Seeking Moral Guidance on My Major
Hi everyone, I’m a 20-year-old female student in my second year at a college in my home state. So far, I’ve really enjoyed my college experience. In my first year, I was undecided and took courses that sparked my interest. Now, I’m more than halfway through my second semester majoring in entertainment management. I chose this major because of my passion for music, even though I’m not a skilled musician—just a hobbyist, really.
The good news is that my scholarships cover most of my education, which is a relief. However, I’ve started to have serious doubts about my major. As I dive deeper into my business classes, I find myself increasingly uncomfortable with the focus on profit and revenue, often at the expense of community benefit, especially in the entertainment sector. At first, I envisioned a career in the music industry, but learning about the business side has made it less appealing to me.
I’m concerned that if I decide to change my major, it could mean spending even more time in college than I intended. Part of me thinks it might be wiser to just finish my degree and develop my skills independently. I’ve also contemplated exploring the production side of the music industry—like producing for artists—but that would mean starting from scratch. I have a basic understanding and it interests me, but my schedule is tight, leaving little room for additional classes.
I’d really appreciate your thoughts on this. Does my major truly matter that much in the long run? What do you think I should do?
It sounds like you’re in a reflective place, which is great! It’s completely normal to have doubts about your major, especially as you start to see the bigger picture of what you want to achieve in your career. Here are a few things to consider:
Aligning Your Values: It’s important to choose a path that aligns with your values. If you feel uneasy about the focus on profits over community, it might be worth exploring majors or areas within the music industry that prioritize social impact. Look into programs that have a focus on music therapy, community arts management, or nonprofit work in the industry.
Combining Interests: If you’re passionate about music production, consider how you might combine this with your entertainment management studies. You could look for opportunities to take elective classes in music production or internships in that field. That way, you’d gain practical experience while completing your current program.
Learning Independently: You mentioned the possibility of learning skills on your own; this can be a great complement to your studies. There are many online resources, courses, and communities dedicated to music production. Sometimes hands-on experience can be just as valuable as classroom learning.
Talk to Advisors and Professors: Don’t hesitate to reach out to your academic advisor or professors for guidance. They can help you navigate your options and may suggest paths you haven’t considered.
Don’t Rush the Decision: It’s okay to take your time to figure out what feels right for you. Changing your major is a big decision, but if you go that route, trust that it’s a step toward being more fulfilled in your career. You’re still early in your college journey, and many people change their paths as they discover more about their interests and values.
Ultimately, focus on what excites and motivates you. Your degree is important, but so is the passion and purpose you find in what you choose to study. Whatever you decide, trust that you’re making the right choice for yourself in this moment.