Is it time to switch to something different?
By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
Perhaps when you were a freshman you had a good idea of the field of study you should pursue. Something about it seems irresistible. But now, you don’t feel so sure. Ask yourself these questions to see if maybe you should consider something else.
• Do I talk about this subject to everyone I know—and even some I don’t?
If you are truly passionate about a particular topic, you will think about it all the time. But if you signed up for a major only because the subsequent careers pay well, you probably lack the passion to complete your degree and work in that field for long.
• Am I pursuing this major because of its prestige?
It’s fine to want to earn others’ respect, but not if that’s the only reason you’ve signed up for this program.
• Is my career field growing?
Employability can shift so that the career you think is a good one has become stagnant with fewer companies hiring for that job. Look up your future career at the Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov) to see career growth projections.
• Can this career support me?
While money isn’t everything, it certainly helps. Again, the Bureau of Labor Statistics site offers information as specific as median income per job title per region, such as the Central New York region. These figures can help you determine if the career you have chosen can support your future expenses, including any student loan debt.
• Can I picture myself working in this field for years to come?
If the thought of doing this work for a decade or more appalls you, get out now. Why invest in an education for work you can’t stand?
• Am I in this career only to follow in someone’s footsteps?
It’s well and good to please your parents or a special mentor, but not at the expense of earning a degree you don’t care about.
• Am I going to college just to say I’ve completed a degree?
If you do not have a clear idea of a career you could enter with this degree, talk with a career counselor and figure out what you can do with your future degree. If none of those jobs appeal to you, make the switch to something that will help you land a career you want.
If you decide that you want to change your major, it’s very likely that many of your earned credits will transfer to the new program. Most general education core classes apply to most majors. And those that don’t may count as elective courses. It’s ideal to change majors early, but it’s never too late to segue into something that fits you well. If you missed some required courses, you may be able to fill in those gaps with online courses or summer school.
