Supporting Your Student with a “Major” Decision
As your student navigates their higher education journey, they may encounter moments of uncertainty, especially when it comes to choosing or changing their major. As parents and guardians, understanding these challenges—and knowing how to offer support—can make a big difference during this time of transition.
Helping First-Year Students Select a Major
The first year of college is a time of exploration and growth for students as they begin making choices that will shape their academic and career journeys. For many students, choosing a major and career path can feel overwhelming. It’s common for students to change their minds multiple times as they gather more information, experience new ideas, and learn more about themselves.
The process of selecting a major and career path isn’t always linear; students often start with one idea only to discover new interests and strengths along the way. Encouraging your student to embrace this exploration, rather than pressuring them to “have it all figured out,” can empower them to make choices that are truly right for them. You can help by actively listening, asking open-ended questions, and reminding them that career paths are rarely straightforward, often evolving with time and experience.
St. John Fisher University offers a range of tools to help students with this exploration. One valuable resource is the “Major Choices” class, offered during the spring semester. This course provides structured guidance and helps students explore potential majors and career fields, giving them confidence in making informed choices.
Encourage your student to take advantage of these resources early on and remind them that it’s normal to change direction or revisit choices along the way. By providing them with support and reminding them to use the resources at their fingertips, you’ll help them build a foundation for a fulfilling career path tailored to their unique strengths and passions.
Helping a Student Change Majors
Changing majors can stir up a range of emotions, including doubt, fear, and excitement. Here are some tips to help you engage in discussions and offer support to your student as they contemplate changing their major:
Open Lines of Communication: Encourage open and honest conversations with your student about their academics, interests, strengths, and concerns. Let them know that you are there to listen without judgment and that their well-being is your top priority.
Validate Their Feelings: Reassure your student that it is normal to feel uncertain about their academic path. Remind them that exploring different options is part of the learning process.
Explore the Why: Encourage your student to reflect on why they want to change their major. Are they passionate about a different field of study? Do they feel unfulfilled or challenged in their current courses? It is okay to not have the answers, they call it a career path for a reason.
Manage Expectations: Remind your student that changing majors is a common and natural part of the college experience. Encourage them to engage in self-reflection and self-assessment to better understand their strengths, values, and aspirations.
Offer Unconditional Support: Above all, let your student know that you support them unconditionally, regardless of their academic decisions. They do not disappoint you and need reassurance that at the end of the day you want them to be happy.
By implementing these strategies, you can help your student navigate the process of changing majors and pursue a career path with confidence and resilience.
Career Exploration Resources for All
Whether your student is in their first-year or nearing graduation, Career Services offers a number of resources to help students explore potential career paths and build relevant skills.
LinkedIn Learning: Accessible (for free!) from the Fisher Launchpad via mySJF, LinkedIn Learning provides a vast library of courses covering everything from industry-specific skills to soft skills essential for career success. Learning from these modules allows students to build competencies and test out different career interests in a practical, accessible way.
What Can I Do With This Major?: This is a valuable tool on the Career Services site via mySJF for exploring the connections between different majors and possible career fields, offering insights into job options, typical employers, and strategies to enhance employability.
Focus2 Career: This platform assists with career assessments to align your student’s interests, values, and skills with various career options, supporting informed decision-making about their future.
Together, these resources, along with additional tools available on the Career Services mySJF intranet page, can assist students to navigate their career journey with confidence. Career Services is always here to help! Encourage your student to schedule an appointment via Handshake or email ccap@sjf.edu.