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• facts and figures

Myths and Facts about Major and Career Choice

As you decide on a major and career, don't fall prey to these common myths:

MYTH: "Something is wrong with me if I don't know what I want to do."
FACT: Most college students don't have a clear idea of what they want to major in or do for a career. This is normal. With research and support, you can make decisions that are right for you.

MYTH: "There is only ONE career for me."
FACT: The combination of elements that determine career satisfaction are found in many different careers. For example, if you like helping people in an artistic way, you may be happy as a dance therapist or a high school art teacher.

MYTH: "If I choose a major or a career, I'll be stuck with it forever."
FACT: Most majors prepare you for a variety of careers. When you combine the skills you'll learn in your major with others you'll gain from full-time work, internships, and other activities, you'll have the ability to move in a variety of directions. Most people have multiple careers and jobs during their work lives.

MYTH: "I've failed if I make the wrong choice."
FACT: You only fail when you do not adapt. If you learn a major or career choice is not right for you, change it.

MYTH: "Happiness is impossible without the perfect career."
FACT: Career can be a major source of satisfaction in life, but it is not everything. Sometimes a job simply earns money so that other time can be spent on the things that really make you happy.

MYTH: "There is a test or an expert that can tell me what to do with the rest of my life."
FACT: Only you know what's best for yourself. There are people and resources you can use for support, but in the end you make your own decisions.

Career advisors can help you clarify information about your interests, skills, personality, or decision-making patterns. Based on your individual situation, the advisor may suggest an assessment to help with this. But no test or expert knows you better than you do.

MYTH: "I won't be qualified to do anything with a liberal arts degree."
FACT: You will be more qualified than most: the skills you develop in a liberal arts curriculum—communication, human interaction, analysis, and flexibility—are those most desired by employers.

MYTH: "I just need a little more information before I can make a decision."
FACT: Although it's important to make a well-informed decision, sometimes people are paralyzed because they think that no matter how much information they have gathered, it's not enough. They indefinitely put off making a decision. Don't let this happen to you. Collect enough information about your major or career choice. But realize that even after you make a decision, you will still be able to collect more information and evaluate whether it was the right one.