2 answers
Mia
Student
Biddeford, Maine
1
Question
Updated
258 views
How do I know if the major I have is right for me ?
I am a Marine Science student concentrating in Oceanography with a double minor in Biochem and chem, attending the University of New England. I am a first year and this would be my fourth time switching my majors and minors around. I have always been interested in the ocean, but there is a part of me that is still interested in criminology. My original plan was Marine Science and Political Science, but that didn't work out. So how do I know if I am choosing the right path, if I'm enjoying my classes and helping with oceanography research? #Spring26
2 answers
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1403
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Mia,
First, take a breath. In fact, changing directions a few times during your first year is a normal part of the decision-making process. You are actively solving problems rather than falling behind.
There are already two clear indications from what you said: you are interested in oceanic research, and you love your classes. Those are not small things. One of the most obvious signs that you're headed in the right direction is enjoyment combined with genuine participation.
However, it's quite common to still be drawn to a field like criminology. Sometimes interest just means "this is something I'm curious about," rather than "this is my path." The goal is to select one area you're willing to go more into for the time being, instead of ruling out all other interests. A helpful way to think about this is to move away from asking, “Is this the perfect major?” and instead ask the following:
- Can I see myself sticking with this for the next few years?
- Am I growing and learning in this environment?
- Are there real opportunities (like research, internships, fieldwork) that I can build on?
Right now, your answer seems to be leaning toward yes.
Also, picking a major doesn't have to mean giving up on other options. Criminology can still be studied as an option, as a minor in the future, or even through creative connections (e.g., environmental policy, maritime law, or conservation enforcement). One logical strategy is to make a seasonal commitment instead of a permanent one. Give yourself the following year to devote yourself entirely to marine science; expand your research, enroll in relevant classes, and experience what it's like to be totally involved. At the same time, give yourself a tiny window of opportunity to explore your interest in criminology without completely changing course.
The true risk is not making "wrong" decisions, but rather making frequent changes before allowing something adequate time to develop.
You don’t need absolute certainty right now. You need direction, consistency, and reflection. And from what you’ve said, you’re already closer to clarity than you think.
Best wishes!
First, take a breath. In fact, changing directions a few times during your first year is a normal part of the decision-making process. You are actively solving problems rather than falling behind.
There are already two clear indications from what you said: you are interested in oceanic research, and you love your classes. Those are not small things. One of the most obvious signs that you're headed in the right direction is enjoyment combined with genuine participation.
However, it's quite common to still be drawn to a field like criminology. Sometimes interest just means "this is something I'm curious about," rather than "this is my path." The goal is to select one area you're willing to go more into for the time being, instead of ruling out all other interests. A helpful way to think about this is to move away from asking, “Is this the perfect major?” and instead ask the following:
- Can I see myself sticking with this for the next few years?
- Am I growing and learning in this environment?
- Are there real opportunities (like research, internships, fieldwork) that I can build on?
Right now, your answer seems to be leaning toward yes.
Also, picking a major doesn't have to mean giving up on other options. Criminology can still be studied as an option, as a minor in the future, or even through creative connections (e.g., environmental policy, maritime law, or conservation enforcement). One logical strategy is to make a seasonal commitment instead of a permanent one. Give yourself the following year to devote yourself entirely to marine science; expand your research, enroll in relevant classes, and experience what it's like to be totally involved. At the same time, give yourself a tiny window of opportunity to explore your interest in criminology without completely changing course.
The true risk is not making "wrong" decisions, but rather making frequent changes before allowing something adequate time to develop.
You don’t need absolute certainty right now. You need direction, consistency, and reflection. And from what you’ve said, you’re already closer to clarity than you think.
Best wishes!
Thank you so much, this is so helpful and I think I know what to do now!
Mia
You're welcome!
Chinyere Okafor
Cliff Schreier
70
Answers
Rochester, Minnesota
Updated
Cliff’s Answer
Hi Mia,
It's difficult to fully know if the major you choose is the right one for you. Reasons: You might not land a job doing what you trained for one reason or another, your role might not be what you really like to do, the pay might not be adequate, your boss might be very difficult, and so on...
In the end, it does turn out to be somewhat of a leap of faith. That said, you can do a lot to try to address concerns. I would do the following things:
1. Talk to people who are in the field you are interested in. Ask them tons of questions about job availability, salary, location, bosses, etc.
2. Try to get an internship! Attend career fairs and ask all of these questions of the recruiters. Do a good job of preparing your resume so you will have a lot of different options.
3. Search the internet for potential companies who could be interested in your skills.
4. Talk to career placement people at your college and see what options there are with your degree. You have multiple degrees/minors, so you have a lot of options.
5. Spend some time thinking seriously about what you want, need, and will accept in a career. Changing your major a few times is not a big deal, but you should really focus in on the first sentence and make a final decision you can live with. Changing more will delay your graduation date and could be noticed by a potential employer.
6. Think about going with a bigger company where you might be able to move around. I joined a big company with an electrical engineering degree. VERY shortly after starting, I found I wasn't great at digital circuit design (my major), so I went onto write microcode. I did that for 5 years, then I moved onto microcode build, integration and test of microcode, and project management of the microcode team. Then I went into management of microcode and ended up managing all of the same roles that I formerly performed. The only thing that changed with my job switches was where I parked my car. Small companies likely wouldn't afford such flexibility.
I wish you the best of luck with your decisions. The next 5 years are extremely important for how the rest of your life will play out.
You can do this! Seize your future.
Take care, Mia.
It's difficult to fully know if the major you choose is the right one for you. Reasons: You might not land a job doing what you trained for one reason or another, your role might not be what you really like to do, the pay might not be adequate, your boss might be very difficult, and so on...
In the end, it does turn out to be somewhat of a leap of faith. That said, you can do a lot to try to address concerns. I would do the following things:
1. Talk to people who are in the field you are interested in. Ask them tons of questions about job availability, salary, location, bosses, etc.
2. Try to get an internship! Attend career fairs and ask all of these questions of the recruiters. Do a good job of preparing your resume so you will have a lot of different options.
3. Search the internet for potential companies who could be interested in your skills.
4. Talk to career placement people at your college and see what options there are with your degree. You have multiple degrees/minors, so you have a lot of options.
5. Spend some time thinking seriously about what you want, need, and will accept in a career. Changing your major a few times is not a big deal, but you should really focus in on the first sentence and make a final decision you can live with. Changing more will delay your graduation date and could be noticed by a potential employer.
6. Think about going with a bigger company where you might be able to move around. I joined a big company with an electrical engineering degree. VERY shortly after starting, I found I wasn't great at digital circuit design (my major), so I went onto write microcode. I did that for 5 years, then I moved onto microcode build, integration and test of microcode, and project management of the microcode team. Then I went into management of microcode and ended up managing all of the same roles that I formerly performed. The only thing that changed with my job switches was where I parked my car. Small companies likely wouldn't afford such flexibility.
I wish you the best of luck with your decisions. The next 5 years are extremely important for how the rest of your life will play out.
You can do this! Seize your future.
Take care, Mia.
Thank you so much! As I continue into the year, I found an internship I might enjoy!
Mia
Congrats on getting an internship! That's awesome!
More advice (sorry, I'm old and can't resist!): Prepare yourself for the internship - check out the company online, ask the recruiters what skills you will need to be productive and take it upon yourself to learn some of them if needed. Summers are short and it might take you a while to come up to speed to be productive, so try to get a jump on things so you can make a great impression.
I wish you the best, Mia! Again, you got this! Take care.
Cliff Schreier
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