While it is not wise to switch majors frivolously, waiting too long to switch majors can also create all sorts of problems, the biggest of them being wasted time and resources. This means that while you should make sure a switch is needed before committing to it, it is smart to be proactive about figuring out the truth, rather than waiting to see if time will bring you an answer. With that in mind, here are some of the issues that students should keep in mind when considering switching majors.
Switching for personal reasons
First and foremost, it’s important to note that it is almost impossible to be certain that you have picked the perfect major for you. It’s even debatable whether the perfect major exists; there’s a finite number of academic paths out there, and a near-infinite number of individual variations. So it follows that some people can be happy and thrive in various career paths, while others may find that none of the available majors and career paths is a great match for them.
Thanks to these and other factors, it is entirely normal to worry over whether or not you are on the right path as a student. This is not to say that your emotions and personal preferences are never a reason to consider switching. If you feel strongly repelled by your current major and career path, the decision to change majors will come down to how unhappy you think you’ll be if you follow your current path, and how much happier you think you’ll be if you switch to a different major.
And while all of this may sound incredibly subjective, it is possible to verify your concerns in this department. Reading about your career paths, talking to people who work in the area, and taking on relevant internships can all help give you a glimpse of what the day-to-day of a given career is like. A glimpse that will either confirm or refute your worries when it comes to whether or not this is a good path for you.
If you’re passionate about another career path, it’s also a good idea to learn more about said so you can be sure you’re attracted to something real. The daily life of an engineer or a medical assistant can be very different from what is often portrayed in the media, and you need to make sure you’re looking at alternative career paths through rose-colored glasses.
Switching for professional reasons
Students often find themselves driven to switch majors because they don’t anticipate finding enough opportunities in their current area after graduating. The trick here is that while it is true that some majors are always in higher demand than others, switching majors is far from the only solution available.
If you’re in a field you enjoy but are worried you’ll find a rough job market by the time you graduate, you can dedicate time towards securing a job during your college years. You can improve your chances of finding employment by networking, engaging with extra-curricular activities, starting a small business, or getting additional training in areas related to your field to expand your resume, either during or after college.
Another growing alternative is to switch from college to trade school, which depending on the area you choose, may lead to a better chance of employment after a shorter training period.
If you do decide that the job prospects of your current path are bad enough that switching is the only option, make sure you properly research your local job market. You don’t want to go through the trouble of switching only to find that the demand for your profession has dried up by the time you graduate.