\What's your major?""
How many times a day do UW-Madison students hear this question?
""I get asked at least twice a day,"" UW-Madison junior Kat Norton said. ""It's just something that's always there, almost like a back-up conversation starter.""
It seems college students are constantly asked to define their interests and future career goals in one simple sentence. For that lucky 1 percent who come out of the womb miraculously sure about their ambition to become a doctor, teacher or marine biologist, perhaps it is that easy.For the rest, picking a major can be a daunting and often-avoided task, especially when students think future careers are decided with their choice of major.
There is no lack of advice offered to those with the conspicuously unsettling ""undecided"" mark on their transcripts.
Upperclassmen, most of whom are secure in their majors, said the decision sometimes comes one day like a lightning strike of genius. Counselors suggest taking bubble tests that are designed to tell you all about your interests and hidden strengths, but through their ambiguous and vague responses seem inevitably to bring more questions than answers. Parents have their own ideas about what their children should study-ideas with which students may or may not agree.
But employees at the university said students should focus on what they want and not worry too much about how a certain major will help them get a job.
""Employers like variety,"" said Jo Meier, assistant dean of undergraduate programs for the School of business. ""They are starting to look more at a broad liberal arts background that's more diverse.""
So where does one start? Contrary to rumors, it is not necessary to choose a major as a freshman-and it is even better to hold off on the decision.
According to Adrienne Thunder, a Cross Colleges advisor, students need to ""get their bodies in motion.""
Thunder said students should take advantage of all this campus has to offer on a variety of different levels-educationally, of course, but also personally, spiritually, athletically and socially. Thunder reasoned it is difficult to know where a student's interests lie if a student has not tried different options, and this campus offers an array of diverse activities to students. Opportunities range from intramural sports at the SERF to internships with professors to youth groups in a wide range of denominations.
""Taste some of the food on the smorgasbord,"" UW-Madison Provost Peter Spear said. ""Exploring, expanding horizons and trying different intellectual things, while at the same time clearly moving through the curriculum is important.""
Although it is important to keep in mind the requirements for graduation, one should indulge whimsies. It is impossible to tell what will catch one's fancy if one is unwilling to take classes covering a variety of different subject matters, Spear said. And, students should not worry if they do not choose to major in a subject that they want to go into post-graduation.
""At least for business, if a person wants to be an accountant, then it would be most helpful to major in accounting,"" Meier said.
""If a student wants to go into insurance, then it would be helpful to look at actuary sciences. I personally don't think it's necessary to major in business if you want to start your own business, students can gain skills elsewhere and apply them elsewhere,"" she added. ""It does help, though.""
There are also the advisors, whose job is designed specifically to direct and cater to the needs of students. So why does going to see an advisor become as dreaded (and infrequent) a chore as going to see the dentist?
Advisors can also help answer questions about the logistics of certain majors. They know about deadlines and requirements and will be frank about the likelihood (or the more probable, unlikelihood) of getting into the business school with a 2.0 grade point average. Another resource that the registrar's office hopes to make available to students by this summer is a website which will list information and requirements about all 135 majors offered by the university.
Whatever reason for putting off the visit, stop fretting. Advisors like students, and each student has an assigned advisor whose name and contact information can be accessed on My UW.
""I know who my advisor is now, but I didn't at SOAR. I only found out because I was self-motivated and knew I needed help picking out classes for last semester,"" UW-Madison freshman Tess Brandwein said. ""My advisor now is really helpful, but students have to want help because the process is kind of confusing.""
The next step after talking with an advisor and narrowing down the list to one or two possible majors is to talk to faculty members in each of these fields.
""Students should do more than just visit professors. They should work to build relationships with advisors who can help them think about their subject,"" said David Grant, a senior TA in the English Department.
Professors and teaching assistants can give an idea about what their subject involves, correct misconceptions, explain expectations, give ideas about career options and also clarify technical details, Grant said.
Advisors stressed the fact that a major does not have to decide a future career, and that students should select a major that they truly enjoy studying.
""Students have a lot of pressure but it is more important to stick to your vision and allow yourself the time and space to explore possibilities,"" Thunder said.
""Students should select majors according to what excites them,"" echoed Spear.
This could come as a relief to some and a wake-up call to others. Choosing a major solely because it will allow one to graduate on time, promises great monetary rewards, or because family members deem it fitting could lead to a miserable undergraduate career and possibly an even more miserable future career.
More important than a major are the skills one gains while at this institution.
""Good oral and written communication skills, critical thinking and creativity are the things that employers are looking for,"" Provost Spear explained.
These skills can obviously be found through any number of majors.
Another important thing for students to keep in mind once they have selected a major is that the Exploration Center (located next the Cross-Colleges Advising Center in the basement of Ingraham Hall) can help them research different careers related to their majors.
