Have you ever found that college courses and majors were different from what you had originally expected? If you are thinking of exploring new possibilities, or if you aren’t sure if you have picked the right path changing your major is also an option. There are many people who change their trajectory during their college career. Whatever you decide, consider the below points while making your decision
1. Take the time to know yourself
Ask yourself why you are looking for a change and make sure the decision is coming from a clear mind. Assess your strengths and weaknesses and come up with the major or career path you think you want to switch into. Take into consideration how this change will let you develop your abilities. In addition, be mindful of the differences between your new major and previous major, and the time it will take in order to complete this new major.
If you find yourself going back and forth a lot, try to view yourself and your career path from a different perspective. Seek the help of close friends or mentors to understand more about what fits your interests and how you can use new skills to eventually pursue a successful career.
2. Experience the major you want to switch into (Explore, Try, Network)
To make sure that you actually like the potential new major you are thinking about, you should do as much research as you can about it. This may include taking one of the core classes, talking to professors and students, and reaching out to alumni to see what career they went into after graduating from that major. In addition, try to map out the rest of your academic career in the tentative major to see what sort of classes you would be able to take down the road.
A resource that may be useful is the Alumni Sponsored Internships and Advising Program through Human Ecology: careerexperience.human.cornell.edu
3. Skills are transferable
Note that what you have learned in your previous major is not a waste of time. It could potentially make you a better, well-rounded candidate with a multitude of knowledge. For instance, switching from a science major to a humanities track would still make you a marketable applicant as you have excelled in two different fields. Companies like to see variety and different skills in their future employees.
4. See an advisor
Reach out to your career advisor or faculty advisor about your decisions and why you want to make this change. They are the best people to talk to about whether the decision is right and how you can go forward with the switch. You may even want to go through the exercises in the Career Exploration Guide (found in the Career Exploration Center) that helps you work through issues such as a change of major. Career counselors are also there for you to talk about your responses.
You can make an appointment with a career advisor by going into the admissions office (172 MVR) or calling in at (607)255-2532
5. Your undergraduate degree is not the final say
Know that your undergraduate degree will not define what your career ends up being. A lot of people pursue a course that ends up being seemingly unrelated to what their career is. Take the classes that interest you and use them to shape what aspects of your education you like best. Use this information to find the job that fits you.
References:
http://college.usatoday.com/2011/08/28/major-dilemma-the-truth-about-switching-majors/
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