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Doubted your major choice?
Have you ever doubted your choice of major during college and what did you do about it?
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10 answers
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Chirayu’s Answer
Many students have doubts about their major during college, and here are some common options for them to consider:
Talk to a career counselor or academic advisor.
Explore different career paths related to the major.
Gain hands-on experience through internships or part-time jobs.
Take courses in a different field of interest.
Consider a double major or minor.
Consider switching to a different major.
Gradually phase out of the current major while exploring other options.
Talk to a career counselor or academic advisor.
Explore different career paths related to the major.
Gain hands-on experience through internships or part-time jobs.
Take courses in a different field of interest.
Consider a double major or minor.
Consider switching to a different major.
Gradually phase out of the current major while exploring other options.
Thank you, Chirayu for the advice.
Edwin
Updated
Claude’s Answer
Doubted your major choice?
I changed my major once during college, but never doubted my ultimate choice, which was economics.
I think the important thing to understand is that for job-securing purposes, a major doesn't necessarily dictate the profession you choose. A lot of skills you learn from your major can be transferable to a profession outside of your major. The key is how open and flexible you are to learning other topics.
I changed my major once during college, but never doubted my ultimate choice, which was economics.
I think the important thing to understand is that for job-securing purposes, a major doesn't necessarily dictate the profession you choose. A lot of skills you learn from your major can be transferable to a profession outside of your major. The key is how open and flexible you are to learning other topics.
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Gabrielle’s Answer
Hello Edwin , I doubted my First Major so much which was Political Science , I thought I wanted a career in politics and law until I realize I wasn't sure what I wanted and was only doing what I saw others around me was doing ,so I ended up taking a gap year that turn into Gap 6 years, but in that time I was able to find what I was passionate about which was business admin . Something I wish I could tell younger me is to take your general education courses at local community college while you figure out what you want to major in so you can save money while figuring out what your next step will be .
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Shiloh’s Answer
Hello! I too changed my major three times until I found what I was passionate about and so glad I made the change. I don’t think I would have been happy or content with my first choices. Trust the process. Sometimes those changes of path lead you to your purpose. Don’t continue with a major just because you don’t want to change or seem indecisive. A lot of people do it! You just might find it works out way better for you, it’s more interesting, and you get better grades, studying what your actually interested in.
Thank you so much!
Edwin
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Ellie’s Answer
I went back and forth when selecting my major. I found it extremely challenging to decide "what I wanted to do with the rest of my life" at such a young age, this question was often at the root of my anxiety while in college. I ultimately chose accounting; I had convinced myself this was a "safe" and "smart" career choice (which is true.) But I ignored the voice in my head telling me this is NOT what I was at all interested in because I was so concerned about graduating with what I thought was a good career path ahead of me.
After I graduated and started my first job at an accounting firm, I was miserable. Hated everything about it and felt stuck with my decision. Long story short, you're NEVER stuck! I was able to utilize my degree in accounting as a tool to showcase some of my skills, but also didn't let it determine which roles I applied for. While working in a field I knew I didn't like, I began to explore what other roles were out there. I made friends with people in different departments and asked lots of questions. It wasn't long before I discovered a role I'd never heard of, Executive Assistant. Everything about this role was interesting to me; there was such a variety in what the day-to-day duties were which was completely opposite of what a role in accounting looks like. I quickly made the decision that a career change was in order and started thinking about what things I was currently doing that could fit on a resume aiming towards Executive Assistant. I'm now 6 years into my role and absolutely loving it.
I hope this reminds you that you don't need to be 100% sure about something you've never even done! You can always find a way to change your career path and do what makes you happy.
After I graduated and started my first job at an accounting firm, I was miserable. Hated everything about it and felt stuck with my decision. Long story short, you're NEVER stuck! I was able to utilize my degree in accounting as a tool to showcase some of my skills, but also didn't let it determine which roles I applied for. While working in a field I knew I didn't like, I began to explore what other roles were out there. I made friends with people in different departments and asked lots of questions. It wasn't long before I discovered a role I'd never heard of, Executive Assistant. Everything about this role was interesting to me; there was such a variety in what the day-to-day duties were which was completely opposite of what a role in accounting looks like. I quickly made the decision that a career change was in order and started thinking about what things I was currently doing that could fit on a resume aiming towards Executive Assistant. I'm now 6 years into my role and absolutely loving it.
I hope this reminds you that you don't need to be 100% sure about something you've never even done! You can always find a way to change your career path and do what makes you happy.
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
Edwin
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Ryan’s Answer
Don't beat yourself up over your major choice. While I didn't change mine, I'm not working in that field today. I never did and I never will. Regardless, I'm glad I studied it. I learned a lot from the classes I took and they have helped mold me as an adult.
If you feel your major isn't going to lead you to where you want to go, I would challenge you to reconsider, especially if you enjoy your classes. The only caveat I have is if you want to be a teacher, doctor, lawyer, etc., you will probably need to major in those fields. But again, most of us don't currently work in the field of our major.
Keep grinding. Focus on being successful in what you're studying. Enjoy the journey and challenge yourself to become an expert at whatever you're learning. These ethics will be what propel you to the next level, not what major it says on the diploma.
If you feel your major isn't going to lead you to where you want to go, I would challenge you to reconsider, especially if you enjoy your classes. The only caveat I have is if you want to be a teacher, doctor, lawyer, etc., you will probably need to major in those fields. But again, most of us don't currently work in the field of our major.
Keep grinding. Focus on being successful in what you're studying. Enjoy the journey and challenge yourself to become an expert at whatever you're learning. These ethics will be what propel you to the next level, not what major it says on the diploma.
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James’s Answer
Hello!
It's natural to want to change your major. I've done it twice. I had a passion for public service. and wanted to major in political science. This was before I entered the field of law enforcement. Once I entered the field, I wanted to learn everything about it. I changed over to criminal justice. Then, it was recommended that since I was already learning criminal justice through experience, I should still do political science, just in case I wanted to run for office later.
It's natural to want to change your major. I've done it twice. I had a passion for public service. and wanted to major in political science. This was before I entered the field of law enforcement. Once I entered the field, I wanted to learn everything about it. I changed over to criminal justice. Then, it was recommended that since I was already learning criminal justice through experience, I should still do political science, just in case I wanted to run for office later.
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Bailey’s Answer
I've doubted a college major choice before and kept going back & forth on if I'm in the right major. It was hard to think about if the major I chose was right for me and if I saw myself working with that degree the rest of my life. I ended up talking to my family and friends to get advice which then led me to talking to one of my college advisors and college career counselors. I talked about my passions, goals, visions, etc. I signed up for a broad range of classes to see what stuck out to me and tried to find a class that I truly enjoyed. I ended up finding a class I really liked and talked with the professor about career choices within that specific field. They all seemed interesting to me which led me to choose the career path I did. I ended up choosing a major that I can use in many different career fields instead of being stuck to one single job. This helped me not doubt my new major choice. I'm glad I talked to the people I did because if not I probably wouldn't have changed my major. So talking to others can really help your decisions!
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Scott’s Answer
Yes, I did! I did not receive any assistance from my school, or at home- just continually asked what I was going to do. I started out as a pre-law student, but could not deal with the amount of work assigned in each class. I then switched to sociology, which was far more interesting. Problem was finding a job using this degree. I would up returning to college for a second bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation. Had I taken the time and energy to research and assess my skill set, I might have been able to make it much easier and more efficient to identify a career path.
You rock! This advice is very helpful.
Edwin
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Alan’s Answer
Hi Edwin,
No, I have no regrets. I have a passion for architecture and design, so I am glad I pursued my architecture degree. That said, traditional architecture is not the career of the field I ended up in. I was fortunate to graduate from college at the inception of the telecommunications industry, and there were incredible opportunities in the development of the mobile phone networks. I also love technology and I knew I wanted in on leading edge tech, so I became a field engineer designing and build cell sites. I was definitely able to use my education and training in design, construction and systems to design and build out telecommunication networks, but it is not something I ever imaged or planned to do. No one had a cell phone when I entered college. Since then, my career path has taken many twists and turns. I have been a police officer, designed and build large solar facilities, and I now manager the building of large fiber broadband networks. I have also continued my education, getting my Masters in Infrastructure Planning and Management.
Follow your passions and play to your strengths, and then be open to the possibilities and the opportunities that present themselves. It will be a great ride.
No, I have no regrets. I have a passion for architecture and design, so I am glad I pursued my architecture degree. That said, traditional architecture is not the career of the field I ended up in. I was fortunate to graduate from college at the inception of the telecommunications industry, and there were incredible opportunities in the development of the mobile phone networks. I also love technology and I knew I wanted in on leading edge tech, so I became a field engineer designing and build cell sites. I was definitely able to use my education and training in design, construction and systems to design and build out telecommunication networks, but it is not something I ever imaged or planned to do. No one had a cell phone when I entered college. Since then, my career path has taken many twists and turns. I have been a police officer, designed and build large solar facilities, and I now manager the building of large fiber broadband networks. I have also continued my education, getting my Masters in Infrastructure Planning and Management.
Follow your passions and play to your strengths, and then be open to the possibilities and the opportunities that present themselves. It will be a great ride.