When Your Major Isn't Right For You?

by Nathan Nguyen

Seems all too often someone goes after something that they weren't meant to go for. Either because they were unsure about what they wanted to do or merely because it was convenient at the time.  Many scenarios and complex issues can clout a person's judgment.  In college, many of us would relate to these issues because either one of our friend's would follow into that trap or because we are caught in it ourselves.  It can be unnerving to realize that this major isn't right for you and you had wasted two years getting requirements to this major that may or may not be of use to you.  My answer to you is, Keep Going!  Try to make the system work for you!  Sure you might have to stay another year or two getting the degree that you really are interested in.  However, if you are not planning to attend graduate school, it is most likely that you will end up in a job that your degree has little relevance too.  The majority of us will work in sales, marketing, business development and elsewhere.  Most people would agree that we are working in a field that we didn't major in college.  You would be surprised what happens when you start working a real job.  You will realize after some period of time, that you might want to change careers.  No big deal to many of us working folks.

Just make the best of the situation, don't get down on yourself and don't worry about what your friends are doing.  I can't stress this hard enough--DO WHAT'S RIGHT FOR U!  I am using the single U because I feel that an individual letter, single as it stands, will represent the individual in you.  You alone can conquer your fears, dreams and goals.

There are many interesting jobs out there, car design (transportation design at Pasadena Art Center), advertising, entertainment, financial services, theatre, writers, talent agents and many others all require only one requirement--a college degree and the ability to change your outlook.

Sorry if this piece doesn't sound specific.  It's main purpose is to encourage you to do what you believe will fit you.