5 answers
Crystal
Student
Sandston, Virginia
1
Question
Updated
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If I am undecided about what career I want, would double majoring be a good idea?
The two majors I want are very different, communications, and psychology. I want to be a psychologist because it is more practical and it is almost guaranteed a job, but I also want to work at BuzzFeed because it is such an open place and I would have to be on top of my mental game all the time. Should I double major, or figure out what I want to do with my life first #psychologist #psychology #communications #double-major #double #majors #major #undecided
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5 answers
Christine Warden
Senior Manager, Global Process Mining at Kraft Heinz
16
Answers
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Updated
Christine’s Answer
Hi Crystal,
There's nothing wrong with double majoring, and you don't need to know precisely what you want out of life to decide. I would argue that communications and psychology are actually very closely related, as understanding the psychology of how someone will likely respond to your communications will make you more effective at delivering communications that achieve the results you're after. Even if you don't end up working in either field, the skills you'll learn from courses in each of those majors will apply to many types of careers and your life more broadly.
There's nothing wrong with double majoring, and you don't need to know precisely what you want out of life to decide. I would argue that communications and psychology are actually very closely related, as understanding the psychology of how someone will likely respond to your communications will make you more effective at delivering communications that achieve the results you're after. Even if you don't end up working in either field, the skills you'll learn from courses in each of those majors will apply to many types of careers and your life more broadly.
Elizabeth Dimen
Student at Brown University
3
Answers
Providence, Rhode Island
Updated
Elizabeth’s Answer
Hey Crystal,
Luckily for you, most students aren't sure what major they want to pursue in college either so you're not alone. It's very common for people to change their major too once they've gotten a real taste for it and decided it's not quite right for them.
That being said, I suggest you try pursuing both fields before decided -- after all, you can't really know which you prefer until you've tried them out. Looking for internships in those disciplines can also help gauge which path is right for you as legitimate job experience is the better gauge for the field than classes alone.
And even if you choose one major but then want a career outside of that field, it's not impossible to switch jobs as long as you get the necessary experience. For example, I see no reason why Buzzfeed wouldn't hire a psych major, seeing as they have employees from all backgrounds (I'm pretty sure one of their popular video producers actually majored in chemical engineering).
Overall, just feel out what you're interested in before making a final decision. There's no need to choose for certain right now. Good luck!
Luckily for you, most students aren't sure what major they want to pursue in college either so you're not alone. It's very common for people to change their major too once they've gotten a real taste for it and decided it's not quite right for them.
That being said, I suggest you try pursuing both fields before decided -- after all, you can't really know which you prefer until you've tried them out. Looking for internships in those disciplines can also help gauge which path is right for you as legitimate job experience is the better gauge for the field than classes alone.
And even if you choose one major but then want a career outside of that field, it's not impossible to switch jobs as long as you get the necessary experience. For example, I see no reason why Buzzfeed wouldn't hire a psych major, seeing as they have employees from all backgrounds (I'm pretty sure one of their popular video producers actually majored in chemical engineering).
Overall, just feel out what you're interested in before making a final decision. There's no need to choose for certain right now. Good luck!
Kevin M. McKale
Regional Sales Director at Dell
6
Answers
Updated
Kevin M.’s Answer
Double-majoring would be an awesome pursuit if you can dedicate the time and energy to both. However, I have found spending some time interning or volunteering in the field I wanted to pursue to be very eye opening. For instance, when I thought about pursuing a Law degree I went to work at a law firm. After spending a summer in the law firm working with the lawyers and paralegals, I decided this was not a career I wanted to invest the money on the education nor the time pursuing the degree.
You may want to try the same at Buzz Feed or in a Psychologist's office?! Good luck!
You may want to try the same at Buzz Feed or in a Psychologist's office?! Good luck!
Benjamin Larsen
Physician at Seeking Next Opportunity--New Career Position
6
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Benjamin’s Answer
Crystal-
What about taking introductory classes in both Psychology and Communications? That should satisfy requirements for both majors while you decide.
It's OK to remain undeclared or switch majors. Happens all the time.
What about taking introductory classes in both Psychology and Communications? That should satisfy requirements for both majors while you decide.
It's OK to remain undeclared or switch majors. Happens all the time.
Ld Hy
None
26
Answers
Midland, Texas
Updated
Ld’s Answer
Hi Crystal,
I don't think double-majoring is a bad idea given that you aren't sure about your career direction yet. At the end of high school/start of college, not too many people have a definite career path laid out that won't change in 4 years anyway! (The obvious exceptions are the folks that go to West Point or Annapolis or are in ROTC...and even then!) I think you have chosen two interesting and complementary fields that probably have a lot of capability in the world of social media, if that's your passion. If you're kind of "all over the place" interest-wise, you might consider being undeclared for a semester or maybe your first year, and just knock out a bunch of electives. This may sound like a waste of time, but it is simply a different but practical approach: it allows you a chance to hone in on a field of study which may serve your interests better in the long run. I am willing to bet also that you may change your career in 10-15 years and refine it; that's okay. Be willing to always give yourself the space to do that, instead of following a career path you think you SHOULD be following to achieve some unrelated goal. Best of luck!
I don't think double-majoring is a bad idea given that you aren't sure about your career direction yet. At the end of high school/start of college, not too many people have a definite career path laid out that won't change in 4 years anyway! (The obvious exceptions are the folks that go to West Point or Annapolis or are in ROTC...and even then!) I think you have chosen two interesting and complementary fields that probably have a lot of capability in the world of social media, if that's your passion. If you're kind of "all over the place" interest-wise, you might consider being undeclared for a semester or maybe your first year, and just knock out a bunch of electives. This may sound like a waste of time, but it is simply a different but practical approach: it allows you a chance to hone in on a field of study which may serve your interests better in the long run. I am willing to bet also that you may change your career in 10-15 years and refine it; that's okay. Be willing to always give yourself the space to do that, instead of following a career path you think you SHOULD be following to achieve some unrelated goal. Best of luck!