How to survive being undecided at UCLA

“What’s your major?” is probably the first question anyone at college asks you, right after your name. It’s much talked about, especially at UCLA- whether North Campus majors are really easier or whether South Campus majors are the only ones who’ll have jobs after graduation.

Ignore the quizzes

For some of us, even picking which side of the campus we belong to is difficult. I’ve taken countless career aptitude and personality quizzes, been to info sessions, but to this day, I have no idea what I want my life to look like in ten years. (I do recommend these quizzes. They weed out a lot of options to narrow your options. Not a single quiz told me I should be a neurosurgeon and I’m betting they’re onto something).

I told myself I was “keeping my options open,” but a couple aimless quarters in college terms counts for a lot. My friends were already in numerous organizations and applying for internships specifically catering to their major while I was joining whatever looked fun.

There’s nothing wrong with taking gen ed classes

Okay. So you’re undeclared. Now what? The whole idea of general education classes are to make you well-rounded and figure out what your interests are. Now in my sophomore year, I have considered seven majors in both campuses and have actually taken classes for all of them. Granted, some were GE’s, others like psychology I spent four hours a week in a lecture hall for nothing other than some extra units, and some I just straight out dropped a week after class started. Computer science looks all high-tech-y, cue Felicity Smoak, but it is not for everyone.

When in doubt, follow the money

Most parents, including my own, will tell you to choose your major based on what’s most lucrative. Money makes the world go round, right? This is the safest option and while your family will be proud to say their child is going to be a doctor or an engineer, you might wake up every morning dreading going to work just to get that coveted paycheck.

For those of us who still don’t have it quite figured out, my suggestion would be to go with a major that’s broad enough so you can enter many fields, but one that can stand alone and help you bring home the bacon. Many people don’t love their major necessarily, but they love the path it leads to.

It doesn’t really matter if you network

If you go with the major that makes you happy and can find a balance between what’s realistic and enjoyable, you’re golden. No matter what major you choose, making the right connections and that one prestigious internship will open all the doors necessary to bring you success and happiness. Being in LA, we’re at a prime location for essentially every industry so network, network, network and don’t be afraid to get help from counselors. They’ll know just where to start looking for all those open doors.

My last piece of advice coming from someone who isn’t at all qualified to give advice is to have a back-up plan. It may sound like you’re already giving up, but it’s a hard knock life out there, and having a security blanket allows you to take more risks without the fear of failing.