If you know what questions to ask, you and your advisor can work together to build a plan catered for your personal and professional success. Help guide the advisor on what you want to talk about by prompting them with a few hard-hitting questions.

Talking to your academic advisor can feel—for lack of a better word—weird. Especially the first time. I mean, you’re talking to a total stranger about your future and what you want to do with your life. Where do you even begin?

Fortunately, if you know what questions to ask, you and your advisor can work together to build a plan catered for your personal and professional success. So the next time you sit down with your advisor, be an active participant in the conversation. Help guide the advisor on what you want to talk about by prompting them with a few hard-hitting questions.

As it just so happens, we have a few here to get you started!

1. What minor would best complement my major?

Don’t choose a minor just because you’ve already taken a few courses in it for your major. It might be convenient, but it’s not necessarily going to help you.

Sometimes the best minor to pursue is one that is completely unrelated to your major, as it typically diversifies your knowledge and gives you a wider perspective than your peers who box themselves into one field of study. As one psychology professor says, “[T]rue creativity—and sometimes income—often come from combining information and processes from two disparate disciplines.”

So think about a hobby or a subject that interests you and do your research. The right minor can open your eyes to a whole new world of ideas and way of thinking.

2. What opportunities for internships or study abroad programs does this degree offer?

An internship can make or break your desire to actually work in the field you’ve studied for the last four (or more) years. If you’re just a paper-pushing coffee boy/girl, that’s not exactly going to motivate you in your job search, is it?

Talk to your advisor about companies that offer internships within your major. Ask if they know which companies have a high success rate with interns and which have garnered the most positive feedback from students. While many internships come with their share of menial tasks and grunt work, you also want to be a part of a company that respects new ideas and fosters personal growth.

Check out which majors offer some of the best internships

3. How many people actually end up getting jobs related to this major?

Job security is important, so sometimes we have to ask frank questions if we want frank answers. Talk to your advisor about the current job market situation for people in your desired major. If there isn’t much demand, your advisor may be able to provide suggestions for majors that are more marketable, but still targeted toward your interests.

4. If I end up not liking my major, how much flexibility is there as far as transferring credits to another field of study?

Your college journey is a lot like any journey: if it gets boring, there are alternate routes you can take that are more fun and informational.

In other words, if you have a change of heart about your major, there are usually other degrees and career fields that branch out from your current path. But before you change your major—or better yet, before you even pick a major—ask your advisor which classes and credits can be transferred over to a new field of study so you can have a plan of action.

For instance, say you change your mind about being an English major. Other majors like journalism and advertising typically have courses that overlap, so you should be able to transfer credits you’ve acquired as an English major to another communications degree.

Just remember: the sooner you change your mind about your major, the more time, money, and grief you’ll save! Most experts agree the best time to change your major is within the first 60 credit hours.

5. How many [insert your weakest or least favourite subject] classes will this major require?

>Hate math or public speaking? Sometimes a career that looks intriguing at face value just doesn’t mesh well with your personality or interests. Steer clear of a major that will burden you with courses you have absolutely no interest in. (Though we encourage you to step outside your comfort zone every now and then—here are a few classes we think everyone should take.)

Obviously, we all end up having a class or two that challenges our sanity, but if your entire schedule makes you want to scream, there’s a bigger issue.

If you have a major in mind, ask your advisor for the list of required courses so you can see how many of your least favourite subjects you’ll have to endure.

6. What are some campus services or activities that would benefit me?

A lot of money goes into a college education, so why not use some of the resources readily available on campus? Most advisors can introduce you to peer tutors, mentors, or extracurricular activities in your major, so you can connect with people who understand your career-specific goals and obstacles. They can also direct you to the Career Center, where they can help you establish connections with people who specialize in your career field, as well as alumni who could be a valuable resource in your job hunt.

Additionally, they can recommend other important resources like health and counselling centers (because your physical and mental well-being is your absolute #1 priority).

7. Can I work part-time and still graduate with this degree in four years?

A lot of people work part-time in college, whether to pay for their education or to simply have some extra spending money. This is a great way to boost your resume with transferable skills, like communication, teamwork, and organization. But depending on your major and your course load, you may need to adjust your availability so that your job isn’t a hindrance to your academic success—and ultimately, your long-term career success.

If you depend on your job to pay for your education, ask your advisor if there are any other financial aid options. They may not know, but they’ll know who you can talk to in the financial aid office. If you are lucky enough to have a scholarship, keep in mind that most of them require a minimum grade point average. So while a part-time job can help with rent and other expenses, it’s imperative that you know how to balance it with your class schedule and workload.

8. Will I need to go to graduate school in order to be successful in this career field?

While graduate school is a good option for some majors, it’s also a drain on time and finances that sometimes doesn’t yield a significant enough return for others to pursue. Check with your advisor to see what kind of opportunities graduate school would open up for you. There are a few reasons to attend grad school (higher earning potential and more career options)—but there are also many reasons to not go to grad school.

9. When should we meet next?

Students should arm themselves with a few specific questions (like these!) and meet with their advisor at least once a semester, though if you ever have a concern or question, don’t hesitate to email them. Also, advisors love to see their students succeed, so if you have a personal success story, or you land a sweet internship or job, let them know the good news!

HAMNIC Solutions is here to support your graduate journey. Our professional writing and editing expertise helps you manage your academic workload, reduce stress, and focus on well-being for a balanced academic and personal life. Visit HAMNIC Solutions to learn how we can make your student life easier and healthier, enabling you to achieve your academic ambitions without sacrificing a balanced lifestyle.