4 answers
Olivia
Student
Fredericksburg, Virginia
1
Question
Updated
542 views
How often do people change their majors and future plans?
I feel like I've always had a different idea till I decided to study business, but I'm afraid it may change again. Is this common?
Login to comment
4 answers
Phill Pezo
Industrial Design
103
Answers
Nutley, New Jersey
Updated
Phill’s Answer
Hey Olivia,
It is great to hear that you are giving deep thought into choosing a major that is right for you. It is important to go into a career and being passionate about it. But know that right now you are a student and that you might end up doing something completely different in the far, or near future. This is very common, where someone will have a degree in nothing related to what they are a professional in, simply because it eventually became what they worked on becoming.
It is very common for students to change their major for many reasons. What matters is that it has interest to you. Something you can try to help decide is talking to people in various majors. See what their classes and professors are like and anything else you might be interested in. You can even try to find the professors of the programs to see what they are like for themselves and what the program is all about. There is a chance they will even let you sit in on a class.
If you can not decide yet, try getting your general education classes out of the way. You can ask to be switched to undecided, possibly for a semester, while you look to find another and take general education classes. Remember to go with your gut when making a decision and to enjoy the experience.
Best of luck on your journey!
It is great to hear that you are giving deep thought into choosing a major that is right for you. It is important to go into a career and being passionate about it. But know that right now you are a student and that you might end up doing something completely different in the far, or near future. This is very common, where someone will have a degree in nothing related to what they are a professional in, simply because it eventually became what they worked on becoming.
It is very common for students to change their major for many reasons. What matters is that it has interest to you. Something you can try to help decide is talking to people in various majors. See what their classes and professors are like and anything else you might be interested in. You can even try to find the professors of the programs to see what they are like for themselves and what the program is all about. There is a chance they will even let you sit in on a class.
If you can not decide yet, try getting your general education classes out of the way. You can ask to be switched to undecided, possibly for a semester, while you look to find another and take general education classes. Remember to go with your gut when making a decision and to enjoy the experience.
Best of luck on your journey!
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Olivia. It's very normal for people to change their majors or future plans. When you start studying, it's hard to know exactly what you'll enjoy or what kind of work will make you happy. As you take new classes and learn more about yourself, it's natural for your interests to grow or shift.
Choosing to study business is actually a great decision because it gives you a lot of options for the future. Business can lead to many different careers, like marketing, management, finance, or even starting your own company. The skills you learn (such as communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership) are useful in almost any job. Even if you later decide to do something different, your business background will still help you. It's a degree that keeps your future flexible.
It's also good to remember that people today don't usually stay in the same job or career for their whole lives. Many change their paths several times as they gain experience or find new interests. Some even combine different fields, for example, business and technology, or business and design. The world is always changing, so being open-minded and willing to learn new things will help you succeed, no matter what you choose.
Instead of worrying too much about the future, try to focus on what you enjoy right now. Take classes that sound interesting, join clubs, or look for internships where you can get hands-on experience. Talking to teachers, classmates, and people working in different industries can also give you helpful ideas. The more you explore, the clearer your direction will become.
Choosing to study business is actually a great decision because it gives you a lot of options for the future. Business can lead to many different careers, like marketing, management, finance, or even starting your own company. The skills you learn (such as communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership) are useful in almost any job. Even if you later decide to do something different, your business background will still help you. It's a degree that keeps your future flexible.
It's also good to remember that people today don't usually stay in the same job or career for their whole lives. Many change their paths several times as they gain experience or find new interests. Some even combine different fields, for example, business and technology, or business and design. The world is always changing, so being open-minded and willing to learn new things will help you succeed, no matter what you choose.
Instead of worrying too much about the future, try to focus on what you enjoy right now. Take classes that sound interesting, join clubs, or look for internships where you can get hands-on experience. Talking to teachers, classmates, and people working in different industries can also give you helpful ideas. The more you explore, the clearer your direction will become.
George Zou, M.S.
Academic Advisor
36
Answers
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Updated
George’s Answer
Hi Olivia,
Great question. It’s actually super common for people to change their majors or future plans. Most students don’t have everything figured out when they start college, even if it looks like they do. A lot of people change their major once, twice, or even more. Sometimes you learn new things about yourself, or you take a class that opens your eyes to a different path. That’s normal.
Choosing business doesn’t lock you in forever. You’re allowed to grow and change. What matters most is paying attention to what feels right for you as you learn more. Think of your future like trying on different shoes—you don’t know which pair fits best until you walk around in them a bit. So yes, it’s totally normal, and you’re not behind at all.
For example, When I first went to college, I decided to study accounting. I liked numbers, and everyone told me it was a “safe” career. After I graduated, I got a job in Finance as a bank examiner. At first, it felt exciting. I wore nice clothes, went to meetings, and checked that banks were following the rules.
But after 3 months, I realized I didn’t enjoy the corporate culture. Everything felt rushed, strict, and kind of cold. The travel was so intense with 95% overnight stays. People cared more about money and deadlines than about people. I tried to convince myself it was fine, but deep down, I knew I didn’t want to stay there forever. I was so disappointed that everything I had worked so hard for was a nightmare. The American dream is full of liabilities! The so called Golden handcuffs were for real.
One day, I thought about what really made me happy. I remembered how much I enjoyed listening to others, helping them, and talking them through their problems. So I made a big decision: I went to Graduate school for Counseling. It was scary at first, because it was a totally different path, but it felt right.
After I finished grad school, I became an academic advisor. Suddenly, I was working with students, giving guidance, and supporting them when they felt lost—just like how I am advising you. I felt more deeply connected, more helpful, and more true to myself. Even though my path wasn’t straight, every step led me to a calling where I felt like I truly belonged. I hope that inspires you to think in a nonlinear fashion. There's no right or wrong answer in life, only values and priorities.
Great question. It’s actually super common for people to change their majors or future plans. Most students don’t have everything figured out when they start college, even if it looks like they do. A lot of people change their major once, twice, or even more. Sometimes you learn new things about yourself, or you take a class that opens your eyes to a different path. That’s normal.
Choosing business doesn’t lock you in forever. You’re allowed to grow and change. What matters most is paying attention to what feels right for you as you learn more. Think of your future like trying on different shoes—you don’t know which pair fits best until you walk around in them a bit. So yes, it’s totally normal, and you’re not behind at all.
For example, When I first went to college, I decided to study accounting. I liked numbers, and everyone told me it was a “safe” career. After I graduated, I got a job in Finance as a bank examiner. At first, it felt exciting. I wore nice clothes, went to meetings, and checked that banks were following the rules.
But after 3 months, I realized I didn’t enjoy the corporate culture. Everything felt rushed, strict, and kind of cold. The travel was so intense with 95% overnight stays. People cared more about money and deadlines than about people. I tried to convince myself it was fine, but deep down, I knew I didn’t want to stay there forever. I was so disappointed that everything I had worked so hard for was a nightmare. The American dream is full of liabilities! The so called Golden handcuffs were for real.
One day, I thought about what really made me happy. I remembered how much I enjoyed listening to others, helping them, and talking them through their problems. So I made a big decision: I went to Graduate school for Counseling. It was scary at first, because it was a totally different path, but it felt right.
After I finished grad school, I became an academic advisor. Suddenly, I was working with students, giving guidance, and supporting them when they felt lost—just like how I am advising you. I felt more deeply connected, more helpful, and more true to myself. Even though my path wasn’t straight, every step led me to a calling where I felt like I truly belonged. I hope that inspires you to think in a nonlinear fashion. There's no right or wrong answer in life, only values and priorities.
Joseph Ford
221
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
All the time. Don't be afraid to change once you get into the subjects of your major. I changed from Computer Science to Management Information Systems to avoid chemistry. lol