As the semester draws to a close, time approaches to pick your classes for next semester. While it’s great to be excited for what lies ahead, now is the time to reflect on your current classes. What have you learned? What did you like? What didn’t you like?
Answer these questions now – you know your parents are going to ask them once you go home for break anyway. This isn’t just for conversations at the dinner table, however, this is to make sure you’re finding your place in college. Do you have the right major?
For some people, the decision will be obvious and easy – yes, I love what I’m doing so far, or no, please get me out of here.
For others, it’s a bit of a difficult decision that comes with a lot of questions and soul searching. I’m not really liking what I’m doing, but what else can I do? Is it still possible to change my major? Is it really the right decision for my future? Am I just giving up?
First of all, if you’re panicking: breathe. College is a time when it is easier than ever to change your life plans, and it’s a common process. You’ll be happy you made a change now instead of years down the road. While there are a lot of questions you need to ask yourself (and other people), there’s one that stands out and needs to be answered first. Are you happy? If you’re not genuinely enjoying your major, it may be time for a change.
There are three steps involved here: research, communication, and contemplation.
The first thing you want to do if you’re unhappy or doubting yourself is to do some research. First, look at the major you’re in and see what other courses you’ll have to take in the future. If you’re going through a rough patch right now, there’s the chance that it might get a bit better down the road. You don’t necessarily want to make your decision based off of one class (unless it embodies the job you thought you wanted). If you’re still thinking you want to change your major, do a little more homework. Remember one of the first three questions: what did you like? It might be tough trying to find the right major, but you want to first realize what your strengths are and what you like to do. From there, you need to look at a list of majors your school has to offer. Which ones stand out to you? Which ones sound interesting? Try to find a few majors that you think you will enjoy. To get into specifics here for UF, you can go “degree shopping” on ISIS to see how your credits will work towards other majors.
Next, it’s time to communicate with officials on campus. Talk to professors of the classes you’re taking. If your difficulty or hesitation lies in one class, it’s the best place to start. Then, talk to some advisers in the college/department you currently belong to. These professionals know the curriculum and have dealt with hundreds of students asking questions. They’ll understand what you’re going through and they can give you advice. UF students can also visit the Career Resource Center in the J. Wayne Reitz Union, where there are teams of students ready to answer any questions on majors. Finally, talk to some representatives from the college or department of the majors that stood out to you in the research step. Ask them a few basic questions, such as: What does this major entail? With the classes I’ve taken and the time I have left, is it possible to switch into this major? What future career can I get with this major? They’ll be able to answer all of your questions and give you a lot of information that can help your future decision.
Last, it’s time to contemplate. Yes, I understand you’ve been doing this the entire time, but that’s not my point. Now that you have gotten all the information you need and spoken to a lot of professionals, your thoughts will be more logical and confident. This is decision-making time, and you’re more prepared than ever. If you’ve made the choice to change your major, head down to your new advising office and make it official.
So, speaking as someone who panicked, worried, doubted and is currently in the process of a major change, I wish you luck with whatever you decide. Just remember one thing (this is actually noted on UF’s Undergrad Catalog) - There is often very little relationship between undergraduate degrees and specific types of employment. A specific major does not guarantee employment in a specific field, nor does a specific major limit employment to a specific field.
