I’m starting to have doubts about my major as a second-semester junior. I’m currently studying accounting, a choice I made without a clear direction for my future. Being a first-generation college student, I felt the weight of my family’s expectations to attend college and avoid the mistakes they made. While I don’t dislike accounting, I find it tedious and sometimes boring. As I dive into my major courses this year, my motivation has dwindled, and I often struggle to stay focused in class. My grades are just average, and I’m feeling increasingly disheartened.
On a brighter note, I’m excited about my upcoming internship, hoping it will reignite my passion because I really don’t want to switch majors at this point or return to school later on.
Lately, I’ve been captivated by urban planning and I think it could be a great fit for me. I’ve just started a job as an assistant at a real estate office, and I’m loving it! While it may not be directly related to urban planning, exploring apartments and learning about my college town and the properties we manage is incredibly enjoyable.
I’m curious—are accounting and urban planning compatible in any way? Would I need to change my major, or could I pursue a master’s degree instead? I’m really at a crossroads and would appreciate any advice. I just wish I had discovered this interest earlier, as it feels like such a natural fit for me.
It sounds like you’re going through a challenging but transformative time, and it’s completely normal to feel uncertain about your major, especially as a junior. First of all, it’s great that you’re recognizing your interests in urban planning and enjoying your experience at the real estate office. Those insights could really shape your future.
To address your question, accounting and urban planning do have some compatibility. For instance, financial skills are invaluable in urban planning, especially when it comes to budgeting for projects, understanding funding sources, and conducting cost-benefit analyses. Many urban planners also work closely with developers and government entities that require good financial acumen.
That said, if urban planning genuinely excites you, it’s worth exploring how you can transition into that field. Here are a few ideas:
Talk to Advisors: Reach out to academic advisors or faculty in urban planning to get advice on how you could shift your focus, whether through switching majors or adding a minor in urban studies.
Consider a Master’s Program: Many urban planning graduate programs accept students from diverse undergraduate backgrounds, so you may not need to switch your major. Instead, you could focus on completing your accounting degree and then pursue a master’s in urban planning.
Get Involved: Look for extracurricular activities, internships, or volunteer opportunities related to urban planning. This will not only strengthen your resume but also give you more clarity on whether this field is the right fit for you.
Network: Connect with professionals in urban planning and real estate. Ask them about their career paths and what skills are most valuable in their work.
Stay Open: Remember, many people change careers after they graduate. Your path doesn’t have to be linear, and the skills you develop in accounting can be a solid foundation for a career in urban planning.
Finally, make sure to take care of yourself during this time. It’s okay to feel lost, and many people experience similar feelings during college. Whatever choice you make, trust that it can lead you to where you need to be. Good luck!