At UNC Greensboro, they're called "Exploratory Studies" and at NC State it's called "First Year College." It seems that everyone is drifting away from using the term "undecided" even if it's not a bad way to start off! Some of the best advice I ever got was sitting in orientation - the speaker was talking and she said asked who was undecided. After we raised our hands, some of the others cheering, she praised us for already knowing that we had no clue what to major in! She said that many people don't know what they want to major in, they just choose something, but we're already one step ahead of the curve by acknowledging that we don't know what our major will be quite yet. That's stuck with me, and I'm a junior now! Looking back, I'm really glad that I was in "Exploratory Studies" as I started college. These are some things that I want every undecided student to know:
1. It's OK to be undecided!
If you haven't gotten that message already, let me say it again: It's perfectly okay to be undecided. When you start college, you're right around 18 years old - it's hard to make a lifelong decision at 18! I'm 20 and I still am having trouble making decisons about what to eat. Being undecided gives you plenty of opportunities to actually find something you like and start from the beginning, as opposed to studying one thing only to realize you've been in the wrong field the entire time. (If you're in that boat, check out my fellow UNCG creator's article here!)
2. It's OK to try several different major classes
Being undecided gives you a unique opportunity in that you can seemingly 'shop' for a major. Are you interested in communications? Take a communications class! Tourism strike your fancy? Check into the hospitality department! Looking into the medical field? Try anatomy or biology! We all have general education requirements, so why don't we satisfy them by doing something we're interested in? It gives you the chance to find potential majors and try them out!
3. Look at what you're interested in and follow that
Everyone is passionate about something, you just have to look closely to see what that is. If you like to write, look at English. If you're interested in drawing or animation, maybe art is the major you've been looking for. Do you enjoy upcycling clothes? In your spare time, are you reading or designing floor plans for a house? If you find you've got a strong interest in something, see if your university offers something that fits along those lines. You might be surprised at your options.
4. Go to events and clubs that interest you!
Just like you can shop for majors via classes, you can also attend events that pertain to that major. If you're interested in international studies, go to one of the international festivals they hold on campus! Often, you can find someone there that holds that major or is seeking to share information about it and they'll happily talk about it! The same goes for clubs - if you're interested in improv, theater may be something to consider. If you find yourself volunteering for psychology experiments, maybe consider joining them as the testers. Clubs and events are a good way to see interest.
5. Don't be afraid to talk to faculty
I tell people this all the time. If you're curious about a major, don't be afraid to reach out to a department head via email and ask them questions. They are working in the field you're considering, they're typically doing research in it, and they can't wait to brag on the major. Plus, they have the ability to look at your current degree plan and help you if you're strongly considering the major.
6. Take advantage of all your resources
Beyond faculty, undecided students have plenty of resources available to them. At UNCG, the Students First Office is not only where we do advising, but it's a great place to ask questions and start figuring out majors you're interested in pursuing. They're well connected and pretty knowledgable so they are willing to help find answers at all costs. Plus, they're going to know where your online resources are to explore in your free time. I always enjoyed looking at the undergraduate bulletin at all the different majors and then reading about them.
7. Don't worry about what you can do with the major after school
This is something else that I'm often telling others. Don't pursue a major because it's post undergraduate jobs pay well - then you'll be miserable while you're working and that's not worth your time. Pursue a major because it's something you can see yourself getting out of bed for every day. Some people are passionate about working with computers, some people are passionate about people. Some get up for students, others get up for patients, others for clients. If it's something you're interested in and enjoy doing, it's worth doing.
