Picking the right major in university isn’t just about what sounds interesting. Second year Bachelor of Media and Communication student – Sarah Havergal Bong, shares that it’s all about knowing yourself, exploring options, and making choices that fit your passion, strengths, and future ambition.
Like many Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) graduates, I was eager to find the perfect major that would set me up for my dream career. After completing my Foundation in Arts at a private university in Sibu, I faced the daunting task of choosing a degree program. The pressure was overwhelming. What if I picked the wrong one? What if I ended disliking my studies?Looking back, I realize that choosing a major is not just about picking a subject that sounds interesting. It is more than that as it requires self-reflection, a whole lot of research, and an understanding of your long-term goals.
Here’s what I wish I had known when making my decision about my major.
Understand Yourself
When I received an offer to pursue an interior design program after my foundation studies, I was excited. I loved watching HGTV, a TV program related to home improvement and real estate. Also, the idea of designing homes fascinated me.
But when I asked myself, Do I truly see myself doing this for four years and beyond? That one question changed everything. I realized that having a hobby didn’t necessarily mean I wanted to turn it into a career.
Choosing a major requires more than just passion It needs to align with your strength, long-term interests, and ultimately, career goals.
If you’re struggling to come to a decision, ask yourself: what are you passionate about? What are your strengths? Do you see yourself working in this field for years to come?
Your answers will help you narrow your options on whether you’re into STEM, business, or the creative arts.
Know Your Strengths (and Weaknesses)
Dreams change, and it’s important to align them with your skills. I once thought about becoming a doctor, but my struggles with science subjects told me otherwise. Surprisingly, I rediscovered my love for English Literature after dropping Additional Mathematics.
This made me realize that sometimes, our true strengths reveal themselves when we least expect it.
Listing out your strengths, weaknesses, and interest can help you gain clarity. For example, public speaking, writing, and reading come naturally to me, while business and science subjects have always been a struggle. Recognizing this made it easier for me to find a degree that suited me.
Explore Your Options
Making an informed decision goes beyond just personal reflection Speak to an academic counselor for guidance on different degree options. Learn from university seniors and alumni about their experience and if you have the opportunity, connect with industry professionals to understand career paths that are linked to your intended major.
After much reflection and research, I realized my skill in videography and am confident in front of the camera. This led me to choose the Bachelor of Media and Communication at Swinburne Sarawak instead of a degree in interior design.
When I chose media and communication, I initially thought my only career path would be in journalism or TV broadcasting. Only later did I discover that media and communications widened my career options into social media marketing, digital branding, and content strategy – careers I hadn’t even considered before.
If I have done more research on what media and communications can offer my future career, I would have been more intentional in choosing electives that complemented this major.
Plan Ahead – Because Your Minor Matters
One important lesson I learned was the value of choosing electives strategically. By the time I realized that digital marketing would have been a perfect minor to complement my major, it was too late to adjust my course structure.
If you already have a career direction in mind, I highly recommend selecting a minor that enhances your specialization. While choosing something purely out of interest isn’t necessarily bad, pairing your major with a relevant minor can make you a stronger job candidate after graduation.
Taking A Leap of Faith
Choosing a major isn’t just about academics. It’s also about navigating external pressures. Parents, teachers, and friends may have their own opinions on what’s ‘best’ for you, but at the end of the day, you are the one who will live with this decision.
If your chosen major doesn’t feel like the right fit after the firsts semester, don’t panic. Swinburne Sarawak offers students the flexibility to switch programs through a structured review and approval process. I’ve known peers who successfully transitioned from engineering to business, and from IT to multimedia design.
It’s never too late to realign your path.
Sarah believes that choosing the right major is not just about interest but also about knowing yourself, exploring options and aligning your passion with your future goals.
The best advice I can give? Plan ahead and don’t be afraid to change. Choosing the right major is about balancing passion, strengths, and career prospects.
At Swinburne Sarawak, you’ll find the support and flexibility to explore career-focused programs that align with your aspirations.
So, take your time (but not too long!) to explore your options, and remember – you’re not alone in this journey. And if you need guidance, reach out to your academic advisors and take the first step toward the future you want.