Choosing A Major:
Passion, Skills, And College
Scholarships For Women

Are you a working mom? Single mom? Stay-at-home mom? Are you looking at college? So you've got a single folder of potential college scholarships for women, and you might be staring at applications, unable to fill them in. They're so specific to majors and situations that your head is spinning. Government grants for single moms, minority women, working moms; scholarships for local, state, and national programs; how could you possibly apply when you haven't picked your major yet?

Then your child comes into the room with a fever and you're suddenly occupied for the next hour. When things get settled, you see that single government grants for moms folder waiting for your attention, but you still haven't picked a major.

Does this sound familiar? Picking the right degree can feel overwhelming, especially when money is tight and grants and scholarships for all women -- single moms, working moms, and stay-at-home moms -- need those specifics. However, there's no reason to fret. With a little bit of guidance, you'll find the thing that works for you.

Don't Get Hung up on the Major

One of the most important things to remember is that despite the major you write in your college scholarship and educational grants for women application, you're not forever bound to it. Students often don't realize that their major is usually only critical for their first job. After that, they can move upwards, laterally, or take those experiences to try a different career and there's always certifications and night school to help expand your skill sets (yes, government grants for single moms and working moms apply there too). So don't feel like you're signing an oath in blood. It's a big step forward, but your path can quickly change.

Start With What is Important to You

As for what you pick? Chances are if you're filling out even a single college scholarships for moms application, women like you value their family time and are budget-conscious. That means that parenting responsibilities are a significant part of your decision and you should consider whether you want a major with significant evening lab times or field trips. If you do choose that route, be sure to talk to your family and friends ahead of time, as you'll definitely need their help.

Follow your Passion

Now let's think about who you are and what you want to do. Don't focus on those financial applications right now (even if you really need scholarships, grants or loans for single moms). In fact, take money totally out of the equation. Sit down and consider your major interests and skills. Now look at how they apply in the real world. Finally, take it one step further and picture the most mundane job in that industry. Could you still do it and feel fulfilled?

For example, let's pretend that you're an artist at heart. You fill out the appropriate college scholarships, grants and loans for women applications, sign up for the classes, and a few years later, you've got an art degree. Now you're working at a graphic design firm creating brochure layouts and designing corporate logos. Does that blend of art and industry excite you or does it feel like you should just leave that passion for nighttime painting?

Examine Your Skill Set

Examine that scenario for each of your passions and see which ones excite you and which ones create a sense of dread. For the latter, toss out those specific government grants and college scholarship application, without passion, a woman (working, stay-at-home, or single moms) won't need those. Take some time to research what jobs exist for those majors. You might be surprised at this list as the world has many more careers beyond industry stereotypes. Remember, you might have the skills for some jobs and others might not feel right. Be honest about your strengths and weaknesses when you whittle things down.

Talk with Friends and Family

Finally, take all that and talk it over with friends, family, and even a school or career counselor. The discussion process helps smooth out the path and brings up new ideas. After all that, it's time to pull out your folder of scholarships and government grants for single moms, stay-at-home moms, or working moms only this time, you'll know which scholarship or grant applications to go for.

Once you decide on a direction to take with your career and education, register for our $10,000 scholarship.