Whether or not you’re declaring your major this year, it’s smart to think ahead!
We connected with 9 students for their tips and stories on choosing their majors. This way, you can have a clearer idea of what you’d like to pursue (and some reassurance if you're feeling unsure and still deciding).
Click on a student story by faculty or school—or browse them all:
Applied Science—Engineering Physics
Applied Science—School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA)
Note: This post was originally published in March 2020.
Emma NgEnvironmental Design, School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA), Faculty of Applied Science |
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Emma was featured in our one of our previous posts, and had spoken about her switch from Science to Forestry. Now she’s in SALA—and here’s her update: Story: Initially I switched out of Science because I just felt very out of place: I didn’t enjoy the classes I was in and didn’t see myself enjoying them in the future. I transferred into Natural Resource Conservation, which felt like a good fit and aligned with my interests at the time. After one and a half years in Natural Resource Conservation, I transferred to the Environmental Design program at SALA. I transferred because I was always doing lots of creative side projects alongside my studies, and felt that the Environmental Design program might be a compromise between my creative and scientific interests. Environmental Design is a program that’s very interdisciplinary, and I enjoy it immensely; there’s a surprising cross-over between my previous and current program. It’s also so nice to be in a program with like-minded individuals—I’ve rarely experienced that before. I will always hold an interest in my previous studies though, and am looking for a way to continue to pursue those studies moving forward—which may mean a second degree after I graduate. Any pressure when you made the choice? Throughout my university career I’ve felt a lot of pressure to just settle and choose a degree, so yes, there was definitely pressure when I made the switch. To this day, people I haven’t seen in a while will ask, “What degree are you in again? Are you sure this time?” It’s a difficult position to be in when you don’t have a strong sense of who you are and where exactly you want to go, but I think it's all a part of life, especially at such a young age. Top tip: There’s no wrong answer. At the end of the day, there’ll be opportunities wherever you choose to be. Also, know there are always people like me who’ve been in 3 faculties and applied to countless others! |
Meg KuangMarketing, Sauder School of Business |
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Meg was featured in a previous post and had switched from Accounting to Marketing. Here’s her update: Story: Originally, I’d chosen Accounting because I was good at it in high school and at Sauder, Accounting has a lot of prestige surrounding it. It felt like a very big deal to get into Accounting and get your CPA, because that would mean your life was basically set up: you’d have a good income, a stable job; you’d be working for a big company. At first, I felt that I had made the right choice. My path in Accounting was as good as I could have possibly imagined. However, I felt like I was happy only for a short period of time—that happiness only came from validation that I was on a path to success. It quickly fell when I realized that Accounting wasn’t what I was passionate about; I felt burned out. I realized I was missing the spark that I felt when I was doing work I really enjoyed: helping people, and working in exciting, dynamic environments where things are always changing, where I need to come up with creative ways to solve problems. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to get that sense of fulfillment in Accounting. After some self-reflection, talking to a lot of people, and taking the time to journal, I decided Marketing was the specialization that would make me happiest—so I took the plunge and made the switch! Any pressure when you made the choice? I was definitely scared. By making the switch, I was taking a risk and ridding the job stability I’d worked hard to gain. Some people also asked me why I planned on switching; I was already going to be working at a "Big 4" accounting firm. My parents were concerned: What if I couldn’t find a job in marketing, what if I delayed my graduation? But it felt amazing when I did make the switch; all of a sudden I was surrounded by people I could relate a lot more to. We shared similar passions and goals; all the classes I was taking played on a different set of my strengths—and it was a set that I really loved to use. Now I’m actually doing my first marketing internship at SAP. I’m extremely proud of myself; in hindsight, I’m so happy I took the risk! Top tip: Choose your major based on something you love instead of fear. If you make decisions out of fear—which often happens when you act on other people’s expectations, you’re less likely to feel fulfilled in what you’re doing. Do your research and try to talk to as many people as possible—like mentors in your field and other fields, your peers, and your friends in an environment where you don’t feel pressured. Most importantly, make time for self-reflection. What do you see yourself doing 20 or 30 years down the road? Think about what will make you happy and set yourself up for that. |
Kimia HosseiniChemistry Honours, Faculty of Science |
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Story: I knew during high school that I was going to do Chemistry, because I had a really good teacher back in grade 8. He was 72 years old, but he was teaching Chemistry with such energy and passion; he had so many heart attacks during class. I also did Chemistry Olympiad competitions, so I knew more than just basic chemistry. That’s how I knew I actually liked chem. Any pressure when you made the choice? Sometimes my mom’s friends and family tell her that there’s no future in Chemistry. She just really trusts me, I guess. I really don’t like the industry-related jobs in Chemistry, which is kind of scary. I want to do research—and teaching seems interesting, too! I know it’s really hard to get those kinds of positions, though. Top tip: Go in more depth about the things that you think you're interested in. Try to think of the things that you like; don’t base your decision solely on first-year courses. First-year Chem doesn't represent what chemistry is like later on! If you’re feeling unsure—and that’s okay!—getting in touch with your advisors, instructors, and friends can help you get more perspective. Choosing what to specialize in can feel like a big deal, but you don’t have to face this decision alone.Looking for more stories on choosing your major? See our posts from 2018 and 2019 for more student tips! |