Suffolk University students often have their majors and future careers on their minds. Depending on their journey, having a determined major is sometimes only temporary.

From my own experience, changing majors is always possible. It is never too late, even if you are a senior. However, depending on your course requirements, there is always the risk of not graduating on time. It is something to think about when considering your future.

College life is all about exploration, but it is also your workplace. In this network, you have all kinds of flexibility. You can eat ice cream with Program Council, pray at the Interfaith Center or connect with all your professors. I am sure you will eventually find a spark that will guide you to the future you want.

It is your responsibility to take advantage of all the resources available to you at Suffolk that can guide you on your right path. The newly renovated and branded Center for Career Equity, Development & Success has a staff that can guide you through every step of your academic career. There are programs such as the Ram Alumni Mentoring Program and job shadowing that you should sign up for to learn about the work environment of your future career.

For first-year students who might want to change their discipline or are undecided, you have to think about what your interests are and what careers you would never do in a million years. Keep in mind that you have to spend around three years learning about the core knowledge of your majors. Maybe learning something in a narrow discipline does not work for you. Perhaps you want a broader major.

By sophomore year, I had filled the change of major form twice already. I am sure I will do it once more this year. We are certainly not alone: 80% of college students will change their majors at least once, according to College Raptor.

If you feel hesitant, nervous or stressed with your decision, ask yourself, will changing your major make you happy, even just a little? If you do it for practical and realistic reasons, you can always double major or minor for your passions.

My majors are finance and information systems. Because of my love of analysis, I chose these majors with practicality in mind. Besides the high outcome prospects, I love a good business and STEM combination. 

In the past, I was majoring in global business. I felt the major was too broad for me and I had to use a few of my credits. I decided to change majors so I would not waste my time and resources. The key is to determine your top priorities. For the rest, you should gradually compromise.

The number one key to choosing the right major is knowing yourself. When you try to achieve that, everything will become more evident. Even if your major does not define you in life, you will at least get what you paid for––a degree.