6 answers
Maria
Student
Norfolk, Virginia
1
Question
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What major was right for you?
Have anyone ever regretted their major or thought that it may not be for them?
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6 answers
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1179
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Maria !
I had no doubt as to what my major was going to be and I also had a minor in my second interest, too. I was inspired at a very young age and was finally able to start studying for my major once I entered college. I was a Theatre Major with a minor in Social Science. Those two career choices were always something that I wanted to make a reality for my life. I ended up having careers in both fields, so it was definitely right for me.
I have never regretted my major. It wasn't always easy majoring in Theatre. People may think that it is all fun and games, easy going, however that is not the case. I had to be determined and meet every challenge head on without giving up. There was only one time that I almost changed my major but I had some excellent advice from one of the professors and it made me see that I needed to stick with it - and I am glad I did ! Studying theatre in an academic college setting means very long hours, lab hours in areas that are not your specialty, being available at night and on weekends to do practicums on live performances, auditioning for plays and performing in them. It is also analytical, creative, and makes demands on your skills and abilities and you have to even do things outside of your specialty that you're not so skilled with at times. So it's not a frivolous major, rather a lot of time, energy and hard work. Very rigorous, regimented, with demanding requirements.
It really helps to have very supportive, positive friends and classmates for encouragement and friendship. That means a lot for the whole experience. When I had my slight thoughts of changing majors, I had good advice that allowed me to assess why I wanted to change and I saw what the barriers were. My reason for even thinking to change majors, I eventually saw, was weak. It was because I was tired and I thought that people don't need a degree in theatre. Lots of conversations helped me to come to terms with it, though. This helped me decide to remain with my passion and get a degree in it.
So that's just one experience you will hear about and I hope you get various others as people's experiences are very inspiring and helpful. Best wishes to you !
I had no doubt as to what my major was going to be and I also had a minor in my second interest, too. I was inspired at a very young age and was finally able to start studying for my major once I entered college. I was a Theatre Major with a minor in Social Science. Those two career choices were always something that I wanted to make a reality for my life. I ended up having careers in both fields, so it was definitely right for me.
I have never regretted my major. It wasn't always easy majoring in Theatre. People may think that it is all fun and games, easy going, however that is not the case. I had to be determined and meet every challenge head on without giving up. There was only one time that I almost changed my major but I had some excellent advice from one of the professors and it made me see that I needed to stick with it - and I am glad I did ! Studying theatre in an academic college setting means very long hours, lab hours in areas that are not your specialty, being available at night and on weekends to do practicums on live performances, auditioning for plays and performing in them. It is also analytical, creative, and makes demands on your skills and abilities and you have to even do things outside of your specialty that you're not so skilled with at times. So it's not a frivolous major, rather a lot of time, energy and hard work. Very rigorous, regimented, with demanding requirements.
It really helps to have very supportive, positive friends and classmates for encouragement and friendship. That means a lot for the whole experience. When I had my slight thoughts of changing majors, I had good advice that allowed me to assess why I wanted to change and I saw what the barriers were. My reason for even thinking to change majors, I eventually saw, was weak. It was because I was tired and I thought that people don't need a degree in theatre. Lots of conversations helped me to come to terms with it, though. This helped me decide to remain with my passion and get a degree in it.
So that's just one experience you will hear about and I hope you get various others as people's experiences are very inspiring and helpful. Best wishes to you !
Gabriel Hennsssey
Financial Aid Administrator
71
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Gabriel’s Answer
I ask that you take with a grain of salt…but it’s based on my own experience. My esteemed colleagues have given great advice…I just want to add one little bit.
I went to university for three semesters and then took “a semester off”…because I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I was double-major, triple-minor. Unfortunately for me, it wasn’t until AFTER I left that I was given what I consider to be sage advice. Unless going into a very-specific field that has certain requirements…medical, trades/construction… “You don’t go to college to learn a skill…you go to learn how to learn…or to prove you CAN learn”.
The degree means a LOT! I am not suggesting you just pick a random major…if you have a specific interest in a field you should gravitate toward that. My parents knew I loved to cook and pushed me toward culinary school. I shied away from that with the logic that if I had to do it for a living I might lose my love of it. (I cook almost every night for my family and that gives me great personal satisfaction.) I used to be involved with theatre. I was given every chance to go off and be an actor. But I didn’t NEED it. I avoided it because the realist in me didn’t want to face the possibility of having to find a new job every few weeks.
As a financial aid person…if you change majors it can delay your degree…and if loans are involved, increase your debt. (I did mention prior…realist…) But the most important thing is that you finish. When I corrected my mistake of leaving university earlier I went back and got my MBA in accounting. While my job does not fit into the cookie-cutter mold of what many think of as accounting…those skills have been a life-saver and serve me every day.
My biggest regret was leaving school because I thought my major was undeniably-tied to my future. If you know what you want to do…brilliant. If unsure…think of your interests. I have two friends that are artists…one paints, one photography…but they majored in business. And they’re glad they did. It has helped them both market themselves.
Your major does not define you…only you can define you. But the fact that you’re asking gives you a leg up. And again…grain of salt…
You got this…
I went to university for three semesters and then took “a semester off”…because I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I was double-major, triple-minor. Unfortunately for me, it wasn’t until AFTER I left that I was given what I consider to be sage advice. Unless going into a very-specific field that has certain requirements…medical, trades/construction… “You don’t go to college to learn a skill…you go to learn how to learn…or to prove you CAN learn”.
The degree means a LOT! I am not suggesting you just pick a random major…if you have a specific interest in a field you should gravitate toward that. My parents knew I loved to cook and pushed me toward culinary school. I shied away from that with the logic that if I had to do it for a living I might lose my love of it. (I cook almost every night for my family and that gives me great personal satisfaction.) I used to be involved with theatre. I was given every chance to go off and be an actor. But I didn’t NEED it. I avoided it because the realist in me didn’t want to face the possibility of having to find a new job every few weeks.
As a financial aid person…if you change majors it can delay your degree…and if loans are involved, increase your debt. (I did mention prior…realist…) But the most important thing is that you finish. When I corrected my mistake of leaving university earlier I went back and got my MBA in accounting. While my job does not fit into the cookie-cutter mold of what many think of as accounting…those skills have been a life-saver and serve me every day.
My biggest regret was leaving school because I thought my major was undeniably-tied to my future. If you know what you want to do…brilliant. If unsure…think of your interests. I have two friends that are artists…one paints, one photography…but they majored in business. And they’re glad they did. It has helped them both market themselves.
Your major does not define you…only you can define you. But the fact that you’re asking gives you a leg up. And again…grain of salt…
You got this…
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3813
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Maria,
In the Australian summer of 1969 at Christmas, when I was just 11, my parents gifted me a small but powerful two-inch telescope. The stars, the moon, the planets - they all fascinated me, and I was determined to become an astronomer. I geared up to study astrophysics, immersing myself in high school physics to prepare for the exciting journey ahead.
However, in 1974, life took an unexpected turn. My beloved Uncle Michael suffered a heart attack due to a blocked artery and passed away at the young age of 38. Shortly after, my father also succumbed to the same disease at 50. This shook me to my core, and my interest in the celestial bodies faded. Instead, I found myself yearning to understand why my male relatives, especially those of Greek descent, were falling victim to heart attacks.
My cousin mentioned that high cholesterol levels had been the culprit behind his father's heart attack. This sparked my interest, and I shifted my focus to biochemistry and organic chemistry during my second year at university. I still kept up with my mathematics studies, just in case I decided to return to physics, but the complexities of quantum mechanics deterred me.
After years of hard work, I earned a Bachelor of Science in Biological Chemistry and three postgraduate diplomas in nutrition, diet, and public health. My relentless pursuit of knowledge led me to the answer I had been seeking - my uncle had succumbed to a condition known as familial hypercholesterolemia type IV. I never regretted my career path because I helped thousands of People with medical problems!
Maria, I am confident that you will excel in whatever career path you choose. Your dedication and hard work will undoubtedly lead you to success.
May you be showered with abundant blessings,
James.
In the Australian summer of 1969 at Christmas, when I was just 11, my parents gifted me a small but powerful two-inch telescope. The stars, the moon, the planets - they all fascinated me, and I was determined to become an astronomer. I geared up to study astrophysics, immersing myself in high school physics to prepare for the exciting journey ahead.
However, in 1974, life took an unexpected turn. My beloved Uncle Michael suffered a heart attack due to a blocked artery and passed away at the young age of 38. Shortly after, my father also succumbed to the same disease at 50. This shook me to my core, and my interest in the celestial bodies faded. Instead, I found myself yearning to understand why my male relatives, especially those of Greek descent, were falling victim to heart attacks.
My cousin mentioned that high cholesterol levels had been the culprit behind his father's heart attack. This sparked my interest, and I shifted my focus to biochemistry and organic chemistry during my second year at university. I still kept up with my mathematics studies, just in case I decided to return to physics, but the complexities of quantum mechanics deterred me.
After years of hard work, I earned a Bachelor of Science in Biological Chemistry and three postgraduate diplomas in nutrition, diet, and public health. My relentless pursuit of knowledge led me to the answer I had been seeking - my uncle had succumbed to a condition known as familial hypercholesterolemia type IV. I never regretted my career path because I helped thousands of People with medical problems!
Maria, I am confident that you will excel in whatever career path you choose. Your dedication and hard work will undoubtedly lead you to success.
May you be showered with abundant blessings,
James.
Atul Bhankharia
Sales
456
Answers
Mount Laurel, New Jersey
Updated
Atul’s Answer
Though I'm now enjoying my retirement, my journey began with me dipping my toes into the world of Accounting. Even though I had a knack for Math, I soon realized that Accounting wasn't my cup of tea. I decided not to continue down that path, despite my abilities.
My true calling, as it turned out, was Software Engineering. The moment I ventured into this field, I knew I had made the right choice. I never had a single regret since then. I was passionate about my work and was lucky enough to be rewarded with stock options that allowed me to live my version of the American dream.
Remember, it's crucial to understand your strengths, but equally important to acknowledge your weaknesses. If you stumble upon a mistake, don't wait to fix it. Time is of the essence, and every moment counts.
Identify the subjects that resonate with you. For me, it was always Math. Whether it was Calculus, Geometry, or Algebra, I found joy in solving Math problems, especially when I needed a break from the monotony of reading History or English textbooks late into the night.
Don't let others dictate your path. Seek advice, sure, but in the end, make sure the decisions you make are your own.
My true calling, as it turned out, was Software Engineering. The moment I ventured into this field, I knew I had made the right choice. I never had a single regret since then. I was passionate about my work and was lucky enough to be rewarded with stock options that allowed me to live my version of the American dream.
Remember, it's crucial to understand your strengths, but equally important to acknowledge your weaknesses. If you stumble upon a mistake, don't wait to fix it. Time is of the essence, and every moment counts.
Identify the subjects that resonate with you. For me, it was always Math. Whether it was Calculus, Geometry, or Algebra, I found joy in solving Math problems, especially when I needed a break from the monotony of reading History or English textbooks late into the night.
Don't let others dictate your path. Seek advice, sure, but in the end, make sure the decisions you make are your own.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1512
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Many students have similar question. Firstly, you can find out what career you have interest before determine your major and minor.
Below are you suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
E.g. If you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music producer, music composer, etc.
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, financial analyst, banker, maths teacher, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue. The relevant subjects of these careers will be your major and minor.
5. Explore the entry criteria of these subjects in the college
If you find you have no interest on the major you chose, suggest you can seek the guidance from your professor, your mentor, etc. before deciding to change.
On the other hand, your interest may change in your lifetime. You may change your career at that time.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Below are you suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
E.g. If you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music producer, music composer, etc.
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, financial analyst, banker, maths teacher, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue. The relevant subjects of these careers will be your major and minor.
5. Explore the entry criteria of these subjects in the college
If you find you have no interest on the major you chose, suggest you can seek the guidance from your professor, your mentor, etc. before deciding to change.
On the other hand, your interest may change in your lifetime. You may change your career at that time.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Saumya Ahuja
AI Engineer
1
Answer
Singapore
Updated
Saumya’s Answer
I did my major in Computer Science. I had done some programming in high school and realized I am good at it, love it and it has endless possibilities.
Down the line after two years of graduation, I chose to specialize in artificial intelligence which turned out to be a great asset for today's world.
While choosing my majors, I always thought on what "I" would like and if it would make me feel content.
Hope the advice helps!
Down the line after two years of graduation, I chose to specialize in artificial intelligence which turned out to be a great asset for today's world.
While choosing my majors, I always thought on what "I" would like and if it would make me feel content.
Hope the advice helps!