Have you chosen a major yet? Many students reach the end of their first year without any idea of what they're going to study. And no wonder -- choosing a university or college major can be overwhelming. So many choices! So many options! And what if you make the wrong choice?

There is good news. When trying to decide what to study, you begin by studying yourself.

Dr. Janet G. Lenz is the president of a career development association. She is also the associate director in a career center at a university. Lenz suggests you start by asking yourself what you want from post-secondary education. Do you want to do something that lets your pursue your interests? Or do you want to study something that is in demand in the job market?

"Some will look internally and say, 'What do I want?' and others will look outward and say, 'What skills does society want?'" says Lenz.

If you enjoy helping people, you might want to study social work or nursing. If you want to build bridges, engineering would be a good choice. "Your interests, skills and values will point you to your options," she says.

On the other hand, perhaps you want to major in something that promises a good job. In this case, you research skills and professions that are in high demand.

However, there is a danger in this approach. Lenz cautions that pursuing a field solely because the job market needs nurses or teachers, for example, could lead to problems. "If you don't do well, you will find yourself in a difficult position at school. Then you will have to consider other alternatives."

Lenz also points out that a career seldom meets all of a person's needs and expectations. Most of us look to our private lives to meet needs that can't be met on the job.

Suppose you have studied art but can't find work in that field. You might work in an office where you design newsletters, and enter your artwork in community art shows on the weekend. "Schools give us options, but we need to think broadly about how we use our skills and talents," says Lenz.

Many people can help you sort out your best choices. Randall S. Hansen is a marketing professor at a university. He's also president of a college, career and job website.

Hansen suggests talking to career counselors at your school, as well as your parents and families, teachers and other working folks. You can also take assessment exams and conduct career research.

"It is probably easier to eliminate careers at this point," says Hansen, "But even that is a help!"

For the handful of careers that interest you, Hansen suggests conducting informational interviews and job shadowing.

If you still need help, Lenz suggests that you meet with a professional career counselor. "Get some help looking at your skills and interests," she says. "Learn how to research options and get help with your decision-making strategy."

However, if you are thinking of a career where a graduate degree is a minimum requirement, such as law and medicine, the advice is a little different. Hansen recommends picking a program that has a solid reputation and a relationship with the grad schools that offer the specialty you are considering. "You may still change your mind while in college."

Lenz says there will be uncertainty with any career or academic choice. No one can predict a job market with absolutely certainty.

And remember that people often change careers throughout their lifetime, using different aspects of their skills and interests. "Take John Grisham, the writer," Lenz says. "He used to be a lawyer. Now he writes best-selling novels about lawyers."