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Is it unusual to still be unsure what major and career field you want entering your third year of college?
I will be a junior in college in August 2025, I have switched my major from marine science to Studio Arts, but I really want to be an early education major. I fear it is too late to change my major and still graduate on time in 2027.
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Connor’s Answer
It is absolutely not unusual to still be unsure about your major or career field as you enter your third year of college. Many students, myself included, have changed majors during their junior year, and even after graduating and spending years in the workforce, it’s common to continue exploring new interests and career paths. Finding your true passion is often a lifelong journey, and it’s perfectly normal for your goals and interests to evolve over time. What matters most is that you stay open to new experiences and allow yourself the flexibility to pivot as you discover what excites and motivates you. Changing your major—even later in college—can lead to a more fulfilling academic and professional life, and with careful planning, it’s often still possible to graduate on time or with only a slight delay. Remember, your path doesn’t have to be linear, and every step you take brings you closer to understanding what you truly want to do. Embrace the exploration—it’s a valuable part of your personal and professional growth.
I am in my career now, and I still do not know what I want to devote my life to doing! I am constantly finding out new things I enjoy, but I can only do that from trying new things and seeing what I like and don't like! Try out different internships and network with anyone you can to help discover a career that will both make you happiest and be a career that will fit your financial goals and personal life.
I am in my career now, and I still do not know what I want to devote my life to doing! I am constantly finding out new things I enjoy, but I can only do that from trying new things and seeing what I like and don't like! Try out different internships and network with anyone you can to help discover a career that will both make you happiest and be a career that will fit your financial goals and personal life.
Paul Rogers
Solutions Engineer | Technical Consultant | Leadership Mentor
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Tacoma, Washington
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Paul’s Answer
Hi Alexis,
First — it's absolutely normal to still be figuring things out going into your third year.
A lot of people (including very successful ones) change direction in college — or even after starting their careers.
Here’s the real truth:
Choosing a major is important, but it doesn’t lock you into one path forever.
What matters more is building adaptable skills — like communication, leadership, critical thinking, and learning how to solve problems — skills that transfer to any field.
If switching to Early Education is what truly excites you, lean into it. Passion fuels perseverance, and perseverance beats having a "perfect" plan every time.
About graduation timing:
Meet with your academic advisor immediately. There are often ways to shift courses, transfer credits, or pick up summer classes to stay close to your timeline if that’s important to you.
Big picture:
It’s better to graduate a little later doing what you love than rush through on a path that doesn’t inspire you.
You're asking smart questions and thinking about your future intentionally — and that already puts you ahead of most students.
Keep trusting yourself!
Schedule a meeting with an academic advisor within the next 7 days.
Talk to someone already working in Early Childhood Education to learn more about the field.
Map out a simple 2-year plan to visualize how you can adjust classes and timelines.
First — it's absolutely normal to still be figuring things out going into your third year.
A lot of people (including very successful ones) change direction in college — or even after starting their careers.
Here’s the real truth:
Choosing a major is important, but it doesn’t lock you into one path forever.
What matters more is building adaptable skills — like communication, leadership, critical thinking, and learning how to solve problems — skills that transfer to any field.
If switching to Early Education is what truly excites you, lean into it. Passion fuels perseverance, and perseverance beats having a "perfect" plan every time.
About graduation timing:
Meet with your academic advisor immediately. There are often ways to shift courses, transfer credits, or pick up summer classes to stay close to your timeline if that’s important to you.
Big picture:
It’s better to graduate a little later doing what you love than rush through on a path that doesn’t inspire you.
You're asking smart questions and thinking about your future intentionally — and that already puts you ahead of most students.
Keep trusting yourself!
Paul recommends the following next steps: