Don’t change your major
Choosing a major in college can be stressful, but it’s something every student must eventually do.
Those who enter their college career knowing exactly what they will be doing are the lucky ones, envied by those who struggle to decide. And once a major is set on, it is not written in stone.
Part of going to college is the exposure to many things that have not been encountered in high school or in whatever path a student has come from. The consequences of changing a major can be negative, especially if several classes, or years, have been spent on prerequisites. It means lost time, money and missed opportunities.
Some reasons that lead to a student’s change of plans can come from unsupportive parents or faculty. My mother once told me that everything had already been discovered when I told her I wanted to be an archeologist. Maybe you have too many interests to choose just one.
Another reason for changing majors is a student’s disenchantment with their chosen field. It is not unusual for nursing students to start clinicals and find that the experience is not what they expected. This happened in my class and previously in my surgical technology program. It can be frustrating for the student who has put in many grueling hours to get into these limited admit programs.
So how do you avoid this unwanted phenomenon? It’s not easy. The numbers are against you; 80% of students change their major at least once. The average is three times!
Here is some sage advice from a multi-hobby, older adult who is changing careers for the third time: Make a list of factors that you are looking for in a job? Do you want to help others? Do you want work-life balance, foremost? Do you want to own your own business or leave that responsibility to someone else?
Research, research, research
Job shadow
Many places offer opportunities to follow someone for several hours to get a glimpse of a day in their work life. Hospitals do this for any job, not just nurses, but anesthesiologists or imaging technicians. Simply call Human Resources and inquire.
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