“How do I make such an important decision about my life as a teenager?”
“Will I fit into the major that I have chosen?”
“I don’t know what I want to do with my life.”
“Will my degree help me find a good job?”
We have all, at some point in our lives, had these questions and thoughts go through our mind. Applying to university can be scary. Most first-year students are anxious about what the university experience might have in store for them.
But it is perfectly normal!
While deciding the major you want to pursue, you should ask yourself, “What is it that makes me happy and makes me feel satisfied?” Is it working with people? Working with your hands? Leading a team? Helping the sick? Managing money? Sarah Khan, a Student Success and Academic Advisor, said that the best advice that she had received was that one should study what one experiences. In order to be satisfied with your major, you should look inside yourself and find what fulfills you, and then make a decision.
Before choosing your major, try looking for job postings of careers you would like to pursue and see what education and experience they require. You can also attend events organized by universities and ask questions you might have about different types of degrees, course requirements, and job prospects. Talking to upper-year university students, professors, and advisors can also help as they can share their experiences, perspectives and insights and explain how they got to where they are now. Networking with alumni and current students through LinkedIn is also a great option to explore.
If you feel that you are not comfortable with the major that you have chosen, don’t worry! First of all, congratulate yourself on understanding your likes and dislikes. Next, speak with your academic advisor to see which programs might be a better fit and how your credits can be applied to a different major. Do not limit yourself to certain areas of academia, go out and seek new avenues that align with your goals and values.
We all know that the end goal of pursuing any degree is to get a good job that matches one’s long-term goals. In addition to in-class learning, York organizes many workshops, career fairs, and networking events, which allow the students to improve their professional network and helps them learn from industry professionals. York gives you a well-rounded experience that can translate into soft skills like teamwork, leadership, and communication which is essential in today’s job market.
The greatest mood killer for anyone is boredom and monotony. To avoid this, make sure to take a variety of courses that interest you. If you are taking three major courses a semester, add one or two electives. Mix up electives that will help you understand your major and will take you out of your comfort zone. You never know what pleasant surprises a course holds for you!
Outside of the classroom, participate in student clubs, intramurals, or even run for an executive position in a student club. Go on an off-campus trip organized by York and explore the world with your fellow Lions. Being a finance student, one of my best decisions was to join the Schulich Toastmasters club. Not only did it help me network with fellow students, it helped me make friends and improve my public speaking skills.
If you ever feel stressed or feel that you are not doing well in a course or over a semester, your first stop should always be your academic advisor. It is extremely challenging being a young adult trying to navigate the university experience. Academic Advisors can direct you to the best support services available on campus and can help you get back on track. Academic Advisors can also direct you to resources that may be uncomfortable for you to seek on your own like Mental Health Support, the Food Bank, and other resources.
Do not hesitate to seek help from an academic advisor, they are always happy and willing to assist you.
Your life at York is meant to be an enriching experience, filled with intellectual, social, and professional development. Do not hold back, take advantage of everything that York offers. Make sure you graduate with good memories, good lessons, and no regrets.