Sade
Is anyone 100% certain about their major choice?
Most people waste this money spent to go into something they realize later on in life that they really did not want to do and waste money
#weshouldknow #college-major #college
3 answers
Leahanne Thomas
Leahanne’s Answer
Sade, you ask an important question. I think it's very hard for a 17-18 year old to make a decision about what they want to do for the rest of their lives. The model itself is outdated at this point. The average person changes jobs/professions 12-15 times over the course of their working lives. Chances are all those roles are not going to fall within the major you studied in college. The question is what interests you, what do you excel at, what are your values? Once you determine those, you can be in the ballpark of a major. The point of college is to learn, expand your mind, and learn how to think and grow. So, take courses that interest you, get something out of them - in other words, work hard enough so you can take something away with you. Join clubs and other activities, do volunteer work and part time work to put some of what you've studied into practice and see where it goes.
I totally agree with Leahanne. I went to school and was a Russian/International Business major and now am a senior level commercial real estate executive in Chicago with nothing to do with Russia or even anything international. I fell into this career through an internship during college and great mentors. Granted, my business fundamentals from college definitely helped in my career but I certainly had no idea what the "right" major was for me.
John Hendrickson
Thanks John, that's great to hear!
Leahanne Thomas
Victor Volpone
Victor’s Answer
community college while you figure it out. Community college will allow you to get some of the universal credits
such as Math, History, English, Philosophy, etc. out of the way for much cheaper while allowing yourself more time
to explore more career paths. When you do have a clearer idea of what you may want to do, then pick a college that
has a high success rate with converting students into successful professionals in that industry. Most or all of those
credits you took at the community college will be able transfer to whichever college or university you choose. When
you graduate from there, you would receive the same degree as everyone else who started there as a freshman.
What is sorely missed in the education system, is how to determine what career path you should take. The current
school of thought is "You can be anything you want so shoot for the stars". While this is true, it isn't nearly as practical
as most people might prefer to learn. I would advise you to pursue a career in something you're good at. When people
consider careers they often look up average salaries, demand, and longevity. That is smart in some ways, but if you're
not good at it, you might not grow to the full potential of that career. Even worse you may not enjoy it. Pick something
you're good at, because if you're good at it you'll do well (earn more) and enjoy doing it!
Bill Brown
Bill’s Answer
I agree it is very difficult to choose a major, study hard and then realize it may not be the best subject for your future career growth. In my case, I wanted to be an architect since I was 12. An inherited passion from my grandmother. I took drafting classes in high school, accepted in my major and graduated with an Architectural degree. First job, and then realized it was not the 'right' profession for me. After five years in the field I pivoted to Real Estate development. The fact is, Architecture was a wonderful foundation for a creative career for which I truly have a passion.
College will provide a great social and educational foundation to build your future career. Enjoy the ride.
Best of luck in your future pursuit.
Bill
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