Have you heard the statistic that one-third of all undergraduate students change their major within 12 months of beginning their degree? Did you or someone you know think they wouldn’t be a part of that statistic and switch after only a few classes into the major? Well, that’s how my first year went for me. Some people change their majors within their field, while others, like myself, switch entirely from their original field of study. I began my undergraduate journey at the University of Central Florida as a computer science major, and now I’m a clinical psychology student. I’ve learned a lot about the stigmas toward switching majors, and here’s what I feel about them:
- The Opinions of Others
-
There’s an especially sour tone toward switching from a STEM-focused major to a non-STEM field. Even though psychology is part of STEM, many people treat it as though psychology doesn’t hold the same influence as other STEM fields. Before switching, I used to get praised that I was challenging the field of engineering by studying computer science, especially as a Latina woman. Once I changed my major, most of those same individuals gave me awkward half-smiles and slow head nods as they processed what that would mean for me. Some people couldn’t believe I would willingly switch out of a career that would nearly guarantee success and wealth. To many, my switch was viewed as a downgrade, and I felt ashamed for not meeting their expectations.
However, those were not the only opinions I’d received. My loved ones would smile as big as I did, excited that I was pursuing my passion. Even my mom would say “Ale, estás estudiando lo que te interesa y estás feliz.” I never would’ve noticed how much happier I felt if my friends and family didn’t tell me how different I seemed from their perspectives. They’ve supported my decision from the beginning, and to this day, they’re still cheering me on as I pursue the career that inspires me the most.
- The Point of College
-
Sometimes it’s easy to forget the reason the undergraduate degree exists is to discover who you are in the world and find your niche. Whether you come into your undergraduate journey fresh out of high school or are returning after years since you’ve been in the classroom, the undergraduate degree is an opportunity to build your education and find what you want to learn and be a part of. The major you choose does not need to define the rest of your life. It’s simply an opportunity to see where it can take you and let you pursue interests in a new light that may hopefully help you discover how you want to live your life.
- I Got to Explore My Interests
-
In my case, I grew up having a lot of interests and hobbies. Some hobbies would last a short while and others would fade and come back between the years. However, I’d always loved computers and coding. When people asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I thought I was destined to become an engineer. But as much as I loved programming, my other passions were to connect with people and create a strong community for myself and those around me. When it came time to choose a major, I felt pressured to choose a path that guaranteed success above all else and didn’t consider my own desires.
After spending a couple of semesters growing increasingly depressed and dissatisfied with college, I realized that trying to force my love for computers into a career left me with a lot of resentment toward something I once loved so much. Then, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit and shut down most of the world, I was left with nothing but time to contemplate my career choices. Once I made the switch, it has been a roller coaster of self-reflection and rediscovering my passions, but not once have I regretted the decision, and I’ve loved everything about the journey that got me to where I am.
If you’re considering changing your major or changing careers entirely, this is your sign to say: it’s okay. There’s plenty of planning and research that goes into deciding career changes and making informed choices, but if your heart is in the right place and you’re choosing what’s best for you, then it’s a good choice. Besides, it’s never too late to pick up more skills or teach yourself something new, but giving yourself the opportunity is better than never taking a chance at all.