Don’t get sucked into believing the “untruths” about selecting a major and career. Here are 10 myths we’re here to demystify:
1. Selecting a major and a career is the same thing.
In most cases, there is not one specific major required to enter a career field. Many majors relate to numerous careers.
2. Graduate schools require specific undergraduate majors.
Most programs do not require a specific degree or major for admission to graduate or professional school.
3. Everyone else knows their major.
Nationally, 75% of students express some uncertainty about their major and as many as 60% of students change it.
4. There is a quick and easy method for choosing a career.
Career decision making is a process, not a one-time event. It takes time, energy, and research.
5. There is a test that can tell me what I should be.
You are far too complex, and the world of work is far too varied and ever changing, for any one test to tell you what career you “should” pursue.
6. There is one perfect major for me.
Similar to how you have many interests and abilities, you would enjoy any number of careers.
7. Certain degrees make a student unemployable.
Any graduate of USD will come away with a liberal arts education, which makes one marketable because the skills developed are highly valued by employers.
8. Choosing one major means giving up all others.
Your degree opens the door to numerous opportunities. There are also a variety of ways for you to combine your interests in more than one major or career.
9. The job market should dictate the career I choose.
The job market is difficult to predict and may be different by the time you graduate, so this should not be your only consideration.
10. I should love every aspect of a major or career that I choose.
Rarely does this happen. Don’t be deterred. Instead, focus on options that give you satisfaction 80% of the time.
