Struggling with a Major I Dislike but Find Useful
I’m currently studying Computer Science, a major I truly dislike. The paradox is that it has proven useful for me. I aspire to work in biotech finance—specifically in venture capital or private equity—and numerous professionals I’ve spoken to emphasize the importance of technical skills in biotech for success in that field. Unfortunately, this makes it difficult to consider finance-focused majors like economics. While I enjoy chemistry and biology, I have no intention of working in a wet lab after graduation, which is why I opted out of biochemistry and bioengineering. Computer Science emerged as the most versatile choice, especially since my university boasts a strong CS program.
I’ve had some fulfilling experiences in computational biology and CS research, but my classes this quarter have completely drained my enthusiasm for pure CS. I love applying computer science to intriguing problems, but the classes have been overwhelmingly challenging, and I find myself dreading nearly every CS course I’ve taken. My only motivation to push through is the hope of finishing this major. Essentially, I’m frustrated with pure CS, yet I appreciate its applications and overarching concepts.
I find myself at a crossroads: I’m unsure when or if I should switch majors, or if I should stick it out to build resilience. I could either keep convincing myself to continue in CS or face the potential loss and switch to a biology or chemistry path. My concern is that those fields might narrow my job prospects to only bio-related positions. CS, in contrast, has offered greater versatility, allowing me to pursue a wide array of jobs thanks to my degree and varied extracurricular experiences. I’m wary of choosing a niche path like a straight biology degree while aiming for a traditional finance role, especially when CS skills can often be applied to most jobs (particularly since around 60% of my peers are also majoring in CS).
How can I motivate myself to stick with a degree I dislike, or how do I know when it’s time to make a change?
It sounds like you’re in a tough spot, and it’s completely understandable to feel conflicted about your major. Here are a few points to consider that might help you evaluate your situation:
Passion vs. Practicality: It’s great that you’ve identified biotech finance as your area of interest, and it’s true that technical skills can be a significant asset in that field. However, it’s important to balance your passion with practicality. If your current major is draining your motivation and joy from studying, it could affect your performance and overall well-being.
Explore Interdisciplinary Opportunities: Since you’re interested in biotech finance, consider whether there are interdisciplinary programs or electives that can bridge your interests in CS with biology and chemistry. Some schools offer programs that combine elements of both fields, which might allow you to pursue your interests without diving too deep into traditional bio/chem tracks.
Focus on Skills and Experiences: Remember that your major doesn’t solely define your career path. Gaining relevant experience through internships, projects, and extracurriculars can demonstrate your skills and interests to potential employers in biotech finance. You might find opportunities where your CS skills complement your passion for biotech without needing to be deeply rooted in bio/chem coursework.
Evaluate Your Classes: If your main issue is with the CS classes, consider if there are specific courses that are more application-oriented or align with your interests. Sometimes, the type of courses you take can make a big difference in how much you enjoy your studies.
Talk to Advisors and Professionals: Don’t hesitate to reach out to academic advisors or professionals in biotech finance. They can provide insight into how your current trajectory might align with your career aspirations and whether switching majors would be beneficial.
Set a Timeline: If you’re leaning towards sticking with CS, give yourself a timeline to assess your progress. Set goals for specific semesters or projects—if you find you’re still unhappy after, say, another year, it may be time to reconsider your path.
Self-Reflection: Take some time to reflect on your long-term goals. Ask yourself if the discomfort in your major is just a temporary hurdle or a deeper misalignment with your career aspirations. Sometimes the process of pushing through a tough experience can lead to valuable skills and resilience.
Ultimately, there’s no “right” answer here—it’s about finding what works best for you and your goals. Remember, your education should contribute to your overall happiness and set you up for success in your chosen field.