We all know that deciding your major in college is a big step, and to many people, it seems like a permanent one. Even as a freshman, the intimidation that comes with officially deciding your major comes with a lot of stress and doubt. Sticking to one subject and carrying it throughout college always seems like a daunting task.
But, the thing is, choosing your major does not mean you are stuck.
I know, the myths about choosing your major are that you must get a job in that field, that you cannot take any other classes, that changing your major is simply a bad idea. But the reality is, that's just not true. Choosing your major does not define you.
So many friends of mine who graduated from college with Communications degrees, Masters in Sociology or International Studies, end up with jobs that are in no way related to their major. And yes, I know, taking it from me might seem a little crazy.
How would jobs not care about the major that you chose in college? Truly, depending on the job, many people do not pay as much attention to your major as do other jobs. I know Sociology majors in Investment Banking or fashion consulting, International Study majors in managing positions at litigation companies.
The point is, your major does not define your future job. And it doesn't define you.
A major is simply a guide to your college career, not a permanent trail you cannot come off of. And, the first two years are the times to explore, to take new classes that may or may not be related to your major, to take electives that interest you.
Many people don't realize how precious your first two years of college are, and I certainly did not know the reality of exploration that comes with your freshman and sophomore year. Unless you are in pre-set programs such as Nursing or Business, the world is your oyster, and it would be a shame not to discover your passions in what is the greatest time of your life.
And, in the end, when it comes down to a decision on what your path is going to be, don't let it stress you out. Choose what you enjoy, what you think you would be good at, what you think you would want to do in the future. Don't let external forces influence your decision. And, if it doesn't work out, you can simply change it.
It may not seem that simple, but you are in control of your future, not a stupid major.