4A- Forming an Opportunity Belief

Forming an Opportunity Belief

There is an unmet need for assistance in helping students find their academic passions when choosing a major. Every college student goes through the challenging identity-defining task that is choosing a major in college. One's college major is often deemed as the fate of one's professional career, or even a tool in social place to interpret a student's self-concept. Furthermore, the University of Florida released a study on the matter, claiming that "38% of UF students change their major by the end of their first year, and 61% end of their second year" (advising.ufl.edu). Obviously, UF has options and services that are meant to aid with choosing a major, but I feel as though more can be done.

Person 1

What is your major?

• "Environmental Engineering"

Do you think it's the right fit?

• "It's the only thing I'm vaguely interested in right now that's part of the engineering curriculum."

Would you feel confident in switching majors or seeking help with switching?

• "If I was really lost, I'd feel comfortable in searching for a new major."

Do you believe UF does a good job at showing support?

• "I believe that UF has many resources to be supportive towards its students and that students should be able to be comfortable to reach out if they need it."

How did you decide upon your major?

• "I knew I wanted to be some kind of engineer and I also enjoy the environment so I combined the two topics."

How have you addressed any problems pertaining to the topic?

• "Any issues I have I brush off because it doesn't feel like an immediate issue."

How satisfied are you with these solutions?

• "My solutions aren't the best, but I have too much to focus on right now."

Reflection:

This person felt that the choice of major dilemma was a problem that can be fixed over time, whilst they are busy sticking to their work. They're choosing to go with the flow, and will seek help from UF if needed.

Person 2

What is your major?

• "Finance"

Do you think it's the right fit?

• "In the beginning of the year I was very unsure of my major and was considering switching to Aerospace Engineering. But decided to stick with Finance as I was unsure of engineering as well."

Would you feel confident in switching majors or seeking help with switching?

• "If I truly believed Finance wasn't for me, I'd switch. "

Do you believe UF does a good job at showing support?

• "UF has services available, but my problem is I like too many fields of study, what about students who have no real idea of their passions?"

How did you decide upon your major?

• "In high school I looked at career, and for some reason Investment Banking stuck. Nowadays I have no idea if I want to be a banker. So my path nowadays is a mystery."

How have you addressed any problems pertaining to the topic?

• "I have spoken with an adviser before about my issues but I feel as though I'll just have to wait and see with my academic career."

How satisfied are you with these solutions?

• "I am not very satisfied with this outcome, but it's just how things work sometimes."

Reflection:

This student thought of switching but decided against it. Maybe they weren't confident in the big switch up? Nonetheless, they will seek help if necessary.

Person 3

What is your major?

• "Finance"

Do you think it's the right fit?

• "Yes, I am very happy with my current track."

Would you feel confident in switching majors or seeking help with switching?

• "If I wanted to change majors I would feel confident in doing so."

Do you believe UF does a good job at showing support?

• "Yes, I feel that UF has sufficient services for this task."

How did you decide upon your major?

• "I based my passion for business as a motive for my major, as such, I decided on Finance."

How have you addressed any problems pertaining to the topic?

• "I would go to Farrior Hall and ask to speak with an Academic Adviser to see what we could do about it."

How satisfied are you with these solutions?

• "I feel like these tactics are sufficient for dealing with problems."

Reflection:

It seems that this student thought the services provided by UF were good enough for a student in need of deciding a major. They were happy with Finance and felt like it was a good fit for their motives.

Summary:

I feel that despite students feeling that they could turn to UF for help with academic major issues, there are still some areas that need improvement. I feel as though the school could do more for students who are exploratory and need help on finding a passion. The students I interviewed all had their passions figured out already, but what about those who don't? Interviewing people brought a new perspective to this problem for me and made me realize that most students are confident in UF's programs. It may work well for most, but there is always room for improvement.