“What do you wanna be when you grow up?”
“What’s your major?”
“Oh, you’re undecided? Have you decided?”
“You’re an Art major? So you’re going to be a teacher, right?”
I pushed myself all of high school because I was told that high school grades were important to get into a good university, and a good university means getting a good job, and now getting into the right major is what will determine my success.
As an international student, living half the world away from home, I am constantly reminded that I’m here for a reason: To get a degree. But what degree am I supposed to get? Apparently picking a major has its own politics. Everyone tells me that Bus Econ is a good major, but Poli Sci apparently isn’t; not to go into Communications, but go into Sociology, etc. The constant bombardment of what’s right and wrong or safe and risky can really make a person go crazy.
I came in as an Art Major. The reaction I get when introducing that about myself varies on a spectrum between “Good luck getting a job.” Or “OMG that’s so cool! You have to paint me… naked…JK.” (Really?)
After taking a few classes though, I realized that I wanted to switch into DESMA (Design Media Arts), which, even though it is in the same college of Arts & Architecture, it is a TOTALLY different major. Making this decision was NOT easy at all. Below I’m going to share my thought process and steps I took to make the decision to switch/ pick a major.
- Why did I go into (my major) in the first place?
First, I had to ask myself “Why did I go into art in the first place?”
Well, in high school I was told that I was so good at art and that it just had to be my career path, so I figured it was an easy decision. I saw all my friends struggle to find what it is they wanted to pursue and I was given this talent for art, so I’d obviously be wasting it if I didn’t pursue it, right?
I also didn’t know what the DESMA program was, so I just didn’t apply to it because I was scared I wasn’t good enough.
Advice: Take some time to reflect on why you chose your declared major. Was it because you were told this would be the “practical” major or was it more for a true interest?
- Don’t be too influenced by statistics and rankings
Did you know that UCLA is ranked number 4 in fine arts?! Oh that means I have to stay in it. What?! The acceptance rate is less than 10%, OK. OK. Why am I even considering this?
Advice: Don’t get intimidated by rankings and probability of entering the major.
- Wait. Be Patient.
I gave it an extra quarter, I figured Hey, maybe if I wait, it’ll grow on me.
Nope. Nothing really grew. I get that I have to take classes that are boring at first and all the pre-req’s blah blah… but still, I just wasn’t feeling it.
Advice: Take time to think through your decision, but do not ignore your thoughts and feelings.
- Google it?
“What majors get the best jobs?”
“What is the best major to take?”
“Will I be rich if I do art?”
“Am I going to live on the street in 5 years?”
“What if I just don’t take a major?
“Is there such thing as getting a B.U. (Bachelors of University)?
Admit it…you’ve all done it.
Advice: If you research your major of interest and career field it can answer a lot of those itching questions. But again.. don’t be too swayed by numbers and google can also be a black hole so do not despair!
- I guess I have to talk to some people
First, I spoke to my counselor about what she thought I should do. And, of course, no one actually tells you what to do. But it was good feedback, nonetheless. She explained that I had to consider what profession I’m interested in now, and that choosing a major doesn’t mean you’ll be working in that major.
WAIT WHAT?! SERIOUSLY? I don’t have to work in whatever I major in?
Apparently not everyone really ends up working in what they major in…This may have been the best news to hear. She told me that a Dance major went to medical school in the last few years. Mind blowing I know!
I also started talking to people in majors I was thinking of. I asked a few second and third year students in Global Studies or Psychology to tell me what kind of classes they were taking. It really gave me a good taste of whether I would enjoy those classes or not.
Then, I spoke to some professors. I literally opened up the schedule of classes of different departments through My.UCLA and just looked for who was teaching what, emailed them, set an appointment, and just talked to them. They actually LOVE to talk about their area of expertise. They told me about their experiences and what made them go into whatever discipline they teach. It was eye-opening, honestly. I realized that there were so many majors that I respected and appreciated, but just wouldn’t be able to do.
Advice: Speak to your counselors, professors, classmates about the major(s) you’re interested in to get first-hand information on what they like and don’t like.
- I’m going to take some classes, for fun… yup, that’s right, FOR FUN
Don’t’ forget you have the Pass/No Pass option for your classes. IT’S THERE FOR A REASON! It’s not there to look pretty and just chill; it’s there for you to click it. It doesn’t make you a bad person, it doesn’t mean you’re any less intelligent; it just gives you a little more freedom to explore some subjects you wouldn’t otherwise take.
I took two classes Pass/No Pass in my Spring and Fall of Freshman and Sophomore year; Italian 1 and LS 15. I wanted to just try out a new language and just see what biology was all about. It’s experimenting and it’s OK.
The option really gave me freedom to explore potential interests and broaden my vision on the options I have.
Advice: Explore the Pass/No Pass option by taking classes you are interested in without feeling too much pressure to perform.
- Asking myself “Should I double major?”
I thought that maybe I could just stick to art and then major in something else that’ll “Get me a job.” But then I realized I would be doing that for the wrong reasons. It was just a safety method, and I don’t just want to live my life “safely.”
Advice: Decide if you want to double or switch majors; both can be options but you do need to choose to move forward.
- Getting talked out of it
Obviously, it seemed that everyone I spoke to knew the exact answer to my problems.
“Just stick with Art. You know how many people don’t get in?”
“Don’t risk it.”
“I think you’ll learn to love it.”
All of that may be true, but at the end of the day it’s my life; I want to enjoy it for every moment. I want to take classes I like and challenge myself in new ways, and that’s OK. I also love art; it’s my passion, but that doesn’t mean I can’t pursue something else I’d like to learn.
Advice: Listen to your own inner voice; it usually has the answer you have always been looking for. Learn to ignore other voices because they may not know what is best for your life.
- Consider the consequences
Switching majors means switching requirements, which could mean that some of the classes you already took won’t count for the new major. Although there are alternatives, it’s sometimes difficult to go entirely into a different college so consider the following:
Can I take summer classes?
Can I take an extra quarter?
Would I be able to balance some extra classes each quarter?
Advice: Understand that the initial change may not be easy and it may require extra time and work. Also, remember you still need to graduate on time so do not forget your university requirements.
- Damn. I have to apply all over again?
Some majors have supplementary requirements that you have to do. So I had to make time to make an entirely new Design portfolio to use that to apply for the major. However, I think it’s worth it.
Advice: You need to decide if you are willing to put in the extra effort because some major requirements may not transfer. Be prepared to do more if need be.
- But seriously, will I get a job?
The truth is: A university degree does not equate to you finding a job; neither does a major. To get the job, you need to look for it. You need to find it. Then, you need to rock at it.
I know people who graduated with Physics, Psychology, Biology, DESMA, and even Engineering, who are sitting at home unemployed.
Jobs will not find you; you find them. And if you pursue something you love you will find that job no matter what, DON’T WORRY!
Just study what you love ❤
Written by FYE Student Editor: Deena Mostafa
uclafirstyearexperience.wordpress.com 