Does My College Major Matter?

The quick answer is, “it depends.” If you plan to be a Nurse or an Engineer, your program likely offers hands-on experience or projects which develop skills that are essential for success in your field. In these and similar professions, your college major does matter. Arguably, in many other careers it does not.

All undergraduate degrees encourage development of skills that employers find valuable. Some of these include critical thinking, analyzing data, and synthesizing information and ideas. If you studied social sciences or humanities, think back to the research papers you wrote to find examples of these skills in action. If you studied a science, consider your lab projects. If you studied music or art, your highly developed listening or visual skills helped you think, analyze, and synthesize.

Any college experience requires planning and scheduling work, meeting deadlines, and managing multiple priorities. Whether you worked ahead of schedule or pulled an all-nighter to turn an assignment in on time, these self-management skills will apply to any career.

You were also likely to have participated in a group project, or maybe you joined a club or team sport. Most workplaces rely on teams to get work done. The relationship building, conflict management and problem-solving skills you enhanced or developed will serve you as you enter the workforce.

Some college graduates have leadership experience. Were you the captain of a team, did you lead a research project, did you mentor or tutor other students? Were you part of student government, or did you spend a year as a Resident Assistant? All of these and related experiences demonstrate leadership skills. Many employers evaluate candidates for longer term potential in addition to their fit for current openings, and your leadership skills will be an area of interest.

Returning to the question, “does my college major matter?” Perhaps the more important question is, “are you able to communicate your skills and experience in a way that helps employers see your value – regardless of your choice of college major?”