Some people know what they want to be when they enter school for the first time at the young age of five or six. However, others may not know what they want to do until they arrive at college, or even until after they graduate. I am here to tell you that while it may be inconvenient to make that change, do it anyway.
As a current Sophomore in college, I know firsthand what it’s like to change your major. Back in the fall of 2020, I entered university as an occupational therapy (OT) major. Just two weeks in, I realized that OT was not for me. I stuck out the semester and then after speaking with a career counselor at my school, I made a change to an early childhood education major. While I did enjoy the courses I was enrolled in, I still did not feel confident that I had found my place. Before my sophomore year began, I made another change, this time to Business Administration.
It took me two major changes to find my desired career path, but looking back, I am happy it took me a while to find what I truly wanted to study. I gained some knowledge about occupational therapy and education that other business majors typically do not have. In addition, it makes me feel better knowing that I have explored other paths, but ultimately stuck with the one I am with now.
If you are reading this and having doubt about your major, this is your sign to reconsider. Seek assistance from a career coach (most schools offer these services for free) to determine if you are in the right place. Even research or other school resources may be of help. Regardless, if you are unsure, it never hurts to continue exploring.
I think there are many assumptions and stigmas about changing one’s major that scare people away from doing so. I used to think that changing my major once in school was the worst possible scenario or that it was bad to enter undecided. Would it make me seem indecisive? Maybe people would view me as unmotivated if I went from a harder major to one not as vigorous? Or perhaps it would be hard to catch up if I switched too late?
All these thoughts have crossed my mind at one time or another. Truth is, none of these small worries matter, but finding where you really belong does. Change your studies as much as you want. In the end, you’ll be unhappy if you end up with a degree you don’t really want. I’ve heard multiple stories of people who graduated college decades ago and have regrets about the career path they chose because they realized in their upperclassmen years that they didn’t love their major but felt like it was too late and not worth changing. It’s best to sort that out now, but of course, don’t rush it either.
If I could go back to my college search and choosing my major, I would advise to not limit your college search to schools with your major if you aren’t positive that that’s what you want to study. For me, I chose my school mostly for the great reputation of the occupational therapy program, only to switch majors after a few months. Fortunately, I loved my school and didn’t transfer, but others who only come to a school solely for their major may not be so lucky. In addition, if you are feeling indecisive about your studies, do not feel pressure to choose a path you may not be passionate about. Instead, enter undecided and explore multiple courses and classes to determine where your interests are. In addition, if this is your case, maybe look at schools that offer a wide variety of majors and minors so that when the time comes, you have lots of options.
I mentioned that I have been between three majors, and I can thank my school, The University of Scranton for making my transitions between classes and majors so flawless. I have felt seen and prioritized by my advisors and career counselors who assisted me in getting to where I am at this point in my college experience. The University of Scranton has about sixty-nine majors, as well as lots of minors and concentrations. This certainly helped me to know that I had plenty of options when I was feeling anxious about switching. In addition, since Scranton is a small, private institution, relations with students and staff is great and finding help is extremely easy to do. These qualities are important in a school if you are unsure of what you want to study.
Overall, do not feel pressured to choose your major immediately, even if it seems like everyone around you has their minds made up. Take your time and do what you must do. Whether it is a simple or complicated path, all that matters is you end up with a career that makes you happy.