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How do I know if a change-of-major is right for me?

I am a current computer science major finishing up my first year at school. While I haven't done the worst academically, I also haven't been the best. I don't get the best grades and have failed at least one class this year, but I still think I could graduate with this degree in four years very realistically. I think my degree and classes are very interesting and honestly not that hard, but I'm feeling demotivated because I feel like computer science is very lonely for me. I am a very social person, but my peers are not. I have no problem making new friends, but despite my best efforts, I cannot even get anyone in my major to study with me. Everyone has different personalities and I get that, but I honestly feel like I can't function if I'm not around a single other social person.

I'm worried that this will be the same when I get into the workforce, and if I go into this field that I won't even be able to be friendly with my coworkers. Additionally, programming jobs seem to be trending more towards work-from-home, but I really do like in-person and I can't see myself being successful at working from home, at least at the start of my career.

That was a lot, but I am a little lost and looking for advice. I was considering double majoring, which would also be doable in four years. But I'm wondering if I should drop it altogether? I'm also wondering what kinds of fields I could look at? I know that I do like doing science, but maybe something more hands on would fit (although I'm not interested in doing something like pure chemistry or pure biology). I know from experience that business doesn't suit me, and I don't see myself being successful in the humanities or liberal arts.

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Michelle’s Answer

Being a woman in a STEM career can come with its own set of challenges, but it's also incredibly rewarding. I thrive on social interactions, even though I sometimes work with people who are less social. Over time, I've found my community, and they've found me too. I carefully chose my major, considering both immediate career opportunities and those that would arise 10 years down the line. I switched from Chemical Engineering to Mechanical Engineering because my passion wasn't in Chemistry, and after three attempts at advanced Chemistry classes, I knew it was time for a change. It all turned out for the best. I discovered a love for gears and oil, and now I have a fulfilling career in IT. It's been an amazing journey. I work alongside a diverse group of computer science professionals. My goal was always to find a career that challenged my intellect, provided financial independence, and allowed me to travel and meet new people. I hope this inspires you!
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Maddie’s Answer

H Tiffany! I like this question. You have thought a lot about all of this. Based on what I know about comp sci, it’s an awesome major, but you’re correct in saying most jobs are work-from-home these days, especially post-COVID. It must be so tricky not having friends to hang out with within your major. I imagine you might feel so isolated at times, especially during high-stress times such as midterms or finals.

The first thing is, what are your other interests besides comp sci/coding? I saw you like people and are social; I’m trying to think of something that combines social and computers. I’ll come back when I think of something.. I’m working a 12-hour shift today, so I will have time to think. I’m not sure if you’re interested in anything medical, but they do have informatics nursing; you’d need some experience as a nurse in the clinical setting before going back for it, though, since it’s a master’s degree. If not, I will think about some ideas :)
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Jason’s Answer

Hey Tiffany,

This is a big decision. I wouldn't say to change your major just because it's hard to get others to study with you or you don't have an easy time being a social person around less social people though. if CS is interesting to you and you want to do it then I would stick with it. It's college so there are plenty of other people around who might not be CS majors for you to engage and be social with. it can take some time to find your tribe outside of just CS but there are sure to be a plethora of ways for you to engage an interact with other people. The good thing is just beacuse you're a CS major doesn't mean that you will only be able to land coding jobs that are work from home. There are a plethora of other types of roles which have a lot of focus on collaboration with others. some that come to mind might be business and data analyst, program and product management.

I saw you mentioned that you weren't really interested in business (and that is okay) but I would say that for some of those roles I mentioned a couple of business courses might be helpful seeing the business side of the technology will potentially set you up for roles like that. Similar to how management information systems gives you a bit of the business and tech worlds.
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