Changing Your Major Is A Major Change

I have officially changed my major three times. I know, that sounds like a lot. But each time, I was making a choice for me. I tried something, and I changed my mind. Each time, I struggled with the change. I felt the pressure to pick something and stay with it, because that’s what we are “supposed” to do. Pick a major, take the classes, graduate in four years. But how many people do you know who have actually done that? It takes some time to figure out what is and isn’t for you.

I have struggled with this for a long time, and to be honest, I still struggle with it. I started college as a Human Development and Family Science major. I wanted to be counselor; I wanted to help people. A week before my freshman orientation, I switched my major to Interior Design, and I felt great about it. I felt like I was doing something for me. Something creative, something that I loved and was passionate about.

Naturally, my parents were leery about this choice. Is that a real job? Do they make any money? Even my younger sister informed me that starting wages for an interior designer were one of the lowest out there. But I charged on, excited for what my future would hold.

Things went well for me my first year. I excelled in my classes and loved my professors. Things began to take a turn during my sophomore year. The excitement and passion I had once felt began to fade. I had no motivation to complete my schoolwork; I had no motivation to do anything. Did I really want to do this for the rest of my life? Was this going to be it? I felt pressure from my family to stay in the program and finish it out. I didn’t want to let them down by changing my major halfway through my college education. But I knew that interior design was not my career path.

The feeling of relief I felt when I decided not to apply for the Interior Design professional program was undeniable. A weight truly was lifted off my shoulders. My parents weren’t thrilled, but nothing could beat the feeling I felt. Even though I had no idea where I was going from there, it didn’t matter because I knew I had made the right choice.

I finally arrived at a degree in Strategic Communication. I knew I needed something broad that would give me a lot of options. And I found a good fit that will give me the opportunities and options I need. So when I do decide what I want to do for the rest of my life, I can do it.

During my first ever PRSSA meeting this fall, I had an epiphany. While listening to two professionals speak about their positions at a communication firm, I realized just how much I can do with a degree in communication. I finally realized that I can do whatever I want to do. If I don’t want to get a job that involves my degree in Strategic Communication, I don’t have to. I don’t have to get a “real job” when I graduate. If I don’t want a desk job, I don’t have to get one. At the end of the day, it’s about what makes you happy, satisfied and full of life. It’s not about what your parents want, what your professors told you to do or what your friends are doing. It’s about you.

I know how it feels to feel like failure, or that you’re disappointing people by changing your major. We’re programmed to think that if you change your major one or two or three times, or don’t graduate in four years that we’re doing something wrong.

But here’s my advice to you: You know yourself. You know when something feels wrong, even if you don’t know what the right thing is. You can stop trying to be something you’re not. Do what you love, and love what you do. Choose a profession you’re passionate about and can’t stop thinking about. If you aren’t obsessed with your life, change it. The first move can be scary, but you can be scared and ready.

I don’t know who I am, where I’m going or what I want to be when I grow up. But what I do know is that I want to be the most inspired, happy person I can be. And although I’ve made a few major changes, I’m still on my way!

#College #WhatToDoWithYourDegree