Upon entering college, the pressure to choose a field of undergraduate study may seem overwhelming. Many mistakenly believe that this major will dictate the pathway of your life, when really it will become the foundation for any career. If you are feeling that your major is not a reflection of your interests, perhaps it is time for a change. According to MSNBC, approximately 50% of college students change their major at least once. If you do decide to change majors, take some time to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses.
Are you considering a major change? If so, here are some steps you can take to help you reach your decision:
1.) Make a list of your interests. Do they match any of the classes that you have taken?
2.) Visit UVM’s list of majors and minors
3.) Run a Cat’s Audit Report, then a “What If” Audit. Those can be helpful if you are looking to see what academic requirements you will need to graduate.
4.) Set up a meeting with your advisor, and also with a department faculty or staff in programs of interest to discuss your thoughts about changing majors. This is especially important if you are looking to transfer to a different college/school.
5.) Come to Career Services Drop-In hours to speak with a counselor (Monday- Thursday, 1-4 in L/L E-140; Tuesdays 11-1 in Rosa Parks Room, Davis Center)
6.) Become involved in clubs, volunteer, and/or work experiences that will allow you to gauge whether this is a field you would enjoy. Seasonal or part time experience is a good start.
7.) Make sure that all of the proper paperwork is filed with the UVM Registrar’s office
~Shayna, Career Peer Advisor