How Can My Child Choose the Right Major and Discern Their Calling?

I am often asked, “How can my child discern their calling and choose the right major?” Parents rightfully do not want to waste money for a degree that serves no purpose in their child’s life, nor in God’s Kingdom.

Before answering the question, there are some common reasons that I would not advise. These are some of the worst reasons a student may employ, especially if they are the only factors in the equation:

Common Errors

1. My parents pursued this path.

Just because a parent was good at math does not mean the child will follow suit. Just because a parent enjoyed teaching does not mean the child is good at educating. God gifts different people in different ways, even in the same family. Children should be free and encouraged to pursue their own calling in life.

2. I will make a lot of money.

Jesus tells us you cannot serve two masters. You cannot serve God and money. We know that money is not evil. In fact, it is a common metaphor in the parables showing the value of the Kingdom. But earning potential ought not be an ultimate or exclusive factor in decision-making. Money should be a tool for service, not the sum total of the decision.

3. I will be highly esteemed.

We know that some occupations are more esteemed than others. Some occupations look good on a resume. Some occupations put an innate gleam in the world’s eye and receive an automatic “wow” from the world’s opinion. But what does it profit a young woman if she gains the whole world but loses her soul? Instead, all of us—college students included—must learn that greatness in the Kingdom of Christ is less about esteem and more about service.

Instead of these common errors, I suggest the following four considerations when choosing a major.

Four Considerations

1. Desire

A student should have a desire for the work he or she sets out to do. This desire may be small or it may be great, but at the very least, it must be present. I meet far too many college students who are entirely apathetic about their major choice. No parent or student should pay for a degree for which they fundamentally have zero excitement. That is to say, there should be an inherent, self-driven motivation from the student. Parents: don’t send your student to college unless they want to be there. And when you send them, make sure they have a desire to see it through to completion, that they may be better formed and prepared when all is said and done.

2. Talent

It would be silly to send a young man through vocational-technical school if he is a homebody bookworm. It would be strange to send a young lady through an English literature program if she can “sell a ketchup popsicle to a woman in white gloves.” Discover your child’s talents, and help them choose a major that accentuates those God-given strengths.

3. Affirmation

What do the other adults in your child’s life say about him or her? What would the older, wiser mentors in your church encourage your child to pursue? What about her teachers? What about his coaches? The truth is, we as parents don’t see our child from all angles. Oftentimes, other people will see glimmers of opportunity that we have either accidentally missed or been too blinded to notice.

4. Opportunity

Will there be an opportunity to use this major and advance God’s Kingdom through it? Almost always, the answer is ‘yes… in some way, shape or form.’ But the exercise of exploring the question will bring factors into light that you did not previously anticipate.

Just when you or your child think it is all figured out, a common fear will creep in. “What if we’ve made the wrong choice? What if I discover that I disdain this occupational field and waste all that time and money?” This is a valid question. It has happened, and it can happen to your son or daughter. But in these trying moments, we must be reminded of God’s truth. “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps” (Prov. 16:9). We cannot foresee the future, but we must be faithful in the present, knowing that only the Lord—and not our pristine decision-making—establishes our steps. He is faithful, and He will make our paths straight. We can trust that He will work all things for our good. Our job is to seek His Kingdom and His righteousness above all else, even when choosing a major.