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Generally study

Seven is my unlucky number. I’m not the only one; “seven” has been historically attributed to unfavorable occurrences: the seven deadly sins, the seven seas have claimed many sailors’ lives, and who could forget the seven stranded castaways on “Gilligan’s Island”?
For me, the number seven represents the number of times I’ve switched my major in college. I have changed majors so frequently, I’m starting to wonder if the university ever processes my paperwork…or just keeps it tacked to the wall until I come in and change it again. My story is an exaggerated example of many a college student’s plight, the struggle of selecting the appropriate major for a successful career after college.
I have settled on a general-studies (liberal-arts) bachelor’s degree. I chose this major because it allows me an education in many different fields. I’ve learned that it is more important for me to pursue my life goals now than to try and select a life career because I want to try so many different things: travel, write books, be a commercial fisherman, fight fires, save lives, volunteer in a foreign country. I will show you that you can be successful, regardless of your specific degree. Just don’t be afraid to try new things or to study many different subjects as long as it works towards the main goal: learning new stuff. Those who forget that goal run the risk of being too single-minded.
I know a guy who has wanted to be a civil engineer since he could utter “poured-concrete-flood-control-hydroelectric-dam.” He is a genius in his area of expertise—but he is helpless in a lot of other areas. This guy has no life. This guy lives, breathes, eats and recycles civil engineering. I’m really glad we have civil engineers. I enjoy feeling safe on bridges and such. But this guy needs to realize his world will not come to a screeching halt if he tries to learn something outside his major.
A general understanding of basic concepts goes a long way in the real world. Lots of people have expertise in areas to which they have no current connections. Brad Pitt, after all, went to journalism school. But he’s been successful because he had sources of other knowledge outside his major. Having knowledge and expertise that is diversified can create future options you may never have realized when selecting your college major. Not knowing the specifics of the future is somewhat scary, but it also holds opportunity for great success.
When entering a new college or career, understand that the commitment to that institution is what you make of it. You can always change majors, change schools, change jobs or change yourself. When in doubt, go for the middle of the road, try a little bit of everything, and take it from there. A little bit of general information can go a long way…like knowing a bunch of things that have to do with the number seven.

Can’t stand candy-coated advice? Matt Hammond is here to help! He’ll give you the real deal when it comes to college, careers and life. E-mail your questions to [email protected]

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