As an Orientation Leader, I usually find it comical when a new student comes up to me worried about not having a major. I do sympathize with them because I remember as an incoming freshman that having a declared major by the time I came to college being a big deal. However, in my few years that I have been in school I look back and see that this would not have been a problem for me at all. The first two years of college, everybody is for the most part taking core classes, so you are on a level playing field. Granted, there are those few introductory classes in certain schools or colleges that are usually taken your freshmen year, but you will not be far behind, if at all, if you decide on a major later in college. Just on a personal note, I came into Auburn declaring Civil Engineering as my major and took those introductory engineering classes my freshmen year. During the spring of my second year, I decided that I wanted to swap to Finance. Since I already had a good bit of hours behind me, the College of Business did not require that I go back and take the introductory business course.
If a student was having problem choosing a major or stressing because they did not have a clue what they want to do, I would tell them to not be worried at all. Auburn University has counselors that are with Career Development Services that help students figure out a major by the student’s interests. If they are worried that they won’t get out in four years, if they change their major, then I can also put them at ease. I have friends who have changed as much as four times and are still getting out in four years. My last piece of advice to a student who does not have a major is get involved. It is through my involvement of Interfraternity Council Treasurer that I found that I wanted to get into Finance. Also, by being involved in various organizations at Auburn, I have figured out that I wanted to make my extracurricular activities a career and plan on developing a career in higher education.
So for those of you, who don’t have a major, don’t stress! You are actually in a very exciting place because you get to explore all of the great options that Auburn has to offer. Just be very direct in figuring out what you want your life plan to be and enjoy the college experience to the fullest!