One of the biggest decisions a student makes upon entering college is what to major in. In Career Services, we see all of the following situations with each entering class:
- The student enters college with a clear idea of what he or she wants to do for a career and what he or she wants to major in.
- The student enters with no clear idea of either a major or a career.
- The student has an idea about one (major or career) but not the other.
We can help students sort this all out.
But no matter which category a student falls into upon entry, there
is a good chance that, over the course of four years, he or she will
find a new interest or a new direction. Many college students change
majors at least once during their college years. To us, this means
that their education is working; they are opening new doors, exploring
new tracks, and learning about themselves and the world. Often, however,
these changes of direction can cause anxiety for parents.
What we tell students is this: if you speak with several adults over the age of 40, you will find that many have had multiple jobs and careers. Many will be doing something that has no relation to what they majored in during college. With certain exceptions, the choice of undergraduate major can have little to do with what a person ends up doing for a career. Many employers have told us that they look for Liberal Arts majors who have demonstrated excellence in their academics, evidence of a passion for their subject along with an inquisitive mind and the ability to learn.
Trying to hit a "hot" career field by targeting a particular major
doesn't always work. Second-guessing the job market four years and
more out is difficult. Career fields can drop from a high-demand status
to a low-demand status almost overnight, and vice versa. If a student
has spent his or her college years studying something for which he
or she has no real interest, only to find that the jobs aren't out
there, the result is disappointment, and a missed opportunity to pursue
a different academic passion.
We encourage any student with a question about the relevance of a
particular major, the type of major which will best suit them for
a particular career field, or how they can begin to identify their
own interests to make an appointment with a career counselor. We are
here to assist your daughter or son from freshman year onwards.
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