As the school year draws to a close, many undergraduates will begin to think about what their major should and should not be.
Students at the University of Memphis are spoiled for choice with 155 undergraduate majors to choose from, many of which can be taken as minors as well. This array of choices does not make choosing a major any easier.
“I don’t think things have changed,†said Sandra Utt, assistant chair of the department of journalism and long-time major advisor. “Undergrads everywhere have always struggled to select a major because they don’t think long term. Whenever I ask freshmen, ‘What do you see yourself doing in five years,’ they look at me like I’m from Mars.â€
Students continue to struggle with figuring out what they want to do after college, which advisors and faculty alike understand.
“I have an idea of what I want to study, but not completely sure,†UofM freshman Patrick Sydow said. “It’s hard to select what you want to study if you don’t know what you want to do after college and that has been my issue. I could be provided with more information than what I have now, I don’t think it’s been enough.â€
Some said it is vital that students understand the importance of doing research, if they want to make the most properly informed decision.
Shakeel Manji, who works in undergraduate student services and advises business majors, said students struggle to pick majors because they do not know what classes are offered or the requirements and prerequisites needed for different majors.
“Students don’t go actively looking for information on majors, they expect to be handed the information,†Manji said. “Most students need to be more proactive in discovering their major as the final decision has to come from them as we are just there to advise and make sure they stay on track with their classes.â€
Advisors like Manji are an important source that students at the UofM have at their disposable.
“I am finding it a difficult decision right now to choose a major, but my major advisor has been really helpful providing me with some solid information on my options,†said Jeremy Taylor, a UofM freshman.
The UofM has several events that are designed to overcome the obstacle of the unknown. In the fall, there is a ‘Discover Your Major’ day, where most on-campus academic programs offer meet and greet sessions in the University Center ballroom.
Various departments, colleges and schools also have open houses where potential students can come in and meet faculty.
The UofM also offers a free online tool for students called Focus 2, which offers a variety of career planning tools including free online career assessments focusing on academic strengths, work and leisure interests, personality, values and skills.
Marta Lopez-Flohr, a career specialist with the Kemmons Wilson school of hospitality and resort management, said Focus 2 is invaluable as it is based on the Holland Code, which is a scientifically proven theory on career and professional development.
“Your undergraduate career is a time to develop your self-authorship, who you are as a person and during this time you should be exploring interests,†Lopez said.
Lopez said the struggle to pick majors is nationwide, but the choice is not necessarily about picking the right fit but more about developing competencies that are transferable to other potential careers.
“Complete your general education courses as soon as possible,†Lopez said. “Get involved either on campus or in the community because you might be exposed to someone or a company that you never even knew existed.â€
