7 answers
Aly
Student
Taguig, Metro Manila, Philippines
1
Question
Asked
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I want to shift course but I have many things/factors to consider. What should I do ?
I am currently a first-year, taking Bachelor of Elementary Education but lately I feel burned out with this course plus considering the surrounding within my course which is so toxic, and honestly I don't think teaching is something that I am passionate about. Now I've been thinking of shifting course into BA COMMUNICATION because I am really invested with everything happening to the world, I want to work anything related to broadcast or media industry, I want to enhance my skills with anything related to this course, and it was also my jhs dream so I think this course will be aligned to the career path I want to take. But unfortunately, didn't continued pursuing it due to my mom's influence because she said that BA COMM is so hard to pursue and it will too hard for me which scared the hell out of me (and I regret being influenced with this kind of reason hadsjkajd) Well, I tried the course she suggested which is this course, but meh...I no longer see myself continuing this.
Now, searching upon the things I have to question myself before deciding to shifting course, I am kinda hesitating now and I don't now why. And I have things to consider now such as the tuition fee. Since my current tuition fee is around 10k per semester only due to the fact that my institution have this kind of scholarship exclusively for education courses only where they'll lower the actual tuition fee from 30k per sem to 10k if you're a freshie or regular student. But at the same time, I feel like I am just wasting my time here with this course. Although my institution have this kind of scholarship, our course isn't their priority that's why I don't think I am gaining the education I need to have because I no longer see myself learning.
And I have these questions in mind also about the things I need to expect once I decided to shift course.
Do you think that I need more time to think about shifting my course? And when do you think is the time to decide that it's time to shift course? Will it be hard for me to be an irregular student and to catch up?
Should I go to what my heart really desires or should I choose practicality (continue pursuing my current course)?
Need your thoughts for this hehehe. Thankies in advance!
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7 answers
Ilma Gusti
Delivery consultant
4
Answers
Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
Updated
Ilma’s Answer
Hello Aly,
Feeling a bit unsure or apprehensive about changing your academic direction is absolutely normal. Remember, deciding to switch your course is a substantial step, and it's crucial to thoughtfully evaluate all your options. Let me share some thoughts and steps that could guide you towards a well-informed decision, as I've found myself in a similar position before :)
1. Self-Reflection:
Spend some quality time reflecting on your interests, passions, and future aspirations. Identify what truly ignites your spirit and where you envision yourself down the line. Ponder on the type of work that would make you feel truly satisfied.
2. Research the New Course:
Dive deep into the BA Communication program. Investigate the curriculum, the courses on offer, and the potential career trajectories. You might even want to connect with current students or alumni to gain first-hand insights into their experiences.
3. Consult Advisers or Career Counselors:
Don't hesitate to seek guidance from academic advisers or career counselors at your school. They can offer valuable advice on the academic prerequisites, potential hurdles, and opportunities that come with switching to a new course.
4. Follow Your Passion:
Choosing a course that resonates with your passion and interests is key to long-term happiness and success. If communication and media genuinely excite you, it could be a path worth exploring, despite any challenges.
5. Financial Considerations:
Take a close look at the financial elements, including tuition fees and potential scholarship opportunities for the new course. Reflect on the long-term investment in your education and how it aligns with your career aspirations.
6. Have a Heart-to-Heart with Your Mom:
Engage in an open and sincere discussion with your mom about your thoughts and ambitions. Share your reasons for contemplating a change and discuss your long-term career objectives. Having the support of your family in such decisions is vital.
7. Set a Timeline for Decision-Making:
While it's important to give yourself the time you need to make a sound decision, it's also beneficial to set a realistic timeline. Keep in mind any deadlines for course registration and other relevant dates at your school.
8. Understand Options for Irregular Students:
Learn about the procedures for students who switch courses or become irregular students. Grasp the challenges and support structures available for those in similar situations.
9. Evaluate the Impact on Your Well-being:
Consider the effect of remaining in your current course on your mental and emotional health. If the environment is negatively impacting your overall happiness and motivation, it's a significant factor to consider.
10. Trust Your Gut:
In the end, trust your gut feelings and prioritize your own happiness and fulfillment. While practical considerations matter, your personal satisfaction and sense of purpose should never be underestimated.
Remember, it's perfectly fine to take the time you need to make this decision. If you're passionate about BA Communication and can see a rewarding career in that field, it might be worth pursuing. However, it's important to strike a balance between passion and practicality, ensuring that you're making an informed decision that aligns with your long-term goals. Wishing you all the best!
Feeling a bit unsure or apprehensive about changing your academic direction is absolutely normal. Remember, deciding to switch your course is a substantial step, and it's crucial to thoughtfully evaluate all your options. Let me share some thoughts and steps that could guide you towards a well-informed decision, as I've found myself in a similar position before :)
1. Self-Reflection:
Spend some quality time reflecting on your interests, passions, and future aspirations. Identify what truly ignites your spirit and where you envision yourself down the line. Ponder on the type of work that would make you feel truly satisfied.
2. Research the New Course:
Dive deep into the BA Communication program. Investigate the curriculum, the courses on offer, and the potential career trajectories. You might even want to connect with current students or alumni to gain first-hand insights into their experiences.
3. Consult Advisers or Career Counselors:
Don't hesitate to seek guidance from academic advisers or career counselors at your school. They can offer valuable advice on the academic prerequisites, potential hurdles, and opportunities that come with switching to a new course.
4. Follow Your Passion:
Choosing a course that resonates with your passion and interests is key to long-term happiness and success. If communication and media genuinely excite you, it could be a path worth exploring, despite any challenges.
5. Financial Considerations:
Take a close look at the financial elements, including tuition fees and potential scholarship opportunities for the new course. Reflect on the long-term investment in your education and how it aligns with your career aspirations.
6. Have a Heart-to-Heart with Your Mom:
Engage in an open and sincere discussion with your mom about your thoughts and ambitions. Share your reasons for contemplating a change and discuss your long-term career objectives. Having the support of your family in such decisions is vital.
7. Set a Timeline for Decision-Making:
While it's important to give yourself the time you need to make a sound decision, it's also beneficial to set a realistic timeline. Keep in mind any deadlines for course registration and other relevant dates at your school.
8. Understand Options for Irregular Students:
Learn about the procedures for students who switch courses or become irregular students. Grasp the challenges and support structures available for those in similar situations.
9. Evaluate the Impact on Your Well-being:
Consider the effect of remaining in your current course on your mental and emotional health. If the environment is negatively impacting your overall happiness and motivation, it's a significant factor to consider.
10. Trust Your Gut:
In the end, trust your gut feelings and prioritize your own happiness and fulfillment. While practical considerations matter, your personal satisfaction and sense of purpose should never be underestimated.
Remember, it's perfectly fine to take the time you need to make this decision. If you're passionate about BA Communication and can see a rewarding career in that field, it might be worth pursuing. However, it's important to strike a balance between passion and practicality, ensuring that you're making an informed decision that aligns with your long-term goals. Wishing you all the best!
Mahi Patel
Student Advisor and Dental
99
Answers
Davie, Florida
Updated
Mahi’s Answer
Be realistic and reflect on if communication is what you really want to. If you do, then do it. You have to spend the rest of your life in that field so make sure it is something you are happy waking up everyday to do.
This is noted! Thank you so much ^____^
Aly
Joseph Maltby
Analysis and Management
19
Answers
Richmond, VA
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
I will say that I've worked in Communications in the federal government quite a bit and I've met people with a variety of educational backgrounds. I have a history degree and a law degree myself. My biggest piece of advice would be to try and work within the field a bit before committing to the degree. That way you can try before you make an additional costly investment and the experience will be useful if you come back to college. You'll also have more job options if you're not making large student loan payments. It may even be possible to work up with experience versus a degree, as the degree is usually most valuable to get you your first job. And college will always be there. You can even consider going part-time while you work to make it easier and cheaper.
Thank youuu so much for this!
Aly
Rachel Simoneau
Sr. Program Manager
4
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Rachel’s Answer
Hi Aly -- what a tough situation to be in! It looks like you've already gotten some great advice on here. To add onto what everybody has shared with you, I'll say that what you chose right now does not necessarily have to be what you do for the rest of your life....or what you do in 10 years even. It has become so much more normal to shift careers and industries. What I'd focus on is 1) what the underlying skills are that you're gaining and how they'll help you get jobs that look exciting and 2) what you can do to put yourself in a comfortable financial position. For me personally, I struggled between a business degree and a communication degree. I worried that the communication degree would be less employable, but I thought I would gain more versatile skills for the type of work I wanted to do...and it sounded more exciting! So I made a commitment to myself to try to get on-the-job experience while still in school. I sought out internships beyond what was required and shadowed some people in fields I might want. This helped me be better positioned to get a job after graduating and to build a career path for myself. Just remember, you are deciding where you want to START right now. Your degree will enable you to get your first couple jobs and make the money you need to support yourself. From there, it will be how you leverage your skills and perform in jobs that will lead to future ones. So make the next right move and then go from there!
Mary Ann Higgs
Communications, Training, and People Development
21
Answers
Hayward, California
Updated
Mary Ann’s Answer
Hi Aly,
Let me start by saying the fact that you are asking these questions is perfectly normal. Part of figuring out what you want to do is identifying the things you don't want to do. And, based on what you've written, you don't want to go into the education field. Also, based on what you've written, it's pretty clear to me that you've decided you want to make a pivot to focusing on Communications and Journalism. So, I think you should do that. When we pursue things that interest us, we are more engaged, more creative, more curious and that results in greater learning and better quality of life. That translates into you being a better daughter, family member, friend, community member and human. So, follow the thing that makes your heart sing.
As you make the transition, check to see if your institution lets you take some courses outside of your declared field of study. Can you add a class or two about communications to your curriculum to give you a flavor for what that is like? Or can you talk to the instructors of some of those classes to see if you can sit in on a few classes to see if what they are talking about is the kind of thing that interests you? This can help you to gather information about that course of study to see if it matches what you are imaging.
And, whatever you decide to pursue, you can change your mind along the way (even after you've left school). Whatever you study will likely have transferable skills to apply to different jobs and different industries. As long as you continue to learn and adjust to our ever changing world, you'll be able to find work that makes you happy. Goodluck!
Let me start by saying the fact that you are asking these questions is perfectly normal. Part of figuring out what you want to do is identifying the things you don't want to do. And, based on what you've written, you don't want to go into the education field. Also, based on what you've written, it's pretty clear to me that you've decided you want to make a pivot to focusing on Communications and Journalism. So, I think you should do that. When we pursue things that interest us, we are more engaged, more creative, more curious and that results in greater learning and better quality of life. That translates into you being a better daughter, family member, friend, community member and human. So, follow the thing that makes your heart sing.
As you make the transition, check to see if your institution lets you take some courses outside of your declared field of study. Can you add a class or two about communications to your curriculum to give you a flavor for what that is like? Or can you talk to the instructors of some of those classes to see if you can sit in on a few classes to see if what they are talking about is the kind of thing that interests you? This can help you to gather information about that course of study to see if it matches what you are imaging.
And, whatever you decide to pursue, you can change your mind along the way (even after you've left school). Whatever you study will likely have transferable skills to apply to different jobs and different industries. As long as you continue to learn and adjust to our ever changing world, you'll be able to find work that makes you happy. Goodluck!
This is so helpful and encouraging! Thank you so so much!
Aly
You're welcome. You've got this!
Mary Ann Higgs
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1179
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Aly !
I am so happy to give you advice, although it may sound simple to you, I think it's what you may need to hear. You have made the choice already ! Yes, you are very clear that you do not want to have a life's work in education so, yes, definitely start a Communications major the moment that you can. You are taking care of your future so you must jump the hurdles of present barriers. I would say to finish this semester and than start the Comm Studies major in the Spring next semester (if that's how your semesters work). You have clearly had confirmation in many ways that an Education career is not for you. Be true to yourself and study your life's passion.
In your course of planning for your future, you are going to hear some discouraging comments from people. Let it only serve as a revelation of their opinion which may not be fact. No one can honestly say how your communications career will go - especially when you are just pursuing the studies for it ! You mentioned something about scholarships at your current school, but you didn't say you had one. Don't be lured by it because there are also other general scholarships, plus ones for Comm Studies. Look at it this way - once you get your degree in Comm Studies, you can also go for a teaching credential/license afterwards if you regain the interest to teach. One of your mini-goals right now could be to decide if you should literally stay at the same college or go to a different college for Communications studies.
Communications studies is a very important field, one in which the skills you learn in college will also be used in your personal life, too. It also has a lot of variety and you will really feel that you have contributed to the world once you're in your career.
What I see is the issue is not that you are confused about quitting the Education major, it's that you may feel apprehensive about it due to some not so positive feedback from family. But this is your decision and people can comment to you about it but not decide for you. There will be many other things in your life where people will discourage you but you must remember what is right for you and start to be self advocating. Than those negative opinions won't matter to you so much.
I hope this was something to think about and I do hope you start your pursuit with Communications Studies. In whatever you choose to do, I wish you all the best !
I am so happy to give you advice, although it may sound simple to you, I think it's what you may need to hear. You have made the choice already ! Yes, you are very clear that you do not want to have a life's work in education so, yes, definitely start a Communications major the moment that you can. You are taking care of your future so you must jump the hurdles of present barriers. I would say to finish this semester and than start the Comm Studies major in the Spring next semester (if that's how your semesters work). You have clearly had confirmation in many ways that an Education career is not for you. Be true to yourself and study your life's passion.
In your course of planning for your future, you are going to hear some discouraging comments from people. Let it only serve as a revelation of their opinion which may not be fact. No one can honestly say how your communications career will go - especially when you are just pursuing the studies for it ! You mentioned something about scholarships at your current school, but you didn't say you had one. Don't be lured by it because there are also other general scholarships, plus ones for Comm Studies. Look at it this way - once you get your degree in Comm Studies, you can also go for a teaching credential/license afterwards if you regain the interest to teach. One of your mini-goals right now could be to decide if you should literally stay at the same college or go to a different college for Communications studies.
Communications studies is a very important field, one in which the skills you learn in college will also be used in your personal life, too. It also has a lot of variety and you will really feel that you have contributed to the world once you're in your career.
What I see is the issue is not that you are confused about quitting the Education major, it's that you may feel apprehensive about it due to some not so positive feedback from family. But this is your decision and people can comment to you about it but not decide for you. There will be many other things in your life where people will discourage you but you must remember what is right for you and start to be self advocating. Than those negative opinions won't matter to you so much.
I hope this was something to think about and I do hope you start your pursuit with Communications Studies. In whatever you choose to do, I wish you all the best !
I'm in tears with this! Thank you so so much for such encouragement! : )
Aly
I am happy to help ! Have a superb day !
Michelle M.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3824
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hey there, Aly!
Changing your course of study is a big move and it's crucial to think it through thoroughly. Let's walk through some steps to help you make a well-rounded decision:
Self-Reflection: Start by taking a good look at your interests, talents, and career dreams. Think about what subjects or activities really light your fire and where your talents shine. This can help you figure out if a BA in Communication matches up with your personal and professional goals.
Doing Your Homework: Collect info about the BA in Communication program. This includes the curriculum, job opportunities, and trends in the industry. If there are specific areas in broadcasting or media that catch your eye, dig into what skills you'd need to succeed in those areas.
Getting Advice: Don't hesitate to ask for guidance from academic advisors, career counselors, and pros in the communication field. They can give you a heads up about what to expect in the field and any potential hurdles you might encounter.
Weighing It All Up: Think about any possible challenges that could come with changing your course, like extra time and costs. Consider how this choice could affect your academic path and future job opportunities.
Your Cheer Squad: Share your thoughts with people you trust, like family or mentors. They can give you advice and support as you figure this all out.
Making Your Choice: Once you've thought about all these things, make a decision that fits with what you love, what you're good at, and where you see your career going.
Remember, it's really important that you choose a course based on your own interests and goals, not what others think. While your mom's opinion matters, at the end of the day, it's your future and career that should steer your decision.
Here are the top 3 trusted sources for more info:
The Chronicle of Higher Education
Inside Higher Ed
National Association for College Admission Counseling
Don't forget to check out my BIO for nutrition tips to boost your academic performance!
Take care and God bless,
James.
Changing your course of study is a big move and it's crucial to think it through thoroughly. Let's walk through some steps to help you make a well-rounded decision:
Self-Reflection: Start by taking a good look at your interests, talents, and career dreams. Think about what subjects or activities really light your fire and where your talents shine. This can help you figure out if a BA in Communication matches up with your personal and professional goals.
Doing Your Homework: Collect info about the BA in Communication program. This includes the curriculum, job opportunities, and trends in the industry. If there are specific areas in broadcasting or media that catch your eye, dig into what skills you'd need to succeed in those areas.
Getting Advice: Don't hesitate to ask for guidance from academic advisors, career counselors, and pros in the communication field. They can give you a heads up about what to expect in the field and any potential hurdles you might encounter.
Weighing It All Up: Think about any possible challenges that could come with changing your course, like extra time and costs. Consider how this choice could affect your academic path and future job opportunities.
Your Cheer Squad: Share your thoughts with people you trust, like family or mentors. They can give you advice and support as you figure this all out.
Making Your Choice: Once you've thought about all these things, make a decision that fits with what you love, what you're good at, and where you see your career going.
Remember, it's really important that you choose a course based on your own interests and goals, not what others think. While your mom's opinion matters, at the end of the day, it's your future and career that should steer your decision.
Here are the top 3 trusted sources for more info:
The Chronicle of Higher Education
Inside Higher Ed
National Association for College Admission Counseling
Don't forget to check out my BIO for nutrition tips to boost your academic performance!
Take care and God bless,
James.