3 answers
William
Student
Cicero, Illinois
1
Question
Updated
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How many people have actually switched their majors after going to college?
I just want to know if it is fairly common for people to get into college and then decide that what they had previously chosen is not what they would like to do anymore?
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3 answers
Mit chandola
software
9
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Mit’s Answer
Yes, it’s very common for people to switch their majors or even completely change career paths after starting college.
For example, in my case, I’m a culinary graduate (2001) and worked in the industry for about four years. Over time, I realized that the work-life balance just wasn’t sustainable for me. The long and irregular shifts started taking a toll on my personal life, and even my social life was affected. The environment itself wasn’t the healthiest either—constant exposure to late nights, bar culture, and habits like smoking made it feel quite toxic.
That’s when I decided to make a change. I didn’t even go back for a full college degree—I focused on getting some solid IT certifications instead. I landed my first IT job in 2008, and honestly, I’ve never looked back since.
So yes, not only is it common to change majors, but it’s also completely okay to pivot later in life once you understand what truly works for you.
For example, in my case, I’m a culinary graduate (2001) and worked in the industry for about four years. Over time, I realized that the work-life balance just wasn’t sustainable for me. The long and irregular shifts started taking a toll on my personal life, and even my social life was affected. The environment itself wasn’t the healthiest either—constant exposure to late nights, bar culture, and habits like smoking made it feel quite toxic.
That’s when I decided to make a change. I didn’t even go back for a full college degree—I focused on getting some solid IT certifications instead. I landed my first IT job in 2008, and honestly, I’ve never looked back since.
So yes, not only is it common to change majors, but it’s also completely okay to pivot later in life once you understand what truly works for you.
Keith Brender
VP of Student Retention and Contact Services
2
Answers
Deerfield Beach, Florida
Updated
Keith’s Answer
Yes! And not only is it common to change majors in college, but it is also common to change careers. I did both. While in college I started as a business major and then changed to journalism and communications. I found that the communication skills I honed as an undergrad helped me in all the jobs I've held since. That being said, I'd suggest not changing majors TOO many times! It's also important not to waste too much time and money by taking credits that "don't count." Keep the end in sight!
In my career, I've worked in three different industries in a number of roles. The key for me is to be flexibly and as ready as possible. That means asking lots of questions; learning how things work outside of my specific role; and being open to new possibilities.
In my career, I've worked in three different industries in a number of roles. The key for me is to be flexibly and as ready as possible. That means asking lots of questions; learning how things work outside of my specific role; and being open to new possibilities.
Chen Chen
Data Scientist
7
Answers
Grenoble, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
Updated
Chen’s Answer
Yes, this is very common. Some changed majors in college, some didn't change major but later on in their career life they are doing things very different from their major. I have seen so many.
Take myself as an example, I went to university to study economics and finance. After getting my Bachelor's degree, I continued to grad school in the same area, just because I didn't know what else I would do. Then I worked for some years. During those years I changed my areas a little by, my job got further from finance but closer to IT. Then at my 30s, one day I decided to quit my job and went for a second Master, this time in Applied Mathematics. Now I am working as a Data Scientist. Not only I am happy about what I am doing now, I was happy about most of my jobs in the past, even though they were so different.
There's nothing wrong about changing path. Especially today with AI and everything, ways of working is changing, new professions are yet to come. And it's never too late. All you have learned and worked on in the past are sinking cost, don't let them hinder you from changing. Plus, you will find they can still be valuable in your new career.
Take myself as an example, I went to university to study economics and finance. After getting my Bachelor's degree, I continued to grad school in the same area, just because I didn't know what else I would do. Then I worked for some years. During those years I changed my areas a little by, my job got further from finance but closer to IT. Then at my 30s, one day I decided to quit my job and went for a second Master, this time in Applied Mathematics. Now I am working as a Data Scientist. Not only I am happy about what I am doing now, I was happy about most of my jobs in the past, even though they were so different.
There's nothing wrong about changing path. Especially today with AI and everything, ways of working is changing, new professions are yet to come. And it's never too late. All you have learned and worked on in the past are sinking cost, don't let them hinder you from changing. Plus, you will find they can still be valuable in your new career.