It’s that time of year again: finals week. It’s the week that changes ordinary college students into ravenous, sleep-deprived, hungry robots. You’re pouring over all your notes from the past semester, studying for a class you hate. This trend continues until you begin to realize what you’re studying for is not what you want to do… like, WHAT?!
Changing your major or focus late into your college career can be a frightening thing. After all, what you thought you wanted to do or how you pictured your career to be has completely changed. That security and certainty of your life is gone. Wrapping up a semester means another one wasted on courses you probably won’t need, right? Not exactly.
Honestly, summer is a perfect time to question what you are doing. First, you can take time to think. We all know that taking time for yourself is difficult during the school year. You don’t get the opportunity to shut off auto-pilot and reflect on yourself as often as you should. Summer is a great time for that. Take the time to figure out what exactly you want. Being outside or at the pool can be so refreshing and mind clearing.
Next, research, research, research. I know, you just got done with this at school, and you don’t want to think about it anymore. But, I’m talking about the fun type of research (yes, there is such a thing). Find books, articles, podcasts, anything that you prefer, concerning the field or job you want to go into. Look up specific positions or companies you really like and find out what they do. Majors can be broad, but narrowing down your interests can help you figure out exactly what you want to take next semester. You might see that you don’t need to change your major, but rather just pick better courses.
Lastly, take the initiative to find internships or shadow professionals. It may be too late to find an internship, but you never know unless you try. Reach out to employers in the field you’re considering changing into. On-the-job experience is the best way to figure out what you like or dislike. It will show you what isn’t talked about or shown in class. If they aren’t accepting interns, ask to shadow. Most companies will be more than happy to take in a student for a day or for a few hours. Talking to someone from an outside perspective can also help guide your decision and answer any questions you might have.
People change. Our interests changes. Our preferences change. It’s okay. Four years fly by, but it’s never too late to do what you want. Relax, and take the time to figure it out this summer. You might realize you just need to switch up your minor or just focus on another specialty within your current major. Whatever it may be, follow your heart, and your gut, because you never want to look back and regret not taking action while you had the chance.