So, what’s your major? You will likely be asked this question innumerable times during your college career. Many students have all kinds of emotions attached to making this decision – excitement, confusion, anxiety, certainty – it can be overwhelming.
To help you with this decision, we wanted to list a few of the myths and the facts related to this process:
Myth: I should pick a major right away.
Fact: Not necessarily. With taking core courses, you have time to think and explore different areas. In fact, many students will change their major 2 or 3 times before they settle on one. The exceptions to this rule are students who know they want to major in any of the sciences or art, as these classes will need to be part of your schedule your freshman year.
Myth: I will eventually just know what I’m supposed to choose.
Fact: While some students do start college with a certainty about their major, most do not – and it doesn’t just come to you. Thinking about your career isn’t supposed to be passive, and nobody else can do it for you. You need to identify your skills, interests, personality make-up, and values, then think about how they all fit with various careers. Do research. Talk to professionals. Then decide – decisions made by default usually are decisions you come to regret.
Myth: You should go for the “hot jobs.”
Fact: While it’s good to know what jobs are marketable, following job trends can be dangerous. Job market demands move in cycles, so it’s more important to choose something that genuinely interests you.
Myth: There is one right job for you.
Fact: While there will certainly be more “ideal” job situations for you, your skills and experience can be used in many different situations. The important thing to remember is “What is the ideal fit?” as opposed to “What is the ideal job?”
Myth: Once I choose, I’m committed for life.
Fact: People’s career paths often take detours they don’t expect. Most people will make an average of three career changes and work seven to ten jobs within a particular career during their lifetime. The important thing to remember is that career development continues even after college. Current work experiences can provide you with knowledge and skills that can be applied to other kinds of job involvements.
Deciding on a major should be based primarily on a few things: what you enjoy; what you do well; what lines up with your values; and what fits best with your personality type. Planning for a career based on these things will most likely lead to more personal satisfaction and success.
