How Do You Know if it’s Time?
Statistics show that nearly half of all college students change their major at least one time prior to graduation, while many do so up to three and four times. Each time you decide to change your major there is a lot of red tape to go through at the college or university. It is important to give the decision a lot of time and careful consideration before embarking on a new academic venture.
Below are a few things to consider and how to know it’s time to change majors.
The Enjoyment Factor
If your passion for the field has died, it may be time for a change. No matter how hard you push yourself, does another year of classes make your stomach turn? If so, the lack of enjoyment may not be a good recipe for success. You must learn how to know it’s time to change majors by evaluating your passion meter. If you no longer like your classes, it may be time to take the plunge and travel down another path.
What About Timing?
Most colleges and universities require that students declare a major by the end of the second year of school. If you decided on your major a little prematurely, than you might be a candidate for change. If you are well into your third or fourth year of studies, you may be less fortunate and forced to complete your designated major. Negative fallout associated with change in majors during junior and senior years includes having to take more classes or pushing the graduation date back by a year or even two.
Will Change Have a Financial Impact?
Once you have determined that it will take you an extra year or more to complete a new major, it is time to look at the financial impact. An extra year at school will mean additional college credits, extra expenses for room and board, book fees and more. These expenses add up and it is important to know how much the change in majors will impact your financial future. If you will be more likely to launch into a lucrative career by making the change, than it just might be worth it.
A Glance At Employability
Wondering how to know it’s time to change majors? One of the most critical steps is to assess employability after graduation. Researching new career prospects is very important to the decision to change majors. While employability should not be the only factor, it should be one of the most important in making the determination. Try researching current and future job trends and the pay range of your new profession.
Negative Impact and Preparation
Do you plan on some negative fallout from your parents and advisors? If so, preparation may in order. It is better to approach your parents after you have made a strategic plan and can answer all of their difficult questions. Do your homework, consult with advisors and network with people in the new field of study. This will help you formulate enough knowledge to determine for yourself if it is the right thing to do and will provide you with ammunition in case your parents give you some flack.
Have you recently determined to change your major? If so, tell us what you learned through the process and help others learn how to know it’s time to change majors.
