3 answers
Maggie
Student
Oneida, Illinois
2
Questions
Updated
883 views
What happens if I regret my college major?
I am interested in both #political-science and #music-education, but they are two very different majors and career paths. I am afraid that if I commit to one, I will regret my choice later in life. #college-major
3 answers
Seth Daniel Bernstein
Coach, Counselor, Personal Branding Expert, Marketer, Educator
36
Answers
Upland, California
Updated
Seth Daniel’s Answer
It is very common for students and recent graduates to have second thoughts about the major they select. The good news is that in today's economy, an undergraduate major does not wholly dictate your career choices.
In my case, I majored in Political Science because I was most interested in learning more about politics, global affairs and foreign policy. As an undergraduate, I did not know if I would pursue a career in any of these fields. Majoring in Political Science provided the opportunity to refine my critical thinking, analytical, research and writing skills. So when I graduated, I used the accomplishments on my resume to emphasize these skills and landed a job writing customer correspondence for a financial company. After many years in that industry, I went back to school for a Master's degree in Counseling which became my career later in life.
Music Education will certainly enable you to develop a number of skills transferable to various fields. A few quick examples are teaching/training, presentation skills and critical evaluation of musical composition.
The bottom line is that your undergraduate major is often a stepping stone to developing skills that transfer to a variety of jobs, and does not have to dictate your career choice. If you get to the end of your bachelor's program and realize that you do not want a career that correlates directly to your undergraduate major, it would be a good idea to work with your college career center on a resume that incorporates the skills you have learned that are transferable to different fields of employment, and learn to answer interview questions in a way that highlights those skills.
Over time, you may decide to pursue a Master's degree (or higher) in a different field. Or, you may find long term happiness in the field you choose based on the skills you acquired during your undergraduate years. Either way, you can most certainly have a rewarding career even if your college major doesn't exactly match the kind of jobs you decide to take.
Congratulations on taking your college major so seriously and planning ahead!
In my case, I majored in Political Science because I was most interested in learning more about politics, global affairs and foreign policy. As an undergraduate, I did not know if I would pursue a career in any of these fields. Majoring in Political Science provided the opportunity to refine my critical thinking, analytical, research and writing skills. So when I graduated, I used the accomplishments on my resume to emphasize these skills and landed a job writing customer correspondence for a financial company. After many years in that industry, I went back to school for a Master's degree in Counseling which became my career later in life.
Music Education will certainly enable you to develop a number of skills transferable to various fields. A few quick examples are teaching/training, presentation skills and critical evaluation of musical composition.
The bottom line is that your undergraduate major is often a stepping stone to developing skills that transfer to a variety of jobs, and does not have to dictate your career choice. If you get to the end of your bachelor's program and realize that you do not want a career that correlates directly to your undergraduate major, it would be a good idea to work with your college career center on a resume that incorporates the skills you have learned that are transferable to different fields of employment, and learn to answer interview questions in a way that highlights those skills.
Over time, you may decide to pursue a Master's degree (or higher) in a different field. Or, you may find long term happiness in the field you choose based on the skills you acquired during your undergraduate years. Either way, you can most certainly have a rewarding career even if your college major doesn't exactly match the kind of jobs you decide to take.
Congratulations on taking your college major so seriously and planning ahead!
Kaman He
Sales
8
Answers
Macau
Updated
Kaman’s Answer
1. Go back to school
If you’ve discovered your career field doesn’t align with your degree, it’s not out of the question to go back to school. You’re older (and hopefully wiser) and know exactly which degree will get you where you want to go.
2. Take online classes
You don’t have to seek an entirely new degree, though. If there are skills you didn’t learn in college, why not try to learn them online?
Platforms such as Udemy offer courses in everything from marketing to writing to Photoshop. You’ll be able to learn at your own pace, in your PJs, and for much less money than a college class.
Before going back to school, Hammett took Udemy courses in coding — both to get practice and to ensure he liked his new career path.
3. Pursue your passions on the side
Wish you’d studied art instead of business? Or business instead of art?
Well, your job isn’t the only place you can express your passions. You could start a side hustle that explores another side of you.
Just look at Becky Pospisal, who raked in $70,000 with her string art business last year. She wanted something that would let her work with people and be creative — and now it’s turned into her full-time job.
Even if it’s not a passion that’ll earn you money, you can enjoy it as your hobby. (Sometimes it’s better that way.)
4. Refinance your student loans
Many people regret their college decisions because of the high student loan bills that flood in after graduation. If you’re in this boat, you might want to consider refinancing your student loans.
If you’ve discovered your career field doesn’t align with your degree, it’s not out of the question to go back to school. You’re older (and hopefully wiser) and know exactly which degree will get you where you want to go.
2. Take online classes
You don’t have to seek an entirely new degree, though. If there are skills you didn’t learn in college, why not try to learn them online?
Platforms such as Udemy offer courses in everything from marketing to writing to Photoshop. You’ll be able to learn at your own pace, in your PJs, and for much less money than a college class.
Before going back to school, Hammett took Udemy courses in coding — both to get practice and to ensure he liked his new career path.
3. Pursue your passions on the side
Wish you’d studied art instead of business? Or business instead of art?
Well, your job isn’t the only place you can express your passions. You could start a side hustle that explores another side of you.
Just look at Becky Pospisal, who raked in $70,000 with her string art business last year. She wanted something that would let her work with people and be creative — and now it’s turned into her full-time job.
Even if it’s not a passion that’ll earn you money, you can enjoy it as your hobby. (Sometimes it’s better that way.)
4. Refinance your student loans
Many people regret their college decisions because of the high student loan bills that flood in after graduation. If you’re in this boat, you might want to consider refinancing your student loans.
Juliet M
Sales
2
Answers
Macau
Updated
Juliet’s Answer
I'm afraid this two major will have a conflict on mindset if you wanna take them at the same time. Because political science need you to be political thinking. On the other hand, music education much required on your passion and love.
Think about which one you prefer to do in the future, and which one is an interest. So that you can decide what is your major, and the other one you can do it later.
Wish you have a bright future!
Think about which one you prefer to do in the future, and which one is an interest. So that you can decide what is your major, and the other one you can do it later.
Wish you have a bright future!
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