What should you do if you are questioning your choice of major?

Hi Lauren,

That is a great question! When choosing a major, it's really tough to determine your career path for when you're much older. I also had the same struggle, and think I can help you make some decisions.

First of all, you need to know who you are, inside and out. Think about all sorts of details about yourself and write them down. For instance, do you like talking to people, or problem-solving behind a computer, do you want to work in an office building or outside, what are your strengths/weakness. What's your favorite subject, how do you have fun, etc. Even though those types of questions do not all seem career-focused, remember that the career should be something that you love.

I recommend to take this free personality test from www.16-personalities.com - as it gives a really wonderfully detailed summary on who you are and even suggests some professional insights.

After that, see if there are any careers that come to mind. Maybe do a little research online, but also work with your school to see if you can connect with any professionals for a career discussion. Talking to people is the best way to understand what direction you want to take for a career. There you can ask about the day-to-day, what you'll wear, types of people you work with, locations these jobs are available (city vs. rural), etc.

I hope this gets you on the track to finding the major that excites you! Good luck.

Rachael

It depends where you are in your undergrad career. If you're a Freshman or Sophomore I'd recommend exploring different majors. You could speak with your academic adviser, focus on taking courses that will count towards your general education requirements, and speak with professors or students in your current major as well as other majors you are considering.

I started college as a biology major, because in high school I loved all the science classes. I very quickly discovered that I did not enjoy the biology or chemistry classes in college, I was having a very hard time with the coursework, and when my grades suffered I had a required meeting with my academic adviser. My adviser pointed out that if I hated the classes I shouldn't force myself through 4 years and get low grades, so she made me take a semester of only generals. We selected classes that fulfilled the general education graduation requirements, but also picked classes based on what course descriptions sounded interesting to me. That's when I discovered I loved history and theology classes and I ended up changing my major to something I enjoyed studying - my grades drastically improved as well. It's important to note, I picked my major based on my interests, not based on a specific job I was planning for the in the future. I currently work in marketing for a technology company, but a lot of the critical thinking and writing/communication skills I learned studying history apply to my job.

If you are farther along in your studies and are close to completing your major I would speak with your academic adviser before making any changes. There is always the option of completing your current major if you are nearly done and then returning for a second major or even adding a minor. it's important to remember that your college major does not limit or define your future career. There are many time employers are just looking for a degree, not something specific, especially if you can explain why the skills you gained studying will apply to their job.