How important is one’s choice of a major in college? Once you’re out of school and in the real world, do you neccessarily have to (or even usually) land a job that’s within/related to your field of study? What’s the percentage of people who do?
I majored in Chemistry… now working in IT Management. 
So did my cousin, and so is she. Weird. :S
Thing is, I've been "on a break" for two years-ish, because the major(s) I'm interested in aren't available at the universities I'm being urged to go to by my dad. I was thinking of maybe just going back to college and doing whatever I can instead - I'm kinda at a crossroads, very confused.
I would say it doesn't matter, but I guess it depends on what each individual wants to do. Both Mr S and I now work in jobs totally unrelated to subjects we majored in. Shame it took four years and numorous student loans to realise. Oh well.
If I tell you what education I have all of you would either laugh or think I am stupid.
I am working in IT for over ten years now but the only computer education I have is MSc in CS. All my other education (very diverse) has nothing to do with IT or computers.
When I was a student I realized that I have to study to make money so I studied something to make money & then also realized that this not what I wanted to educate myself so I studied something for myself. I have two first degrees in two different fields & then I have two Masters in two different fields. Anyway, I am using only my Post Grad education of CS with my job but only 40%.
My bread & butter comes from what I learnt from experience.
BTW, I am now doing PhD (now at hold due to heavey family responsiblities). But my purpose of doing PhD is for the sole purpose of learning and it has nothing to with my job (though it will help).
The first thing that should be drilled hard into the minds of all college freshmen is:
YOUR MAJOR DOES NOT MATTER
When my advisor told me this my sophomore year, I didn't believe him. Now, after having graduated, I believe him.
I respectfully disagree. Your major does matter, specifically if you want to change careers. It does not matter if you are looking at IT or more "soft skill" jobs such as marketing. But if you want to get into Finance, Internal Audit and other areas where there is real financial growth for a company, you have to have a business background.
It also matters if you are looking to get employed in big traditional firms cause they generally go by your degree. Now it doesnt mean a history major can not be an investment banker, however he will have a really hard time getting into the industry.
if you are unsure about your major, then I would highly recommend that you take a more general major rather then a more sepific one, so that you dont corner yourself. Even though the major may not matter, it is still somewhat important when you are looking for a job. for my money I would suggest a business related degree and some techinical skills such as a minor in CS would really really broaden your ability to work in wide range of fields.
My dad went to uni majoring in Engineering, and came out with an accounting degree.Mom went into social work ,and came out with a teaching degree.Lol God help me.
But I think a major is to help you in what you might be interested in- rather than a direct answer to what career you'll end up with.A lot of people dont make their minds up until the last two years in university.
Like hmcq said, take general degrees- but nothing wrong in doing what you think you might be interested in.
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*Originally posted by Muslim_Queen: *
My dad went to uni majoring in Engineering, and came out with an accounting degree.Mom went into social work ,and came out with a teaching degree.Lol God help me.
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In a few years: MQ went in for a degree and came out with a mrs. :D
Major does not matter???
i need more explanation on it.