Picking a major is like dating

(2009 CCSF Commencement. Photo by Jim Wong)

 “I’m interested in being a doctor, a business person with my own line of clothes, and a chef, so what am I to take?”, the first time CCSF new high school graduate asks me.

“Well,” I gingerly explain, “There’s Biology (44 units), General Business (27 units), and the Culinary (44 units) majors.  Do you want to be at CCSF for four years full time including summers to earn the 124 credits so you can transfer to a full year college for another five years to finish just the bachelors in these three areas?”

My new student is stunned.  “If you don’t want to be at CCSF for four years,” I ask, “What’s at the top of the list of your majors?”

Picking a major is making a commitment to get the training and experience so you can compete for the first level of entry-level jobs in your chosen career.  Having double majors or multiple interests is like dating two-three different people.  In the end, you have to commit to one major/career and earn the needed credential, gain useful experience (E.G., internship), and begin taking the necessary steps to enter and climb your career ladder.  Focusing on one career field saves time and keeps you on track.

A Series of careers

Today, you must expect to have more than two-three different careers in your life, but they happen in succession with additional educational and training over a lifetime.  After ten years of being a chef, my student might want to jump into the business side, or change paths completely to work in the health field.  If so, CCSF will be here as it has always been for people beginning, changing, or enhancing their world of work.

Bottom line: Pick a path and go.