Changing Majors
College is a time full of growth, exploration and a lot of self-realization. Students not only expand their knowledge within their program of study, but they also learn a lot about themselves. With this, many students may discover that what they thought they wanted their career to be when they graduated from high school, doesn’t really fit them anymore. As their parent, this may come as a surprise. It is important to know that changing majors in college is not a bad thing. In fact, it is more common for a student to change their major than it is to stick to one major throughout the entirety of their college career. Some studies suggest more than 80% of college students change their major at least once.
While this decision may be difficult to understand, be someone that your student feels comfortable talking with about these topics. A strong support system is important for students to get through their college years, especially when it comes to big decisions like changing their career path. Be careful not to push your student to stay in a major they are not enjoying, as that can have an overall negative affect on their mental health, confidence and overall life. If they are changing their major from something you had in mind for them, chances are they are already worried about disappointing you. Sometimes, they just need to hear “it’s okay” from their family. Below you will find some tips to start the conversation with your student and voice any concerns about their decision without persuading them to stick with their original major.
Ask them questions. Ask what led them to this decision. Discuss any trials between them and their degree if they stick with their original major. Ask about the major they are considering and why they’re seeking the change. Maybe something happened during the semester that you missed. These questions will help you to get a better understanding of what is going through your student’s mind.
Discuss the options. Dive into the major that they are considering and talk about their future plans with that degree. It is also a good idea to look at their progress toward graduation and have an idea of how a major change would affect it. Having to stay in school longer than expected could cause financial strain, but if an extra year means that your student will start a career in a field where they have potential to grow and they love, then that extra year just might be worth it.
Give them resources. Encourage them to speak with knowledgeable individuals. Have them talk to a family friend that is in their possible new career field or visit our Center for Career Development. Encourage them to research different jobs that can be achieved with their new major. Most importantly, have them speak with their advisor. Advisors are specialized individuals that will be able to give your student all the ins and outs of their current major, the major that they are considering and what classes they’ve already taken that will transfer to their new major. Their advisor will also help them determine any setbacks the major change may cause to their college career and make sure they take the right courses to get them on track to graduate as close to their original plan as possible.
Support them and their final decision. Although a major change was not in the original plan, trust in your student’s decision. Be their biggest cheerleader so that they feel supported and confident that they are on the right path.
Source: https://www.collegeparentcentral.com/2010/10/when-your-college-student-changes-majors/
