Students frequently come through my office door who are not in "best fit" majors. Most of them have made their decisions based on what family, friends, or society has dictated to them as the most lucrative careers. Those of us in the advising profession have an obligation to be sure that our students are pursuing their "best fit" major as well as getting them out of majors which are obviously unsuitable for them.
First, we should ask students a series of questions such as :
How did your interest in this major begin?
What experience/exploration have you completed?
Are you enjoying these courses?
Are the challenges of the work reasonable?
Can you see yourself doing this work? (Is it a romanticized notion?)
Second, where did this idea come from:
* Suggestion of family or friends
* Social/cultural influences
* Recommendation of a teacher or mentor
* Desire for money, power, prestige, success
* Career exploration, career advisor/counselor
Third, discuss why the current path may not be a good fit:
* Academic ability
* Personality/interpersonal skills
* Motivation or lack thereof
* Ability to do the work required in the career
Approaches to advising out of a major:
1. Practical
Refer to Career Services
Assign "homework"
Timeline/contract for change
Money talks (spending money on courses leading nowhere)
Side by side comparison
Help students talk to their parents
Give "permission" to move on
2. Developmental
What else have you explored and or ruled out? Why?
Value of happiness vs success, prestige
In this area, you will have to____________, can you do that?
If you could do anything except ________ what would you do?
College "To do list" and lifetime "wish list
Finally, follow through and support the change.
"Plan B" workshops and opportunities
Refer to other advisors, follow up with those colleagues
Reinforce a student's decision
Recommend counseling to address grief, loss, and change
A copy of the presentation is available
here .
