for all kinds of people. Because you are helping people in need all day (and night), this occupation has high rates of job satisfaction.
2. Special Education
A major in special education concentrates on teaching children with special learning needs. For those interested in teaching, sometimes it is the most fulfilling to give help to those who need it most.
3. Social Work
Social work is all about helping people who may be struggling in some aspect of their life. This major prepares students through education in mental health, social issues, and counseling for individuals, families, groups, and communities.
4. Medical Laboratory Science
Medical laboratory science is a super important profession because it involves studying diseases and providing data to doctors that then determine the best treatment for a patient. When working in this career path, you will have the opportunity to improve people’s lives by solving health problems through science discovery!
5. Music Therapy
Music therapy is a profession that involves using music to address emotional, physical, and cognitive needs of patients. Working in music therapy, you will be pleased to see how music can engage people with their treatment, provide emotional support, create an outlet for expression, and improve movement and physical rehabilitation.
6. Counseling
Because there are so many different kinds of counselors in the world, there is a lot of variety within this profession and area of study. You may find yourself counseling to kids, adults, families, couples, and more. When serving people who need support with mental health and well-being, you are helping them get through their daily lives. Altering people’s lives for the better makes this occupation incredibly meaningful.
7. Exercise Science
Exercise Science encompasses a wide variety of disciplines including, but not limited to: Biomechanics, Sports Nutrition, Sport Psychology, Motor Control/Development, and Exercise Physiology. These fields all focus on helping people perform at their highest potential.
8. Dietetics
For those who are interested in physical health, dietetics may be a fulfilling path for you! Dietetics majors study nutrition and other sciences so that they can create nutritional programs in schools, nursing homes, hospitals, and more! They serve a role in helping people lead healthy lives, which makes this job extremely meaningful.
9. Early Childhood and Elementary Education
A major in early childhood education or elementary education allows students to take courses that provide a strong foundation in child development, family studies, and early childhood education. Those who work with children tend to have high job satisfaction because there is much value in shaping the future.
10. Nonprofit Management
Nonprofits are typically organizations (charities, political organizations, etc.) dedicated to furthering a specific cause. People who work at nonprofits are usually extremely passionate about the work that they do, resulting in job satisfaction. Students of nonprofit management learn how to manage the business concerns of nonprofits. This includes finances, human resources, taxes, laws, and more.
Even if these college majors don’t appeal to you, have no fear! Truth be told, you can make any major into a meaningful career as long as you are actively striving for a fulfilling lifestyle. To read more about this topic, check out this article all about balancing a successful career and meaningful personal life.