<p>So Im three years into college and Ive (informally) changed my major 9 million times. Everything from engineering, accounting, and computer science to geography, history, and anthropology. I dont have a clear direction as to want I want to do with my life, but I could ultimately see myself working in education, government, social services, or maybe even hospitality. I dont want to be an engineer and Im not really a business person. Im kind of afraid of disappointing my parents, who never went to college, by picking a liberal arts major. I almost feel guilty, as if I have the luxury to just study something Im interested in, while other people are struggling just to have a job in this economy. </p>
<p>I think I would really enjoy majoring in history and minoring in anthropology and philosophy. (I know, could I be more liberal artsy?). Should I just go for it or should I do something more practical? Im so torn.</p>
<p>Get a practical degree that’s useful in many fields, and minor in or study your own interests in your free time. That way you CAN get a job, and hopefully in a company or organization that’s related to your interests.</p>
<p>Its such a shame that Education isn’t as well paying as it should be, because people seem to feel as if its not a “respectable” career. In reality it may be one of the most challenging and difficult careers, but also one of the most rewarding. I say go for a Liberal Arts major. You can get enjoyable careers in History/Anthro, and if America is anything like it is here, a quick post-grad course can prepare you for highschool education.</p>
<p>I suggest you just stick with whatever you decided on so far and really start to love it - outside of a few technical, vocationally oriented jobs like engineering or accounting, no one really cares what you majored in. What matters is excelling at your major and showing others your chutzpuh and intelligence from your dedication to the subject. I think it’s still a good idea though to pursue somewhat disparate, ‘practical’ hobbies if you have any - twisting pandem’s advice. A senior on my floor was a Spanish major and the president/organizer of the biodiesel reactor at my school. She had great opportunities after graduation, including chances to work at Teach for America, graduate school at Princeton, and even (this is hearsay) working for McKinsey.</p>
<p>That’s a really specific example. But even if you can’t align your interests into some marvelous resume-busting epiphany, at least don’t be one of those zombies majoring in business administration, or some supposedly secure major just because it should make you a lotta money after graduation. You’ll be unduly stressed once the hard higher level classes come around, or you’ll do poorly, and the more intrinsically motivated students in your major will pass you up for jobs and other opportunities (the freaky but capable liberal arts majors will as well).</p>
<p>Ugh. I just know too many engineering and pre-med grinds who aren’t impressing anyone or setting themselves up well with their ‘safe’ choices.</p>