4 answers
Jonathan
Student
Glendale, Arizona
1
Question
Updated
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What majpr is a good to start at ASU for my first year?
Honestly, I don't have a clear direction of what I want to do but I'm sure ASU is where I should go. I got all four years of my tuition covered and I know plenty of others would jump on this opportunity but I am overwhelmed and uncertain of my passions and goals. For the lack time, I decided to take nursing because I qualify but I fear I won't do well and lose my scholarships. What should I do instead?
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4 answers
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Software Engineer and Career Mentor
677
Answers
Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
You don't have to decide on nursing immediately if you're unsure, as rushing can lead to regret. In your first year, try a flexible path like psychology, business, or health sciences, while completing general courses.
Keep in touch with an academic advisor to ensure your choices keep your options open. Create a balanced schedule with required courses, a few subjects you're interested in, and one that challenges you. Talk to senior students and professionals, and try to shadow them to see the work in real settings. Each semester, review your progress, workload, and interests, and combine what you learn in class with real-world experiences to make a well-informed decision. Changing direction is normal and usually means you're making choices based on better information, not that you made a mistake.
Keep in touch with an academic advisor to ensure your choices keep your options open. Create a balanced schedule with required courses, a few subjects you're interested in, and one that challenges you. Talk to senior students and professionals, and try to shadow them to see the work in real settings. Each semester, review your progress, workload, and interests, and combine what you learn in class with real-world experiences to make a well-informed decision. Changing direction is normal and usually means you're making choices based on better information, not that you made a mistake.
Hamilton Gregg M.Ed, CEP
University and Careers Guidance Counselor
8
Answers
Beijing, China
Updated
Hamilton’s Answer
The whole point for the first two years at university is for you to explore courses and options. I often hear students say they have chosen majors 5 or 6 times before they final figure it out. There is no reason to do that. You do not need to actually declare until the end of your second year but you do want to be careful because some majors may have prerequisites that you need to take before you set out on your major. This is why you will be assigned an academic advisor so that you can plan out your options. Enjoy, no rush.
Taylor Lichty
Recruiting
4
Answers
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Updated
Taylor’s Answer
Hi Jonathan,
Echoing some advice you already received here: take the first year or two step-by-step. You'll be required to take some basic courses that will expose you to broad foundational topics and allow you to see what interests you. I'd say, on the side, be networking with clubs, other students who have declared, professors, attend visiting employer sessions to learn about different industries, etc. and learn what you can from them, why they chose their path, and if you see yourself in any of their stories.
I changed my major several times and graduated without a clear idea of where I wanted to go. I ended up majoring in Communication and my early career experience really defined my career, instead of the degree that I chose. Obviously, if your desire is to go into something more specialized like Nursing or Accounting, that's not relevant advice. But leaving it here for anyone who stays general major/business =).
Enjoy college, best of luck to you!
Taylor
Echoing some advice you already received here: take the first year or two step-by-step. You'll be required to take some basic courses that will expose you to broad foundational topics and allow you to see what interests you. I'd say, on the side, be networking with clubs, other students who have declared, professors, attend visiting employer sessions to learn about different industries, etc. and learn what you can from them, why they chose their path, and if you see yourself in any of their stories.
I changed my major several times and graduated without a clear idea of where I wanted to go. I ended up majoring in Communication and my early career experience really defined my career, instead of the degree that I chose. Obviously, if your desire is to go into something more specialized like Nursing or Accounting, that's not relevant advice. But leaving it here for anyone who stays general major/business =).
Enjoy college, best of luck to you!
Taylor
Grant Morgan
Accounting
2
Answers
Portland, Oregon
Updated
Grant’s Answer
Hi Jonathan,
I would recommend exploring a lot of different subjects and studies during your first two years as these are your prerequisites and you do not typically start working on major specific classes until your junior and senior year. If nothing still really jumps at you I would recommend getting a degree in something that requires a degree to do the job. For example, if you decide you want to do business, I would recommend getting an accounting degree, as you will need an accounting degree to do the work. However, if you try accounting and do not like it, you still have a business degree and are able to pivot to other business related fields with that degree. Nursing is something that will require a degree as well.
Do not feel rushed to pick your major right away and its ok to switch it throughout college. Nothing is permeant and its ok to explore multiple opportunities. It is one of the main perks of college - having the ability to explore and try new things.
I would recommend exploring a lot of different subjects and studies during your first two years as these are your prerequisites and you do not typically start working on major specific classes until your junior and senior year. If nothing still really jumps at you I would recommend getting a degree in something that requires a degree to do the job. For example, if you decide you want to do business, I would recommend getting an accounting degree, as you will need an accounting degree to do the work. However, if you try accounting and do not like it, you still have a business degree and are able to pivot to other business related fields with that degree. Nursing is something that will require a degree as well.
Do not feel rushed to pick your major right away and its ok to switch it throughout college. Nothing is permeant and its ok to explore multiple opportunities. It is one of the main perks of college - having the ability to explore and try new things.