Every collegiette knows college is a time of personal growth and change. The person you were on your first day of school freshman year is different from who you are now! With that being said, interests, majors, and dreams for your future have changed, too. Realizing that what you’re studying isn’t for you anymore is a stressful discovery that often leaves people uncertain about themselves. So, here is a guide to help you navigate the chaotic process of changing your major!
Think about how you want your future to be. The most important thing to remember when planning your life after college is to pick a career that makes you happy. If you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life! It’s super important to keep your interests and happiness in mind when you think about your future. Envisioning your future career and happiness will help clarify what field of study you should pursue!
Research, research, research! Look into what you want to study/career you want to pursue! Everyone fantasizes about their dream job and jaw-dropping penthouse that will be waiting for them after graduation, but you need to think about how you’ll get there. Look into the not-so-fun work that comes with the major or career path you’re considering like strict grade requirements, course offerings, long hours, and starting salaries so you get a holistic view of what you want to study. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons when you’re making an important switch!
Talk to a professional or a friend in that field of study. Talking to people with experience in the major you’re considering is the best thing you could do! Hearing other people’s stories with a challenging class or rewarding experience will offer you insight that you would not be able to get from a course catalog! But keep in mind that not everyone’s experiences will be the same—if one person has a bad experience or hated a course, it doesn’t mean you will; just take all advice with a grain of salt.
Meet with the department chair to get more information. If you’re positive that changing your major will make you happy and lead you to your dream job, it’s time to take the next step and meet with your department chair to ask last minute questions. Ask questions that are important to finalizing your decision like whether previous credits will be applicable to your new major, your schedule for graduating on time, and anything else that comes to mind! After all of this, you finally get to fill out your application to change your major!
Congratulations on changing your major, collegiette! This change is huge, and even a little scary, but you need to study what will make you feel fulfilled and happy beyond college! Don’t forget to stay positive, work hard, and make your change happen.