4 Things To Bear In Mind When Changing Your Major

By Da Yeon Eom on May 30, 2016

Image via: www.dailyemerald.com

With expanding choices of majors and minors, college students suffer from the added pressure to make the right decision for their future. The stakes are high as they invest thousands of dollars as tuition for their diplomas. There seems to be no wiggle-room for mistakes or changing of minds.

But what if you realize that you’ve made a wrong decision and wish to pursue a different career path? Here are four things to bear in mind when changing your major.

1. Stop wasting time.

College experiences are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for many. And the statement is not true merely due to the extravagance of tuition. Rather, the connections that can be formed with professors, classmates, and people from different student associations are worth so much more than what money can put a price on.

Also, these four years are the prime time for learning and refining skills before employment, family obligations, and other real-world woes start. It would be a shame to waste time studying a subject that doesn’t inspire enough effort to stay up all night studying for.

2. Try not to worry about the stigmas on majors.

Study what you love and the field won’t be hiring.

Even though the statement is bleak and disheartening, it is a widely believed one. It is not difficult to overhear jokes about students majoring in philosophy, literature, or global studies ending up jobless and homeless upon graduation.

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Instead of stereotyping different majors, it would be more important to pursue the career path you have a genuine interest in. Don’t let others who fail to recognize the value of happiness from your studies define your academic career.

3. Be able to answer this question confidently: “Why did you pick your major?”

The question may be asked during job interviews, family gatherings, or even by strangers in passing. Depending on how confident you are about your choice of major, it could present an opportunity or a challenge.

Your answer must be convincing enough to win the nods of approval by the inquirer. It could be a well-rehearsed answer about financial stability or wide-range of job options. But, the model answer would be about how sure you are about your happiness in the chosen field. By responding to the question, you can affirm the reasons behind your choice of major and persuade the audience at the same time.

4. Think realistically.

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Before you confirm your decision to change majors, consider the outcomes. Reflect on the credit hours, tuition, graduation, and so many more adjustments that may be required.

US News recommends consulting your academic advisers, doing research of your own, and being well-prepared for the transferring process. Since the decision calls for a significant change in your career, it would be wise to consider the options with calm rationale. While interests are important, you want to invest your money in a degree that you can eagerly strive to turn into a success.

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