Young adults everywhere are packing up their things to start heading off to college. Many might have their whole career mapped out in front of them, while others don’t know what they are going to study or do. Don’t fret! Everyone has been there one point or another. I was one of the hopefuls who was sure about going into Physical Therapy and I was a Biology major. As September grew closer, I grew unsure and then I realized I didn’t love it.
In August of 2011, before my freshman year of college, I switched my major from Biology to English, as I love writing. 2 semesters in, I got a really bad English teacher who gave all my papers Ds, despite me knowing that I was great at it. I switched my major once again to Fashion. 3 years later, I am still sticking with it! Here are the things you need to think about:
1. Do you love it?
If the core classes and descriptions do not stir excitement in you, then chances are, you aren’t really in love with the major as a whole. When I glanced upon all those classes of Chemistry and Mathematics, I nearly died inside. Now, when I look at the class descriptions of Fashion Marketing or Historical Costume, I get excited. It shows that I really love what I am studying and in turn, all that positivity and happiness will show in my work and in interviews.
2. Do you see yourself in the field?
If you are hoping to be a nurse or go into the medical field and you cringe and faint every time you see blood, chances are, you aren’t going to be a very good nurse. I realized that I couldn’t see myself in the medical field. While I loved helping people, I am very sensitive, the 3 months I volunteered at a nursing home, nearly ended me. I would go home sobbing and crying at all the old people who I was afraid I wouldn’t see the next day. You need to sit down and really think if you could see yourself doing the work and living it everyday. Be realistic with yourself.
3. Are you good at it?
Math is the core of accounting. If you are bad at math, why struggle through your career? You CAN get better, but if you aren’t good at something, it also means because you don’t enjoy it. People like to succeed in jobs that they are good at. You are at your happiest. If you are good at art there are a variety of careers to go into. If you are good at languages, there are a variety of jobs that range from translator to working internationally. The world is at your fingertips.
4. Take classes
If I didn’t venture out and take a course in fashion, I would’ve never realized my love for it. You don’t have to have a major the moment you step foot on campus. Take 1-2 extra courses you feel that interest you. (You are allowed electives at many colleges). I took a Mythology class and fell in love, but I couldn’t myself doing history or anything of the sort. Classes are a great way to find a new interest or love.
5. Research
If you aren’t sure what the major or career entails it always pays off to do your research before you jump the gun. Make sure you are in it for the long run. You can always switch your majors in the first 2 years of college but any later than that can delay graduation. If you know anyone in that major, ask. I had asked my friend from high school, who also studied at the same university, all about the fashion major. I had never been big into fashion but the thought of going into something I knew nothing about, excited me.
6. Money
Sadly, the reality is, no major is made the same. Some gain much more money than others. If money is a big deal for you then try to find a major that gives you that. I am a much artistic person, I can’t see myself wearing a suit and heading off to work. I went into this major knowing that while it might not pay the most or has the most competition, that I am going to make the best of it.
7. You can have more than one!
If you have more than one interest you can always double major (but it is difficult workload), or you can choose a minor. You only take a few more courses and you gain the experience and knowledge
8. Follow your heart
If you have your heart set on something, don’t let anyone change your mind. Your happiness comes before everyone else. You may have your parents’ best interest in mind, but you are the one who is going to have to work and live the life.
I thought of all of these things before I settled on my major, minor, and certification. I hope this helped you incoming freshman–or others settle on theirs!
“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”- Confucious
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