There's a lot of talk about the 'best' majors, but I'm curious about the other side. What factors should I look into that might make a major less desirable? Just want to make sure I'm considering all angles when picking.
Understanding the full picture when choosing a major is certainly a wise approach. When considering less desirable factors, you should look at job market saturation for graduates in that field, which could mean more competition and fewer job opportunities post-graduation. Also, consider the earning potential associated with the major, though remember that it's not the only indicator of a major's value.
Another factor could be the rate of change in the industry; if a field is rapidly evolving due to technology or policy changes, there might be a need for continual upskilling or retraining. It's also worth investigating the practical application of the skills learned in the major – if you're looking for direct career applicability and your chosen major is largely theoretical, this may be an issue.
Lastly, reflect on your own strengths and interests. Even if a major is highly practical and lucrative, if you're not passionate about the subject, you could end up feeling unfulfilled. An example might be a student who is attracted to a major like law or finance because of perceived job security or income, but who doesn't enjoy detail-oriented, procedural work – that student might find more satisfaction in a creative or research-intensive field.
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