Is this where I turn for help?

College Majors
1

<p>Hello everyone. after days of sifting through career finder tests that all tried getting me to spend money to see my “full” results, I have stumbled upon this site, which seems like it could be what I’m looking for.</p>

<p>I’m in a rut right now. I am about to enter my fourth semester at Buffalo State College, and I’m having a ton of trouble applying for classes. The reason? Most of my core requirements have been filled already. And I don’t have a major!</p>

<p>I have been putting it off for a long time, but it seems like my time is up. I seemed to be destined for big things after getting a 1400 on my SATs, but now here I am floundering around with no future in mind. My job at Toys R Us isn’t that bad, mind you, but it seems like a waste of my potential.</p>

<p>The problem, of course, with potential is that it means nothing unless you -do- something with it. Case in point: myself. My GPA currently sits at a pedestrian 3.0, due largely to the 2.5 I just recently pulled off last semester. There seems to be some hope however. I haven’t ever bought a book for any classes, have definitely skipped well over 50% of classroom hours, and even recently missed a few exams. 3.0 doesn’t seem so terrible considering those factors.</p>

<p>Why is that good? Well, it seems to me that I can easily succeed in college if I apply myself. Wait, everyone says that? Darn…</p>

<p>I have only myself to blame, and there’s no reason to think I will magically turn it around. My biggest problem is my lack of motivation. However, I think if I can finally decide on a major, it could provide me with the drive I need to push forward and right the ship.</p>

<p>I entered college as a Philosophy major, and swiftly switched to “undeclared” after one semester of a horrible philosophy course. I consider myself a critical thinker, but the abstract type arguments I found in my philosophy class (how do I REALLY know that I have hands and there isn’t just an evil demon forcing me to believe I have them) were too much for me.</p>

<p>I have excelled in some classes. Political Science and History were easy A’s for me, and I thoroughly enjoyed them. The problem? Of course… the fun classes don’t have realistic job opportunities. </p>

<p>Psychology seemed like a good balance between the “fun” stuff and the practical majors. But in my several psych courses I have encountered too much practicality, namely the different parts of the brain and “science-y” tings that are a huge turn-off.</p>

<p>Law school seems like it could be my calling. I believe I have the mind of a lawyer, and that I may have the skills needed for such a career. But it is a lofty expectation of myself for sure, especially with that not-so-stellar start to my college career. </p>

<p>I have two large fears that have stopped me from picking a major. One is that I will decide on one, and the “grass is always greener” theory will take over and another major will immediately seem more appealing. The other, of course, is that I will get my degree and not be able to do anything with it. (I’ve heard some horror stories, so I know it happens)</p>

<p>Did anyone go through a similar period, and can anyone offer their advice? Any responses would be appreciated. Thanks!</p>

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<p>To be perfectly honest, it seems like you KNOW what you need to do. Now you just have to do it. Pick what you like for a major. Work hard at doing well in the classroom. Then, everything will fall into place.</p>

3

<p>Then major in PoliSci and go to law school</p>

4

<p>Let’s be realistic here.</p>

<p>The school you go to isn’t stellar, so your alma mater name won’t land you a job if you choose a fluff major.</p>

<p>You said you are opposed to science, so I’m guessing the whole math/comp sci/engineering/science thing is out. Unfortunately, these are the majors that will get you a job after college.</p>

<p>If you decide to major in political science/history, you could settle for a mediocre job after college OR go to grad school. You could get a PhD in one of these subjects and try to become a professor (terrible job market) or get a degree in a completely different area. By the way, psychology won’t land you a job any more than political science or history will. Law school is extremely expensive and lawyers are not in demand.</p>

<p>Have you considered business?</p>

5

<p>Appreciate the responses. Thank you JamesGold for telling it the way it is.</p>

<p>Business is intruiging. I think the biggest issue is that I’m quite the introvert. I feel like I would need to be relatively outgoing to succeed in business.</p>

<p>A field I was interested in before is industrial psychology. Anyone have info on that?</p>

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<p>[Careers</a> in Industrial Organizational Psychology](<a href=“http://www.wcupa.edu/_Academics/sch_cas.psy/Career_Paths/Industrial/Career06.htm]Careers”>http://www.wcupa.edu/_Academics/sch_cas.psy/Career_Paths/Industrial/Career06.htm)</p>

<p>Looks like it requires graduate school and an outgoing personality.</p>

<p>Don’t limit your scope to only those subjects that are within your comfort zone. While being an introvert isn’t a bad thing (most people on this board are), you are going to need to develop sound people skills to be successful in the workplace. Business is really the only lucrative field outside of engineering and technology. </p>

<p>But this all really depends on your priorities. If you aren’t particularly interested in making loads of money, you might be just fine working an average job at Starbucks or in retail. If you’re content in that position, then the best to you.</p>

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<p>I would wager that few people working in retail are truly content with their job. I work in retail currently, and all of the “lifers” there seem to regret it, without exception. Heck, even the managers tell me that they wish they had gone to college/grad school.</p>

<p>It’s not important to me to make “loads of money”, but I’m not content making peanuts either. I guess I’m still buying into the fact that because I was an exceptional student in High School, I’m entitled to the bright future that everyone guaranteed me.</p>

<p>And as I’m finding out, it’s not that simple.</p>

8

<p>Ditto ThePhilosopher.

You have the ability to do most anything - you just need to stop sulking and do something. (Says the person who knows how to lose weight but doesn’t.) If you don’t get your act together, you will not get a “good” job, whatever that is to you. </p>

<p>You are not guaranteed goodies because you were lucky enough to be born smart. It’s good you’re realizing this at age 20 instead of age 30. You have plenty of time (if you start now) to get an education and choose something good. And keep in mind that whatever you choose, you don’t HAVE to be stuck with it for the next 40 years - you can shift focus or completely change careers. But if you don’t get your act together you won’t get the opportunities.</p>

<p>Talk to career services. They have various aptitude and interest tests. Start going to class. Take an inventory of the classes you have been to and see which ones you liked and why. Talk to profs you like and see what they suggest. Particularly talk to adjunct profs - the ones who have day jobs and teach only a class or two - if you aren’t interested in academia. Intern with a lawyer or in a business job - check with career services about possibilities for full-time or part-time, credit or non-credit, paid or free. See what you like and what you don’t.</p>

<p>“Business” is a broad definition - there are probably many places for introverts and extraverts. Accounting, HR, IT, Admin Assistant, Sales, management, marketing, and dozens of others. Don’t go to law school or grad school of any kind until you know what or why - otherwise you’re just wasting your time and money.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>