How Choosing a Major is Like Choosing a Tattoo

When you have your whole life ahead of you, it can be a daunting task to figure out what you want to do with it. If you’re trying to figure out what you want to major in at college, the process of choosing a tattoo design bears remarkable similarities to that of choosing a major. Today we’re sharing 7 tips that will help you in your life-changing decision-making process.

1. Take your time.
   Since tattoos are typically permanent (unless you want to go through the costly and painful removal process), take all the time you need to make sure you’re ready to pull the trigger. If you have doubts, this is a sign you’re not ready to take the plunge yet. 

   General education classes in college give you plenty of time and opportunity to sample different areas of study and hone in on your interests and skills before you choose a major. You can also do a semester abroad as well to kill time before declaring a major.

2. Test the waters.
   Before getting a permanent tattoo, it’s common for people to get a temporary henna tattoo to give it a test drive and make sure that the tattoo is what they want, where they want it. 

   Before committing to a particular degree, why not take class on the topic or job shadow someone in your desired industry for a day. That way you can make an educated decision.

3. Know thyself.
   A tattoo is a reflection of your personality, your values, your beliefs, and ultimately who you are. Spend some time getting to know yourself so you can choose a tattoo that will be timeless through the various chapters of your life. 

   Similarly, an awareness of self will help as you choose a college major. As they say, if you do what you love, you never work a day in your life.

4. Choose a licensed establishment.
   When you get a tattoo, it’s important to choose a tattoo parlos that is sanitary and licensed. Make sure your tattoo artist uses single use needles, is vaccinated against Hepatitis, and is associated with the Alliance of Professional Tattooists, an organization promoting safe tattoos. 

   There are lots of shady post-secondary institutions around, including degree mills, so to make sure your money is being spent wisely, choose an accredited college to earn your degree from.

5. Care, touch-ups, and maintenance.
   After getting a tattoo, it’s important to care for it regularly by applying moisturizer and sunscreen to keep it looking new. After 10-20 years, it may be necessary to do a touch-up in order to keep your tattoo looking fresh.
   After you graduate, it’s important to stay current with the changes in your industry by taking regular course refreshers through continuing education. This will help you to be more marketable to future employers and clients.
6. Customize!
   Every tattoo artist has a book of “flash” designs available that they are experienced with creating. The drawback in going with a flash design is that you’ll join the ranks of countless other people with the same design. Since you are your own person, you can talk to your artist about customizing a tattoo design that is right for you. 

   In college, you can customize an education that is perfect for you by choosing a minor in a complimentary area of study, or even by taking a class every semester that you’ve always been interested in and is not related to your major.

7. What will your future boss think?
   If a tattoo will effect your job prospects, it may be wise to choose a placement for your tattoo in a less conspicuous place like your bicep, back, or stomach where an employer is less likely to see it. 

   Similarly, think about what your boss will think about the degree you earned. You want to choose a college major that will open doors for you professionally and reflect well on your reputation.

Unlike a tattoo, your major doesn’t have to be permanent and you can change your mind mid-course. It may be painful and expensive to change part way through college, like the process of removing a tattoo, but not impossible.

How did you decide your tattoo or college major?