by Rachel Pope
Marketing Intern

You hear about it all the time: A young student who chooses a major and then soon changing it after already taking classes within degree path. Chances are you know somebody who has followed that path. I personally believe I was on that path a year ago.

I grew up in a rural town and thought I wanted to be in a career in the agriculture field; but soon after I started taking “agriculture related” classes, I realized it wasn’t for me. I then changed my intended degree to be Business Administration, then changed it once again to marketing. I believe I have finally found the field I am meant to be in, however it was a long journey finding the marketing field. So I decided to write an article on the things I wish I did before I declared my major.

Talk to an Advisor

This seems like common sense, however even when I was confused on what career path I wanted to take, I never once asked my advisor what field would best suit me. Advisors are there to help you, and if you think you are the only young adult who has no idea what they want to do for the rest of your life, you are mistaken! Very few people know indefinitely what they want to do for the rest of your life, but advisors are there to help you figure that out!

Take your Strong Interest Inventory Test

If I would’ve taken my Strong when I graduated, it would’ve definitely helped me figure out what career field I should be in. However taking it now made feel confident that I was in the right field. The strong test is compiled of questions regarding your personality, what you would like to do within your field, skills, and values. My strong was extremely accurate, and I truly believe every student should take their strong when deciding on what degree field to follow.

Interview Someone in Your Intended Field

This semester, I was required to interview somebody in my intended field for a class I am taking. Going into it I didn’t think that it would be helpful; but no matter how much you enjoy the classes you are taking, you may not enjoy the field you are entering. Learning about the demand, job duties, etc. are extremely helpful when determining your field. Many employers are happy to let you interview them, so don’t be shy! If you are interested in a certain company, get in contact with some managers at that company and see if you can interview them. They may just be able to help you get a job.

Hopefully this helps you determine your field of interest before having to change your major countless times like many students do.