Is your major the key to your success?
Choosing your major is one of the biggest milestones of your college career -- or so you may think. Some of you have probably known what you wanted to do since you were 10 years old. Others are like me: you have no clue and don’t feel like you’re getting anywhere close to finding one. But I have good news for you: It doesn’t really matter.
#Careergoals
According to a Washington Post article that took only .62 seconds to find on Google, only 27 percent of grads have a job related to their major. Fortunately for you, this means you can study whatever you want and still be whatever you want! No, I’m not saying to declare a major and then watch Netflix in your room all day. Life is what you make it. Go out there. Explore. Become involved. Network. You’ve heard all this before I’m sure but it’s true. The combination of your talents, skills, interpersonal connections, experiences, and hobbies determine much more than the title on your college degree.
It’s not set in stone.
Declaring your major isn’t as difficult as you may think. Usually process consists of walking to your desired major’s department office and filling out a form. And un-declaring or changing your major is just as straightforward! Remember that not only are you not etching that decision into your diploma, but you are also not limiting yourself to one life path. There are so many opportunities and more paths along that road after declaring, whether you do or don’t end up switching later on. If you don’t think you’re ready to declare, it’s okay. To declare may sound like a strong verb but don’t be intimidated by it -- be empowered instead.
Don’t worry about what others may think.
It may be your parents, and the fear of them screaming at you over the phone about how you’re wasting their hard earned money. (Dad -- yes, thanks, but it will all work out, don’t worry). It may be your friends, who all seem to have their lives together. It may be your advisor telling you certain majors get jobs and some don’t. It may be society’s stereotypes such as, “If you’re Asian you must become a doctor.” (Gratefully I’m seeing that falsehoods like these are becoming obsolete). No matter what these outside voices may say, what you study is up to you. The beautiful thing about life is that you’re responsible for your own happiness by pursuing those passions and goals, and you shouldn’t let anyone else decide those for you.
When I declared my major, I’m not saying I was expecting to hear angel choir with organ accompaniment as I walked out the department doors. Okay, I guess I did expect something a little more than just a neon green checklist of class requirements and accompanied stress from having to plan out all the next semesters to come. That’s when I realized declaring a major is a pretty big deal, but it’s not that big. Don’t get me wrong! The last thing I want to do is to give the impression that your major is irrelevant. Nevertheless, declaring your major isn’t supposed to limit you. It does not define you -- your knowledge, character, or future success. So, as my wise friend Bobby McFerrin likes to sing, don’t worry, be happy.
