Gabrielle Garcia / Contributing Writer
opinion@fiusm.com
A college education is perhaps one of the most important and significant investments a person will make in their lifetime. With so many schools and programs to choose from, potential students have their work cut out for them. Many students enter their college experience with a declared major and so begin their curriculum immediately. For other students, however, selecting a major does not come as easily.
Various sources provide different approaches to handling the stress when it comes to choosing a college major. US News advises college students to wait until they actually begin their college experience to select a major so that they don’t rush into their studies. Further, US News also encourages students to seek guidance from their assigned advisors, who provide extra guidance and tools to make the decision process a less stressful one.
According to College Board, some, if not most, universities will not require a student to declare a major until the end of their sophomore year. The most common advice for students in limbo about their decision to choose a major is to use their first two years as a period of exploration. By doing so, students have the opportunity to explore various topics and subject areas that they might be interested in. Although approaching the situation in such a way may seem feasible, certain majors or career paths do not lend themselves to a freelance experience – and quite a few require you to declare a major upon enrollment.
College Board explains that majors such as engineering and nursing have curriculums that are designed to ensure students complete the prerequisites in a timely manner, allowing them to move forth with their major. Similarly, students who decide they want to pursue medical school after college must complete a specific pre-medical curriculum.
Many factors push students toward their decision. Familial pressures, a desire to comply with the status quo, potential salary or false perceptions of certain career paths can all have an effect upon one’s choice, but Columnist David Koppel of The New York Times explains that time and money are the most significant pressures a student faces when choosing a major. With college tuition expenses on the rise, coupled with an unstable economy, college advisors are tirelessly working to help their students choose the “right” major so they can participate and thrive in the “real world.” Because of this, it is apparent that students are leaning toward majors with perceived high incomes instead of choosing majors based on a genuine interest.
In addition to the financial, many students feel significant pressures coming from their loved ones and their social circles. It’s often the case that one’s parents will persuade or instruct their child to pursue studies that result in a financially rewarding career – regardless of whether the student has even a modicum of interest in that line of work. Many students also discuss their academic and career plans with their peers. As a result, some might feel pressured to comply with stereotypes and social norms prevalent in their social circles.
Given these many pressures, it’s no wonder that many students struggle to select the right major for them. Students feel that they are powerless and simply cannot think for themselves. What has happened to study and exploration? Yes, money is important because it provides members of a society with the means to live and to participate in its economy. Money, however, should not be the primary basis of choosing a major, let alone a career. After all, those in some of the most financially rewarding careers are also among the unhappiest. Though my intention is not to bash any profession, statistics do show that doctors, lawyers and dentists have the highest rates of depression and suicide.
If a student is mature enough to take the initiative to undertake a college education, then a student should also have the ability to step back and make his or her own decisions regarding their studies and subsequent career paths. Do it for your own passion and genuine interest and the rest will fall into place, or as the title of the famous book says, do what you love and the money will follow.
Photo by Sam Smith
Great advice
Thank you for this valuable advice.
Such a thorough and excellent article!!
Wow! So true. Amazing job with this article, Ms. Garcia. Great job.
Thoughtful and well written article!
Great article! Unfortunately career choice is a big decision to make at a young age. A lot of times parents trying to help only make the situation more difficult.
As the parent of an incoming Freshman, I found this article to be very useful. Students have enough stress as it is. I’ve been guilty of pushing a specific major. I’ll try to back off and let my daughter find her way. Thanks for the advice!
Very well
Said! Follow your
Dream and do not let any outside factors change your course.
Very well
Said! Follow your
Dream and do not let any outside factors change your course.
Very well
Said! Follow your
Dream and do not let any outside factors change your course.
This is a very well-researched opinion piece! I could not agree more. So many people change careers later in life because they are miserable in careers they chose as young adults. Education is also shifting from a developing the whole student into a critical thinker to simply preparing one to be a drone in an ever-specialized late capitalistic society.
Excellent article. Well thought and developed. Love how you give examples and explain them.
Congrats!
Great article
Great article
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Great article ! Very well writen.
I totally agree with this article especially the last sentence. There is a need for self-exploration and individuals will thrive in their careers if they use their talents wisely. After all, we spend most of our waking day at work so we have to love what we do or else we will be unhappy and could become depressed.
Insightful advice. My creed, get your PHD; passionate, hardworking, drive!
Incredible article so insightful !!!!!!
Incredible article so insightful !!!!!!
Unless you’ve known your career path at a very young age, there is so much personal growth the first couple years of college after high school. Indeed, an exploration period exists, even if a major is declared and then reassessed. Great food for thought!
Very insightful, well thought out analysis and beautifully written!
Excellent article on an issue that has been bewildering college students for as long as I can remember. Looking forward to your next post.
Great article…well written…
Great article and very well written. I couldn’t agree more with Ms. Garcia. Like the saying goes "Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life."
Very insightful. Very well written and touches upon so many important points about choosing a career.
Very insightful. Very well written and touches upon so many important points about choosing a career.
Gaby, so true! Do what you love and love what you do. Not always will money make happiness but happiness is important in what you do.
Great!
Ms. Garcia,
Your article is well written and insightful. It cannot be disputed that there is an expectation that college students must immediately embark on a particular area of study upon entering college, and sometimes even before they begin. I believe that college is a time for self exploration and, as you adeptly point out, it is difficult to explore under constant
We totally agree with Ms. Garcia about taking time to explore your career possibilities to find the profession that makes you happy and financially sufficient. This well-written article gives students great advice and thought-provoking information to consider when pursuing a major and career. Well done!