10 answers
Nayana
Student
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
1
Question
Asked
658 views
How do I begin to navigate a 4 year college plan as a sophomore?
Im a first gen student with no prior experience with GOOD counselors. Im in an externship, clubs, etc but how do i figure out the right major, next steps, etc. How do I go about figuring what I am passionate about, where to find classes that are beneficial to me while fulfilling major requirements, If i am even in the right major, etc. I don't want to get behind by switching too late, and my schedule is very hectic so meeting in person with counselors isn't always an option, plus i am already a sophomore already.
I really just want to know how a professional's college experience went and what they found beneficial in college.
Please help!
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10 answers
Brandon McNeice
Founder & Managing Director of Tack Educational Consulting | 10+ Years Building Teams | PhD Candidate
4
Answers
Hamilton Township, New Jersey
Updated
Brandon’s Answer
Hey Nayana!
You're clearly already taking ownership of your journey through college, which is great. First, let me just share how completely normal and common your current experience is. A massive percentage of undergraduates change their majors while working through their degree. I was also a first generation student, and understand that it can be extremely confusing when you don't have anyone in your immediate family with the ability to provide guidance.
Now, to your questions, I'm interested to know what your current major is (if you've declared one), and how you feel those courses have been going. What have you studied so far? Did any of it stand out to you or interest you in particular? I'd encourage you to set aside all distractions related to what you worry you "should" be doing. Just pay attention to yourself. What have you been drawn to? What courses in your school's catalogue pop off the page and make you go, hmm...
From a practical standpoint related to degree requirements. Your college will have an academic guidebook of some kind (this may be online and not a physical book at this point) which will layout exactly what a person needs to take to complete any major, minor, or degree in general. Print this out or make your own excel file that lays it out, and simply keep track as you go. There will be core courses that are required, and then there will likely be a bunch of requirements that say things like "take 2 of the following 6 courses".
It can be a fun exercise to spend an afternoon mapping the whole thing out. Create a hypothetical path for the entire remainder of your time there. In all likelihood, you won't end up sticking to that precisely, but it's a useful thing to do. Once you see it on the page, you can decide whether or not you like it, and then start making changes. That's what I would recommend. You don't need a counselor to tell you. You can go talk with them about it later. Just get the guidebook (or the digital version), make an excel sheet, and start plugging things in until you've met all the requirements. Imagine you were finishing up your senior year and those were all the courses you had taken. Would you be happy about it? Would you have regrets? Is there something you wish you'd taken but didn't? Is there something you wish you hadn't taken?
Now you get to make those changes before they happen.
Happy to chat more if you'd like!
Brandon
You're clearly already taking ownership of your journey through college, which is great. First, let me just share how completely normal and common your current experience is. A massive percentage of undergraduates change their majors while working through their degree. I was also a first generation student, and understand that it can be extremely confusing when you don't have anyone in your immediate family with the ability to provide guidance.
Now, to your questions, I'm interested to know what your current major is (if you've declared one), and how you feel those courses have been going. What have you studied so far? Did any of it stand out to you or interest you in particular? I'd encourage you to set aside all distractions related to what you worry you "should" be doing. Just pay attention to yourself. What have you been drawn to? What courses in your school's catalogue pop off the page and make you go, hmm...
From a practical standpoint related to degree requirements. Your college will have an academic guidebook of some kind (this may be online and not a physical book at this point) which will layout exactly what a person needs to take to complete any major, minor, or degree in general. Print this out or make your own excel file that lays it out, and simply keep track as you go. There will be core courses that are required, and then there will likely be a bunch of requirements that say things like "take 2 of the following 6 courses".
It can be a fun exercise to spend an afternoon mapping the whole thing out. Create a hypothetical path for the entire remainder of your time there. In all likelihood, you won't end up sticking to that precisely, but it's a useful thing to do. Once you see it on the page, you can decide whether or not you like it, and then start making changes. That's what I would recommend. You don't need a counselor to tell you. You can go talk with them about it later. Just get the guidebook (or the digital version), make an excel sheet, and start plugging things in until you've met all the requirements. Imagine you were finishing up your senior year and those were all the courses you had taken. Would you be happy about it? Would you have regrets? Is there something you wish you'd taken but didn't? Is there something you wish you hadn't taken?
Now you get to make those changes before they happen.
Happy to chat more if you'd like!
Brandon
Thank you for answering, to put it shortly since I keep running the character limit, I am a business management student. My favorite class was an HRM one and my advisors dont suggest I double BizMgmnt w/ anything else. The class mapping things is a very helpful Idea, I am grateful!! Am I able to get your linkedin to chat more? Thanks again!
Nayana
Admin note: a LinkedIn profile was removed as it goes against the safety section in our community guidelines
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Warren Lubow
More than 30 years in technology Industry with Over 20+ years at the Executive Level in Business Development & Sales, Also an expert in Automotive, Cloud, IoT, and more
56
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Warren’s Answer
I had no clue what I wanted to do so I took the general Business route as It was applicable to launch many directions.. I am sure you will hear it many times here - Find your Passion and figure out a way to at least blend it with your career path - Don't worry if you start in a career path and it turns out its not for you - Many of the most successful people in business did not find out what drives them until they got into the working world and came across it and then they switched up their career to a different path.
Alan Weber
writer and retired teacher, teacher educator and academic advisor
207
Answers
Woodstock, New York
Updated
Alan’s Answer
You're probably right about counselors. Some are gifts, and some not. I'd like to think I was one of the former. The best answers are always going to come from within. Think of the things that interest you, that you like doing, that fulfill the values you live by, etc. That doesn't guarantee that the jobs in that field will be what you want, and sometimes we do need to take u-turns, but it's a start. I also recommend professional surveys, like those on MyPlans.com, for narrowing down those interests, skills and values and translating them into possible professions. But, ultimately, you won't really have a sufficient idea of your best career path until you're on it. If you have to sacrifice some time to find it, it's not wasted, it's all a learning process. Don't put excessive pressure on yourself, and leave yourself time to relax, be healthy and explore other parts of yourself and the world. You have nothing to prove.
Aleah Harris
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant
26
Answers
California, Missouri
Updated
Aleah’s Answer
First of all, don’t stress about not knowing exactly what you want to do yet! It sounds like you are serious about college and your future career and that’s a great first step! I wasn’t able to start college until I was nearly 21 years old due to a bad family situation. However, when I was able to go, I still made straight A’s and got my associate’s degree. I am currently working on my bachelor’s degree with an end goal of obtaining my doctorate. There is a lot of pressure to know exactly what you want to do at a young age but sometimes that isn’t practical and oftentimes it changes. You can start by getting some general education classes out of the way, that are required for most/all majors such as English comp and college algebra. Your high-school guidance counselor or college navigator should be able to give you a list of general education classes. As far as actually figuring out what you’re interested in, I would recommend job shadowing professionals who are in the career that you are interested in. Or look up YouTube videos like “A day in the life of a… nurse, chef, teacher, etc” to get a feel for what the job actually entails. You can also read books by people in the career field that you are interested in. Your local library or school library should be able to help. Best of luck to you! Keep up the hard work! You are going to be successful and I’m so proud of your diligence!
Thank you so much!
Nayana
Lisa Combest
Business Analyst
2
Answers
Humble, Texas
Updated
Lisa’s Answer
Hello Nayana, I can relate to your situation as I too am the first in my family to attend college. It can be a daunting task, trying to map out your future. Here are some valuable insights I've gathered along the way.
1) Selecting a major doesn't necessarily confine you to a specific career path. For instance, I majored in Anthropology but currently manage a team of business analysts in an IT department. College provides you with a wealth of theoretical knowledge, but its true worth lies in teaching you to strive towards your goals, collaborate with others, and develop resilience. Judging by your question, I believe you already possess a good amount of resilience, which will serve you well when the going gets tough.
2) Reflect on what brings you joy. Do you thrive in social settings? Are you a problem-solver? Or do you prefer solitude, working on designs or plans? These considerations can guide you as you select a major. Remember, when you do what you love, it doesn't feel like work.
3) Stay informed about job market trends. Currently, data analytics and AI are in high demand. If you have an affinity for computers and math, these fields might be a good fit. If not, refer back to question 2 and research careers that align with your interests. Avoid choosing a career solely based on its job market demand, as it's challenging to succeed in a job you dislike.
4) Consider enrolling in a 2-year college to explore different courses, save some money, and identify your interests. This approach may delay your decision on a major, but it could provide you with the time you need to make an informed choice. Plus, 2-year colleges often offer career counseling services.
I hope this advice is helpful. Stay strong on your journey. Don't lose heart. The hard work and moments of uncertainty are all part of the process and are well worth it in the end.
Look at 2 year colleges and try out some classes
Research some jobs that include activities you enjoy
1) Selecting a major doesn't necessarily confine you to a specific career path. For instance, I majored in Anthropology but currently manage a team of business analysts in an IT department. College provides you with a wealth of theoretical knowledge, but its true worth lies in teaching you to strive towards your goals, collaborate with others, and develop resilience. Judging by your question, I believe you already possess a good amount of resilience, which will serve you well when the going gets tough.
2) Reflect on what brings you joy. Do you thrive in social settings? Are you a problem-solver? Or do you prefer solitude, working on designs or plans? These considerations can guide you as you select a major. Remember, when you do what you love, it doesn't feel like work.
3) Stay informed about job market trends. Currently, data analytics and AI are in high demand. If you have an affinity for computers and math, these fields might be a good fit. If not, refer back to question 2 and research careers that align with your interests. Avoid choosing a career solely based on its job market demand, as it's challenging to succeed in a job you dislike.
4) Consider enrolling in a 2-year college to explore different courses, save some money, and identify your interests. This approach may delay your decision on a major, but it could provide you with the time you need to make an informed choice. Plus, 2-year colleges often offer career counseling services.
I hope this advice is helpful. Stay strong on your journey. Don't lose heart. The hard work and moments of uncertainty are all part of the process and are well worth it in the end.
Lisa recommends the following next steps:
Thank you for sharing all the advice and encouragement!!! Igreatly appreciate it! Sometimes my biggest worry is if I never get to use my degree and if it was "useless" but tend to forget college is about growth and experience, too.
Nayana
Doctorate Student -
Psychology/Forensic Science
58
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Doctorate Student’s Answer
Try meeting with a career/school counselor via Zoom at your convenience. I found this link for free online college counseling & tutoring: https://upchieve.org/
Thank you so much for the positive comment comment and resource! I appreciate it so much!
Nayana
You're so welcome! My pleasure.
Doctorate Student -
Nyeesha Roundtree
4
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
Nyeesha’s Answer
Hi! Keep in mind that even if it takes you longer, it would be worth it. I wouldn't recommend getting a degree in something just to have one. Definitely take your time to see what it is you enjoy and research it. You could look at all the different majors that your college offers to see what is available and what catches your interest.
Yes, that is the other thing I definitely feel pressured because I am on a scholarship just for business school. But I do need to remind myself often to just feel things out. Thank you!
Nayana
Taj Kachaamy, PhD
Lecture
26
Answers
El Cajon, California
Updated
Taj’s Answer
Hi Nayana, it is good to worry sometimes. It is a sign that you are on the right track to choose the what is best for you. First to stop worrying, you need to live the moment and enjoy it. The sign that you are in the right place is to measure how much it makes you happy. If you like what you are studying stay on that path. If not, make sure to test what you like the most and follow that. Ultimately, if you do not what you like, start by eliminating what you do not like to narrow down the choices, and you can ask your parents and friends their opinions, what do you observe that I like the most. This can be helpful too.
Back in my senior year of highschool my friends and I did that last note a lot––asking each other what do we see each other doing. Thank you!!
Nayana
Jacob Taylor
Production Manager
521
Answers
Stafford, Virginia
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
As a first-gen student who navigated a 4-year college plan, I can understand the challenges you're facing. It's essential to take a proactive approach to ensure you make the most of your college experience.
Firstly, don't worry about having no prior experience with counselors. Many colleges offer online resources and virtual counseling sessions that can be just as effective as in-person meetings. Take advantage of these resources to seek guidance on selecting the right major, course planning, and career exploration.
To discover your passions, explore various clubs, organizations, and extracurricular activities. Engaging in different areas will help you understand what resonates with you the most. Additionally, don't hesitate to reach out to professors, alumni, or professionals in fields you find interesting. Their experiences and insights can be invaluable in shaping your college and career path.
When choosing classes, consider courses that align with your interests and potential major. Look for classes that fulfill general education requirements while also exploring subjects that excite you. Flexibility is crucial, and you can always adjust your major if needed. Remember, it's okay to change your path as you learn more about yourself and your interests.
Networking and connecting with peers and mentors can also be immensely beneficial during your college journey. Attend career fairs, networking events, and workshops to expand your connections and gain insights into potential career paths.
Lastly, time management is crucial, especially with a hectic schedule. Create a study plan, set priorities, and use organizational tools to stay on track. Seek help from professors, advisors, or academic support services if you ever feel overwhelmed.
Remember, college is a time of exploration and growth, so don't be afraid to take risks and explore new opportunities. Embrace the challenges, be open to learning, and trust that with dedication and perseverance, you'll find your path to success. Good luck on your college journey!
Firstly, don't worry about having no prior experience with counselors. Many colleges offer online resources and virtual counseling sessions that can be just as effective as in-person meetings. Take advantage of these resources to seek guidance on selecting the right major, course planning, and career exploration.
To discover your passions, explore various clubs, organizations, and extracurricular activities. Engaging in different areas will help you understand what resonates with you the most. Additionally, don't hesitate to reach out to professors, alumni, or professionals in fields you find interesting. Their experiences and insights can be invaluable in shaping your college and career path.
When choosing classes, consider courses that align with your interests and potential major. Look for classes that fulfill general education requirements while also exploring subjects that excite you. Flexibility is crucial, and you can always adjust your major if needed. Remember, it's okay to change your path as you learn more about yourself and your interests.
Networking and connecting with peers and mentors can also be immensely beneficial during your college journey. Attend career fairs, networking events, and workshops to expand your connections and gain insights into potential career paths.
Lastly, time management is crucial, especially with a hectic schedule. Create a study plan, set priorities, and use organizational tools to stay on track. Seek help from professors, advisors, or academic support services if you ever feel overwhelmed.
Remember, college is a time of exploration and growth, so don't be afraid to take risks and explore new opportunities. Embrace the challenges, be open to learning, and trust that with dedication and perseverance, you'll find your path to success. Good luck on your college journey!
Thank you so much for the advice!!
Nayana
Diya Dwarakanath
Science & Engineering Writer, ex-Sr R&D Engineer
11
Answers
Portland, Oregon
Updated
Diya’s Answer
Hi Nayana,
Great questions and you have time to decide. It’s hard to answer without knowing what your major is or what your interests are so I’ll give you a general idea.
The most important advice I can give you is to map out every semester from now until you graduate. Check your course catalog and your major’s required classes. Some classes are only offered in certain semesters or quarters. In college, I made 3 plans in an Excel. One if I chose to minor in humanities in addition to my engineering major, one if I chose to do some summer classes to finish up my work, and one if I took extra fun electives and extra technical electives but did not minor. Once I saw my classes laid out, it became easier to pick the path I wanted.
When making a course plan, ask (email) your advisor or upperclassmen or check online about how hard a class is (technically complex, amount of reports or work, grading, etc). Make sure you balance each semester with 1-2 hard classes and 1-2 medium or easy classes. Quarters are shorter and go by faster than semesters so it’s more important to not overload any quarter with too many tough classes.
Although future year course catalogs aren’t available, you can find past spring semester catalogs and see what classes were offered. This will help you guess how likely it is that a course you need to take in the spring will be offered. Some courses will say upfront “fall only” etc. This is also a specific, good question your advisors can answer.
Once you map out your required courses, see how much space you have left. Maybe you can squeeze in a double major and don’t have to decide between two areas of interest because you can do both. Or maybe you realize you can only fit in a minor.
Choosing which classes is based a lot on word of mouth, and reading the descriptions. See what older students in your clubs have to say or alumni. Upper division classes are usually smaller and more interesting. Ask friends in different majors what they’ve heard. Do your research online. If you can, audit a class or just ask the professor if you can sit in on their class for a few weeks to get to know what it’s about.
Mapping out the classes for the different majors you’re considering will give you a realistic idea of what is possible and help you decide a major.
I’d say a good rule of thumb is to decide your major by the end of sophomore year if graduating in 4 years is important to you. If you have flexibility to graduate in 4.5+ years, then you can decide by junior year. Though your college may give you time, depending on your major, it’s hard to fit it all in.
My major was biomedical engineering which was 128 required units to graduate. The more units your major requires, the more planning you have to do.
Questions to ask yourself when Choosing a major:
1. Am I interested in doing the job roles I am likely to get from this major?
For example, I love dancing. It’s one of my passions. But I don’t want to be a dance instructor or try to make a living performing professionally. Nor do I want to be self employed trying to make my own collaborations with other artists. So I didn’t choose that.
2. Am I interested in or enjoy the subject matter of this major?
Note: Enjoying it doesn’t mean you love every class. It just means you find many of the classes interesting and you want to learn more.
3. Will it provide me with a secure, well-paying job?
Note: Financial stability matters. There’s no harm and plenty of good in choosing a major based on how well it pays.
4. Can I fit it into my 4 year plan?
5. How good is the career center at my college or in my dept. ?
Example: I had a great career center so there were many on campus resources, presentations, speakers, career fairs that helped me figure out what I want and apply for jobs etc. if you have that, then worry less about your major. It’ll be fine. If you don’t, then maybe pick a major that has good job prospects or stick with what you love and find people in your network who you can ask for help.
Ultimately, your major is something you enjoy doing. It’s okay if you don’t have or find a passion for anything. I’ve learned this over time. Passion may come later with work experience.
I use my major at work but it’s still just half the equation. The other half to having a fulfilling work life is the people you do it with. And that is not dependent on your major.
Ultimately, what you decide is less important than what you do after deciding. So pick something and make the most of it while you’re at college. Use this year to gather as much data as you can to make an informed decision. Don’t be shy! College campuses have amazing resources - you’re a student and asking for help is encouraged! Good luck!
Ask your advisor if any required courses are only offered in certain terms.
Ask friends or club members for class and major advice
Get hands on experience volunteering or working on a project related to a major you’re interested in
Decide your major by end of sophomore year or start of junior year
Great questions and you have time to decide. It’s hard to answer without knowing what your major is or what your interests are so I’ll give you a general idea.
The most important advice I can give you is to map out every semester from now until you graduate. Check your course catalog and your major’s required classes. Some classes are only offered in certain semesters or quarters. In college, I made 3 plans in an Excel. One if I chose to minor in humanities in addition to my engineering major, one if I chose to do some summer classes to finish up my work, and one if I took extra fun electives and extra technical electives but did not minor. Once I saw my classes laid out, it became easier to pick the path I wanted.
When making a course plan, ask (email) your advisor or upperclassmen or check online about how hard a class is (technically complex, amount of reports or work, grading, etc). Make sure you balance each semester with 1-2 hard classes and 1-2 medium or easy classes. Quarters are shorter and go by faster than semesters so it’s more important to not overload any quarter with too many tough classes.
Although future year course catalogs aren’t available, you can find past spring semester catalogs and see what classes were offered. This will help you guess how likely it is that a course you need to take in the spring will be offered. Some courses will say upfront “fall only” etc. This is also a specific, good question your advisors can answer.
Once you map out your required courses, see how much space you have left. Maybe you can squeeze in a double major and don’t have to decide between two areas of interest because you can do both. Or maybe you realize you can only fit in a minor.
Choosing which classes is based a lot on word of mouth, and reading the descriptions. See what older students in your clubs have to say or alumni. Upper division classes are usually smaller and more interesting. Ask friends in different majors what they’ve heard. Do your research online. If you can, audit a class or just ask the professor if you can sit in on their class for a few weeks to get to know what it’s about.
Mapping out the classes for the different majors you’re considering will give you a realistic idea of what is possible and help you decide a major.
I’d say a good rule of thumb is to decide your major by the end of sophomore year if graduating in 4 years is important to you. If you have flexibility to graduate in 4.5+ years, then you can decide by junior year. Though your college may give you time, depending on your major, it’s hard to fit it all in.
My major was biomedical engineering which was 128 required units to graduate. The more units your major requires, the more planning you have to do.
Questions to ask yourself when Choosing a major:
1. Am I interested in doing the job roles I am likely to get from this major?
For example, I love dancing. It’s one of my passions. But I don’t want to be a dance instructor or try to make a living performing professionally. Nor do I want to be self employed trying to make my own collaborations with other artists. So I didn’t choose that.
2. Am I interested in or enjoy the subject matter of this major?
Note: Enjoying it doesn’t mean you love every class. It just means you find many of the classes interesting and you want to learn more.
3. Will it provide me with a secure, well-paying job?
Note: Financial stability matters. There’s no harm and plenty of good in choosing a major based on how well it pays.
4. Can I fit it into my 4 year plan?
5. How good is the career center at my college or in my dept. ?
Example: I had a great career center so there were many on campus resources, presentations, speakers, career fairs that helped me figure out what I want and apply for jobs etc. if you have that, then worry less about your major. It’ll be fine. If you don’t, then maybe pick a major that has good job prospects or stick with what you love and find people in your network who you can ask for help.
Ultimately, your major is something you enjoy doing. It’s okay if you don’t have or find a passion for anything. I’ve learned this over time. Passion may come later with work experience.
I use my major at work but it’s still just half the equation. The other half to having a fulfilling work life is the people you do it with. And that is not dependent on your major.
Ultimately, what you decide is less important than what you do after deciding. So pick something and make the most of it while you’re at college. Use this year to gather as much data as you can to make an informed decision. Don’t be shy! College campuses have amazing resources - you’re a student and asking for help is encouraged! Good luck!
Diya recommends the following next steps: