4 answers
Heeyun
Student
Glen Cove, New York
1
Question
Asked
381 views
What made you want to do this major in college Was there any contemplating while you were in college if you chose the right major for you??
Did you switch majors? How did you know the major you were in was right for you?
Login to comment
4 answers
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
613
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
I attended a junior college where I obtained an AA in Letters, Arts and Sciences. It was a general degree which allowed me to take classes in multiple disciplines. I had a sense I wanted to major in Psychology, but this allowed me to see if anything else stood out.
I stuck with Psychology and ended up dual majoring when I went to a 4 year.
I had a mentor who majored in psychology and really enjoyed what she did. I’d talk with people who are doing jobs you could see doing and ask for their feedback.
I stuck with Psychology and ended up dual majoring when I went to a 4 year.
I had a mentor who majored in psychology and really enjoyed what she did. I’d talk with people who are doing jobs you could see doing and ask for their feedback.
Kai O'Donnell
Customer Support Expert
1
Answer
Westfield, New Jersey
Updated
Kai’s Answer
Absolutely! I switched majors a few times and then ended up double majoring. When I graduated high school at 17, I wasn't ready to leave home and live at college. I decided to go to my local Community College first -- initially planning on spending a year there, but ending up spending 2 and graduating with an Associate of Science degree. I had an incredible time and learned a lot -- the most valuable part was learning and becoming friends with folks in various stages of life and from different backgrounds than what I grew up with. I worked, gained life experience, and confidence.
When I first spoke to a counselor, they told me to pick anything as most of the general education requirements were similar. I chose Liberal Arts, but within a couple of weeks switched to Liberal Studies which had more math requirements and less history/humanities. During my first semester, I realized I wanted to pursue math classes as long as I could still manage them. I also wanted to take fewer history courses so I switched to a Math major! I kept that one through my AS degree. I knew I could apply it to whatever other field in STEM I was interested in. I was considering Biomechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, and Applied Mathematics at the time.
When I transferred to Drew University, they accepted me as a full junior in the Mathematics program. I decided to keep that major, though I did consider Computer Science. I also really enjoyed my Spanish language classes, doing study abroad programs in Barcelona and Havana. Through those, I added a Spanish minor and then switched it to a second major the spring of my junior year. I ended up needing an extra semester to make these work. I also considered minors in: Studio Art, Dance, and Computer Science. I reconsidered my major often but stuck with Math because it's a good base for a lot of STEM fields. I majored in Spanish mostly because I loved the classes and language, as well as having a good professor encouraging me to continue.
As for my degree, I wish I had spent more time finding out what a career and day-to-day would look like with future jobs. I took classes I loved, and that's great, but when I got to the end of my degree, realized I didn't want to do that sort of work. Internships can be another great way to try different things out - and they look great on resumes!
Ultimately, what you major in and where you go to school is less important than getting a degree. I know this won't be true for all majors/careers, but for a lot of us, it's just the piece of paper that gets you through the door and a base of experiences for your life. I work in (technical) Customer Support for an Education Technology company now. If I were to redo school, I'd love to have majored in Studio Art (and still Spanish as a double major).
Try a breadth of topics / fields in classes and even through chatting with alumni or older students your first couple of years.
Intern with companies you'd be interested in working for later.
Don't be afraid to reach out to folks doing jobs you would want some day and ask how they got there.
When I first spoke to a counselor, they told me to pick anything as most of the general education requirements were similar. I chose Liberal Arts, but within a couple of weeks switched to Liberal Studies which had more math requirements and less history/humanities. During my first semester, I realized I wanted to pursue math classes as long as I could still manage them. I also wanted to take fewer history courses so I switched to a Math major! I kept that one through my AS degree. I knew I could apply it to whatever other field in STEM I was interested in. I was considering Biomechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, and Applied Mathematics at the time.
When I transferred to Drew University, they accepted me as a full junior in the Mathematics program. I decided to keep that major, though I did consider Computer Science. I also really enjoyed my Spanish language classes, doing study abroad programs in Barcelona and Havana. Through those, I added a Spanish minor and then switched it to a second major the spring of my junior year. I ended up needing an extra semester to make these work. I also considered minors in: Studio Art, Dance, and Computer Science. I reconsidered my major often but stuck with Math because it's a good base for a lot of STEM fields. I majored in Spanish mostly because I loved the classes and language, as well as having a good professor encouraging me to continue.
As for my degree, I wish I had spent more time finding out what a career and day-to-day would look like with future jobs. I took classes I loved, and that's great, but when I got to the end of my degree, realized I didn't want to do that sort of work. Internships can be another great way to try different things out - and they look great on resumes!
Ultimately, what you major in and where you go to school is less important than getting a degree. I know this won't be true for all majors/careers, but for a lot of us, it's just the piece of paper that gets you through the door and a base of experiences for your life. I work in (technical) Customer Support for an Education Technology company now. If I were to redo school, I'd love to have majored in Studio Art (and still Spanish as a double major).
Kai recommends the following next steps:
Doctorate Student -
Psychology/Forensic Science
58
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Doctorate Student’s Answer
Taking a bold step towards discovering your passion is truly a commendable move! Immerse yourself in what you adore, and everything else will effortlessly align. To maximize your resources, consider launching your educational voyage with General Education classes at a Community College. These classes are typically free, providing a fantastic chance for you to explore subjects that truly spark your interest. Bear in mind, college or career counselors are always ready to assist you. Their guidance could be the key to uncovering your untapped abilities. So, here's to your radiant and thriving future! May your thrilling journey be laden with limitless success and happiness!
Denesha Williams
Production Manager
6
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Denesha’s Answer
From a young age, I was fascinated by media, leading me to choose Mass Communications/Media Studies as my major. I also had a deep interest in African American history, prompting me to minor in it.
If you're in your first or second year of college, I encourage you to explore a variety of classes to discover what truly sparks your curiosity. My top tip for you is to select a major that genuinely captures your interest and ignites a passion for learning. If you can't pinpoint a specific area or have diverse interests, consider creating your own major. Check out your university's programs to see if they offer interdisciplinary majors.
Don't fret if you don't immediately land a job in your field of study after graduation. I've collaborated with numerous individuals who have built successful careers in areas completely unrelated to their majors.
If you're in your first or second year of college, I encourage you to explore a variety of classes to discover what truly sparks your curiosity. My top tip for you is to select a major that genuinely captures your interest and ignites a passion for learning. If you can't pinpoint a specific area or have diverse interests, consider creating your own major. Check out your university's programs to see if they offer interdisciplinary majors.
Don't fret if you don't immediately land a job in your field of study after graduation. I've collaborated with numerous individuals who have built successful careers in areas completely unrelated to their majors.