Arya Desale: Why Changing Your Major Isn't the End of the World
Why Changing Your Major Isn’t the End of the World: A Journey of Discovery and Growth
Entering college, many of us feel pressured to pick the “right” major, the one that will secure our dream job and set us up for success. But what if we’re not sure? I’ve been there. As a senior, I’m now an MIS major with a Business Analytics minor, but my journey wasn’t a straight line – it was a confusing one that allowed me to explore, experience, and ultimately find what truly excites me.
I started college as an Economics major, but looking back, I chose Economics almost by default. I had enjoyed a high school economics class, and at the time, it seemed like a good enough reason to make it my major. When I took my first college Econ class, however, I realized it wasn’t what I wanted to pursue long-term. The material was tough, and I found myself struggling through it rather than feeling inspired or motivated. Through this, I quickly realized that Econ wasn’t my calling.
So, I turned my sights to Finance. It seemed like a natural pivot within the business school, and I knew it was a lucrative field with plenty of career opportunities. I declared Finance without much second thought, and I found that I did enjoy it – at least more than Economics. I also wanted to keep a connection to technology, so I added a Business Analytics minor to ensure I was still on a tech-forward path.
After doing some more research about Finance, I landed a Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) internship at Synopsys. I thought I was on the right track, but that internship was a turning point for me. Working in finance felt repetitive, and I couldn’t see myself doing it long-term. The daily work I was doing in my role at Synopsys wasn’t interesting to me, and I realized that while I liked the idea of finance, I wanted a more dynamic experience.
At that point, I decided it was time to make one final shift. I had always wanted a role in the tech industry, so I decided to commit fully to that goal. I switched my major to Management Information Systems (MIS), which would give me a direct path into technology. This switch felt different – it felt right. I eventually completed an internship that aligned with MIS, and for the first time, I could see myself doing this work in the future. I enjoyed it, and I finally felt that all the switching had paid off.
Why Switching Majors Can Be a Good Thing
For me, each major switch was like dipping my toes into different career paths. I tried out Economics, Finance, and finally landed in MIS, each time refining my interests and understanding more about what I wanted (and didn’t want) in a future job. Along the way, I had opportunities to network with people in different fields, learn about various industries, and gain clarity on my career goals.
If you’re considering a major change, remember this: switching doesn’t mean you’re behind or indecisive. It means you’re brave enough to explore different paths until you find the one that’s truly yours. College is a time to discover, to test out different things, and to gain a sense of what you want for your future. By trying out different majors, you’re more likely to find something that you genuinely enjoy.
Advice for Navigating a Major Change
- Keep an Open Mind: Don’t be afraid to explore. Just because you start in one field doesn’t mean you’re locked into it forever. Sometimes, it takes hands-on experience, like an internship, to reveal what you enjoy and what you don’t.
- Ask Questions: Reach out to professors, advisors, and professionals in the field. Learn about their journeys and how they landed where they are. You might be surprised by how many people didn’t have a straight path into their current role.
- Embrace the Experience: Switching majors allows you to gain a broader perspective. You learn what makes different industries tick, and you gain valuable skills along the way. Every step on your journey contributes to your growth.
- Don’t Worry About Being “Behind”: Every student’s path is unique. Just because you switch doesn’t mean you’re falling behind – in fact, you’re likely discovering what makes you truly passionate, which is worth far more.
- Reflect and Connect: At the end of each quarter or internship, take time to reflect on what you liked and didn’t like. Stay connected with people you meet along the way – they may have insights or opportunities that help you down the road.
Looking back, I’m grateful for the journey, the changes, and even the uncertainty. I found a field that excites me, and I know that every switch was part of the process. So if you’re considering a change, go for it. You might just find your passion along the way.