When you are trying to answer those big questions in life, you can run across many misconceptions as to how permanent those answers can be.
As was stated in the quote on the previous page, just about everything changes. Relax. You may not need to worry so much about making the supposedly wrong decision. In fact, everything that you do (even choosing an ill-fitting major) can be a learning experience and could even be applied to many of the things that you do in the future.
Your major is simply the stepping stone that’ll lead you into a job or career that really excites you. Below are a few common myths that people run into in their major search.
| Myth |
Truth |
| major = job = career |
About half of all college graduates change their career plans after college. |
| Students who are undecided are less mature than those who declare a major before arriving on campus. |
Not declaring a major until you’ve thoughtfully decided can be a mark of maturity. Thirty to fifty percent of students change their majors at least once before graduation. |
| People should have one job for a lifetime. |
Most people entering the job market today will have four to five careers over their lifetime, with more actual positions. |
| There is a single right career for everyone. |
As people mature and have new life experiences, interests and opportunities often lead people into new careers. |
| The job market is shrinking. |
There are actually more jobs out there than ever. (source: America’s Top Jobs for College Graduates) |
| Everybody can answer the question: “What’s your major?” |
About 40 percent of students applying to IUP are undecided; about 10 percent of entering freshman are undecided when they arrive on campus. |
