Choosing a Major or Deciding to Change

Career Corner by Sarah Raymond
So, you are about one month into the fall semester. How do you think it is going? Are you wondering what you got into?

Not knowing what you want to do can be stressful. Deciding on a major or to change the major you are in is a “major” life decision. Don’t panic about doing this. It is important to realize that you are not changing to simply change, but rather you have thought about some key items before you make the major decision.


Often students feel pressure to select a major. Sometimes this pressure comes from their peers who have known that they have always wanted to “grow up and be a…” or maybe from family because a family member has a specific job title. Sometimes the pressure comes from completing financial aid forms. This pressure isn’t meant to be negative, although it may feel like it.


There is a reason, studies show that students who declare and enter a specific major at the start of college will be more likely to finish their degree. Most of the programs have a 4-year plan available in the course catalog. It helps to ensure your success because some courses should be taken in the appropriate sequence. Use the college catalog as a guideline to help you navigate your academic career.


If you are feeling lost either in the lecture or the labs, it is important for you to take some time and ask yourself some hard questions. Are putting forth your best effort in the classes you are taking? Have you taken all the measures to do well? Have you visited the Tech Learning Center? Midterm will be fast approaching so it is important to think about what you are taking and how you are doing. If there is a pattern of not doing well, then you should find and use resources to help you do better, or decide whether there is a better fit for you in a different major.


If you are thinking you may be in the wrong major, know that you are not alone. On the average, college students change their major 2.7 times. If you are unsure about where to begin, take some time and get your general classes out of the way. Start with a beginning level course and start exploring a variety of fields. However during this time, learn more about your interests, join clubs related to your major or in an area about which you are passionate. Learn more about you! At Montana Tech there are several different assessments that you can take at no charge. This will help give you some direction and assist you in your search to identify your personality, skills and interests. Knowing what is important to you is critical as you move to the next step of exploration.


Explore some different kinds of jobs or occupations. Start learning about what companies hire in the area of what you want to do. A reality check will come in to the picture when you start building professional relationships. Meet some people in the field doing the work you want to be doing. Inquire about job shadows, informational interviews or in person when employers are on campus in class lectures, career fairs or company information sessions. Get degree-related experience to know what you are getting into. Hopefully, this will validate that you like what you are doing. Contact Career Services if you need assistance with any of these items.


Consider attending the Major Exploration workshop on Thursday, October 28 at 4:30 pm in Engineering Hall 204. Find out more information about finding the major that is best for you!