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Does your major have an impact on your end career goal?
Senior in high school.
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10 answers
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Lindsey’s Answer
Yes and no! I went into my senior year in high school wanting to be a lawyer, chose to major in Human Resources, and left with an HR and Economics degree! I HATED math in high school so economics was never on my radar, but I absolutely fell in love with my Econ class I was forced to take and the rest is history. So, do not be afraid to change majors or if you find out you don't like the major you chose. It is very common :)
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Kyle’s Answer
Sometimes!
For me, it did. I switched majors a few times and ended up earning a bachelor's degree in public relations -- a field that I work in today.
However, you should not feel as though your major as put you on a singular path to one career. Many people choose a very specific niche major and decide to do something else with their lives. Others pick a more broad major like "business administration" or "English," and focus on the critical thinking skills they learn through their coursework to inform their job skills.
My father, for example, has a bachelor's degree in biology and has worked in finance for 40 years! He never spent a day working in a lab.
What interests you today at 17 or 18 might be totally different from what you want to do as a career coming out of college at 22. Some people even completely change their careers in their 30s, 40s, and 50s.
Do not feel as though a major will lock you in or out of any particular career path!
For me, it did. I switched majors a few times and ended up earning a bachelor's degree in public relations -- a field that I work in today.
However, you should not feel as though your major as put you on a singular path to one career. Many people choose a very specific niche major and decide to do something else with their lives. Others pick a more broad major like "business administration" or "English," and focus on the critical thinking skills they learn through their coursework to inform their job skills.
My father, for example, has a bachelor's degree in biology and has worked in finance for 40 years! He never spent a day working in a lab.
What interests you today at 17 or 18 might be totally different from what you want to do as a career coming out of college at 22. Some people even completely change their careers in their 30s, 40s, and 50s.
Do not feel as though a major will lock you in or out of any particular career path!
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Wanda’s Answer
Not always. Many individuals pursue a different career than their college degree. For instance, my daughter studied political science and Spanish but now works in marketing. Although her Spanish skills were beneficial, she changed jobs for better satisfaction and pay.
This was super helpful, thank you!
Dayana
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Lesly’s Answer
Hey there! As a high school student, you can definitely breathe a sigh of relief because the idea that your college major limits your future job opportunities is simply a myth. In fact, employment experts strongly suggest that it's the development of transferable skills that truly makes a difference in students' future careers, rather than the choice of major. So, go out there, explore, and take charge of creating an incredible future for yourself!
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Doug’s Answer
In my experience, my college major and minor had a positive impact on my career journey. I earned a B.S. degree in psychology with an unofficial minor in pre-medicine. Although I didn't follow a medical path, the science knowledge and related skills greatly contributed to my successful 40-year technical and business writing career. This understanding of technical information allowed me to effectively "translate" it for various audiences through multiple communication modes, giving me a competitive edge in professional writing for marketing purposes.
It's important to remember that a college major doesn't necessarily dictate your career path. For instance, a liberal arts degree equips you with a vast array of transferable skills and knowledge applicable to many fields. There are countless stories of individuals pursuing careers both related and unrelated to their majors.
As a mentor to college students at my alma mater, I always encourage them to stay open-minded about their career journeys. Embrace opportunities and explore different types of work to find the best fit for you. I never imagined that I would be a founder of five startups in various industries, while maintaining my own communications services company! Though I didn't become a psychologist, those people skills played a crucial role in everything I achieved.
I think higher education seems to be moving in two directions: specializing in specific career skills and encouraging exploration of interests and possibilities. Regardless of the path, college provides an excellent opportunity to build a strong network of contacts and friends. Networks are powerful tools for any career and having that support system can make a big difference.
So be encouraged and excited about the upcoming opportunities! Your college major may play a role in shaping your career, but it's not a definitive measure of your potential. Consider using your time in college to discover your passions, talents, and interests as well as to build valuable connections, making the most out of your unique journey.
Give some thought to all of your interests, jobs of interest, skills you have, and people you can talk with about career journeys. Ask people who know you for their thoughts about the type of work they see you doing.
It's important to remember that a college major doesn't necessarily dictate your career path. For instance, a liberal arts degree equips you with a vast array of transferable skills and knowledge applicable to many fields. There are countless stories of individuals pursuing careers both related and unrelated to their majors.
As a mentor to college students at my alma mater, I always encourage them to stay open-minded about their career journeys. Embrace opportunities and explore different types of work to find the best fit for you. I never imagined that I would be a founder of five startups in various industries, while maintaining my own communications services company! Though I didn't become a psychologist, those people skills played a crucial role in everything I achieved.
I think higher education seems to be moving in two directions: specializing in specific career skills and encouraging exploration of interests and possibilities. Regardless of the path, college provides an excellent opportunity to build a strong network of contacts and friends. Networks are powerful tools for any career and having that support system can make a big difference.
So be encouraged and excited about the upcoming opportunities! Your college major may play a role in shaping your career, but it's not a definitive measure of your potential. Consider using your time in college to discover your passions, talents, and interests as well as to build valuable connections, making the most out of your unique journey.
Doug recommends the following next steps:
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Jordan Christopher’s Answer
Absolutely! It's worth noting that a significant number of graduates find rewarding careers in fields not directly related to their degrees. The skills and knowledge acquired during their education often open doors to diverse and fulfilling opportunities. So, don't worry if your degree doesn't perfectly align with your desired career; just remember that you possess a unique set of abilities and talents that can pave the way to your future success!
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Marian’s Answer
In the end, what really determines your job prospects is YOU. Potential employers look at your experiences, interests, talents, and accomplishments when considering you. They look at the whole picture, not just the major you studied.
Also, it depends on what your passion is, for some professions you do not need a formal education, however there are some certain professions for which you will need a degree such as medicine, dentist, lawyer, etc. For if your passion requires degree then your major will be of high importance to your career goals.
Also, it depends on what your passion is, for some professions you do not need a formal education, however there are some certain professions for which you will need a degree such as medicine, dentist, lawyer, etc. For if your passion requires degree then your major will be of high importance to your career goals.
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Lucas’s Answer
Changing paths later is always an option! As a political science and philosophy double major working in tech, I didn't know my post-college career plans. However, I enjoyed learning about politics and philosophy. I apply some skills from those fields in various ways, like writing, critical thinking, communication, and presenting. Yet, most of those skills remain unused in my career. Still, I find them beneficial in my personal life.
Don't worry too much about your major. You can return to school or learn new skills online. Focus on studying what interests you, connect with like-minded people, and a path will emerge for you!
Don't worry too much about your major. You can return to school or learn new skills online. Focus on studying what interests you, connect with like-minded people, and a path will emerge for you!
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Delia’s Answer
Not always. I know a lot of people that did nothing related to their majors. I will say though if you are going into something very specific that requires a degree on that particular career, it is. You can always switch careers down the line...I did!
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Mark’s Answer
Absolutely, it should! While it's important to make the most of your time, remember that sometimes, things don't go as planned, and that's okay. Just look at my experience - I majored in Electrical and Computer Engineering, and although I hardly ever enjoyed it (I admit I loved one class where I just wrote software), I was determined to see it through. Despite my GPA being 2.44 at graduation, I managed to find a temp position at Intel doing data entry. This opened doors for me, and by proving my skills and volunteering for tasks others couldn't do, I eventually landed a permanent position and enjoyed a fulfilling 17-year career with the company.
The key takeaway here is never to give up! By staying true to yourself, working hard, and striving to excel in your unique abilities, you'll find your way to where you want to be in your career. Keep believing in yourself, and remember that every challenge is an opportunity for growth and learning.
Specifically, try to join a team where you can do what the boss wants to get done (and not exactly what the boss asks for; just "good enough"), but what the boss needed just never was adequately finished whenever it was attempted.
The key takeaway here is never to give up! By staying true to yourself, working hard, and striving to excel in your unique abilities, you'll find your way to where you want to be in your career. Keep believing in yourself, and remember that every challenge is an opportunity for growth and learning.
Specifically, try to join a team where you can do what the boss wants to get done (and not exactly what the boss asks for; just "good enough"), but what the boss needed just never was adequately finished whenever it was attempted.
Thank you, Mark for the advice.
Dayana