Last fall I wrote a blog called “Reach for the Stars” about choosing a major and a parent’s role in deciding one for their child. I argued that college students should be able to choose a major based on passion rather then salary. However, over the winter break I came to understand and empathize with the other side of the argument thanks to my brother. He is a chemical engineer who graduated from the University of Rochester, and has been working on oil rigs for the past year. I discussed with him the fact that I have been having a difficult time deciding on a major. He told me that he has seen many of his friends go through college to find both success and failure based on what they have studied. With all of his wisdom, he decided to make a powerpoint presentation for me to help me decide on a major.
In the presentation, my brother used a metaphor that helped me to understand the importance of a major. He said that the college you choose is like the bow of a bow and arrow. You cannot shoot very well without a good bow (and SMU is a very nice bow). Now, many people choose an excellent bow, but they shoot their arrow straight into the ground in front of their feet by choosing a bad major. Yet others are able to shoot far into the distance with that very same bow. He continued to make several good points.
Firstly, he made the point that not all professions require a college education (although we are often told that they do). For example, one of his friends invested in a pizza parlor right out of high school and is now making a six figure salary. Yet another one of his friends got a masters in English, couldn’t find a job, and is not back at school trying to get a Law degree. Thus, I need to choose a major that can get me a decent job, and some majors are better than others.
Which leads me to his second point, some majors are indeed better than others in the eyes of an employer. He told me that one of the best majors you can have coming out of college in an Engineering degree. This is not necessarily to become an engineer, but to train your mind to think like an engineer. Similar to a law degree, it is challenging and requires your mind to think in new and analytical ways. It sets you apart from other slacker students who weren’t willing to put the study time in. It shows the employer that you’re determined. If you don’t believe me read the article by Forbes.
Third and finally, major in something difficult and minor in something you love. This way you can challenge yourself and still enjoy your education.
My brother told me that since I probably won’t go for an engineering degree, I should look to Cox Business School because of it’s great reputation. He steered me towards either Finance or Accounting for their wide uses and tough curriculum. I agreed that Finance was probably the best fit for me because I could still apply that to many different job fields. Especially considering I still don’t have a great idea of what I want to do with my life, which I’m sure many of you can empathize with!
While I may not be getting an education for the sake of an education, I will still be getting an education. I seem to be able to sympathize with my parents about choosing a major more easily due to these tough economic times. If they are willing to fork over thousands of dollars for me to get an education, I owe it to them to make the most of it. If that means not becoming a starving artist, I think I’m okay with that.
2 comments:
I think this is a very important and relevant post to all us first-years. I must admit, I went through this exact dilemma when I was picking a school to attend. I had three schools lined up as serious possibilities, but I couldn't make up my mind. My Dad then asked me what I want to major in, and told me to choose based on that. That was another battle altogether, since I was clueless about that as well. My Dad continued by telling me about an article he read describing the top paying majors. He said that I should just pick one of those as a fall back. One major was accounting, so I chose that and went with SMU. I think I am going to take Thyrston's brother's advice and minor in something a little more interesting to me.
The change in the economy has brought some changes in people's thinking about choosing a major. I was interested to see how you are using your blog to think through this important issue. Parents, if they are paying, deserve some say in what their money is going towards, but obviously so does the child whose happiness in the long term has to matter too. So this is a subject for negotiation and discussion. But the economy also reminds us that everyone has to be even more grateful than before for the opportunity of an SMU education, and make the most of it while they are here.
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