As a PhD candidate, I have some ‘unorthodox’ insights to share about the college experience.
Anxiety has reached unprecedented levels among college students, making it the primary reason they seek counseling. If your child is returning home for spring break, it’s wise to steer clear of stressful questions like “Have you decided on your major?” or “What’s your plan after graduation?” As an adjunct professor and a current PhD student, I’ve witnessed firsthand how these inquiries can heighten student anxiety. Reflecting on my own undergraduate days nearly twenty years ago, I remember grappling with the fear of making the wrong choice. I envied my peers in nursing, engineering, and accounting, who seemed to have clearer career trajectories. As a liberal arts major, I felt the pressure to carve out my own path, which was far more intimidating than studying chemistry.
Conventional advice to “follow your passion” often felt unhelpful, even irritating. With so many interests, it was challenging to see how they aligned with a major or how they could translate into a job that paid the bills. Would I still feel passionate about these pursuits if they became my full-time job? Therefore, I recommend that most college students focus on simply obtaining a degree. While college can significantly impact one’s future, the pressure to choose the “perfect” major can lead to unnecessary stress.
The Importance of Declaring a Major Early
Declaring a major early can bolster a student’s mental resilience and academic focus, help manage tuition costs, and ensure they graduate on time. On average, students switch majors three times during their college career, leading to delays and additional expenses. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, only 60% of students complete their bachelor’s degree at the same institution they started at six years prior. The financial burden is substantial, with public university tuition averaging $17,237 or $44,551 at private institutions for the 2016-17 academic year.
As our children grow, their interests evolve, and they often want to explore new career paths. Choosing a major doesn’t lock them into a lifelong commitment. For instance, a 2019 Bureau of Labor Statistics report noted that the average late baby boomer held around 12.3 jobs between 18 and 52. Moreover, a 2013 CareerBuilder survey revealed that 47% of graduates found their first jobs unrelated to their major, and 32% never worked in their field of study. The 2010 Census indicated that only 27.3% of college graduates were employed in roles related to their degree.
The Value of a College Education
Some may question the value of a college education, but it serves as a means to gain independence, enhance communication skills, and cultivate critical thinking. Employers consistently seek candidates with diverse knowledge and adaptable skills, which a liberal arts degree can provide. Just as you can’t guarantee lifelong happiness for your child, a specific degree program won’t ensure long-term satisfaction either. If your child can handle their chosen major’s demands, is budget-conscious, considering graduate school, or not making a drastic field shift (like from history to biology), encouraging them to select a major that interests them without overthinking it could be the best approach.
The job market is constantly evolving, and there are ample opportunities available for liberal arts graduates. Ultimately, selecting a major should ideally lead to a timely graduation, which allows for entry into the workforce. One degree can lead to various jobs, and the relationships built over a career are what truly contribute to health and happiness. So, if it brings some comfort this spring break, remember that a child’s major often holds less weight than one might think. The key takeaway? Encourage them to focus on completing their degree.
Further Reading
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In summary, while the journey through college can be anxiety-inducing, focusing on obtaining a degree rather than stressing over a specific major can lead to a more fulfilling experience.
Keyphrase: “college advice for PhD students”
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