What does my future hold?

Corporate Finance major here.

I feel very overwhelmed about college in general. When I first came to college, being a slacker and partying, I received average grades, and now my GPA is pretty mediocre (2.8). For a finance major like me, that is not good at all. All I hear is how hard it will be, from peers and even the assistant dean, to get a job after college with such a low GPA. I started doing things to get educated, and I feel even more lost then ever.

My first choice was to switch to accounting. I got a B+ in accounting 1, and I kinda liked it, so I started to lean toward that decision because even if I had a sub par GPA. Then after joining an organization, talking to people in the industry, I decided not to. Why? Everyone wants a CPA. I have to add a major to even sit for the test, which is more money I have to pay, and more loans that I have to take out. (I work and go to school to pay for it.) Then I have to study for a LONG time, and hopefully pass. Another thing I learned, people want at least a 3.0 for an internship. I start thinking I need to bring my GPA up, and I get some good grades, but things aren’t going great this semester. I am fighting for B-'s. I study a lot, and can’t seem to get good test scores. I also try not to cram, and start weeks in advance, like the test I took today. I was so confident, looked at my test, and ended up guessing on like 10 questions because I ran out of time. It’s also one of the classes I am fighting for a B- in.

The way I see it, I feel like I’m doomed. People say “The degree matters more than the GPA.” but I am having trouble believing that now. I’m struggling for an internship, there’s all this pressure, and I could not afford to fail that test today, and I did, or so I think.

Where will I be in 10 years? I might have a degree, but I might still be flipping burgers. I work hard, but I just am not smart enough to get good grades. I have no confidence in my academic abilities, and I almost want to drop out.

After that terrible test today, I just want to give up.

Hi Mikeb,
Today is a new day! No one can change the past, You can only control what you are doing now, and it seems like you are headed in the right direction. First of all, you need to forgive yourself for slacking off. Other people have had similar setbacks in college, you just need to move forward and if you enjoy accounting, maybe you should pursue that. Nothing says that you have to sit for the CPA right away. Maybe after you graduate, get a job. Take some time off of school and then sit for the CPA.
It would be a good idea to talk to an advisor or counsellor at school and maybe they can help to get you back on track with your career plans. And, if you are struggling with classes, it would be a good idea to get help from a tutor - and talk to your professors. I agree that you should definitely get your degree - don’t drop out. Find someone at school to help you. If that person isn’t helpful and is discouraging, than keep looking until you rind someone that will guide you and help you,

It sounds like you are working a lot too. Maybe you need more sleep. Whatever you decide to pursue, just try to do your best and be happy with that. And take good care of yourself. Good luck to you:)