Let’s start things off by making it clear that it’s okay to change your degree! I say that not only because I changed my degree but because it’s a sign you’re getting to know yourself better. Finishing up highschool and being hit with the dreaded question of “what do you want to be when you grow up” can be overwhelming. You might even choose a degree you don’t like. Changing is a sign you’re starting to answer that question and get to know yourself. 

I am an example of this exact scenario. I got good grades, a high enough ATAR to start and even do well in a law degree, but I didn’t enjoy the work. Contract law was the last straw when I switched to a journalism degree.

In this article we discuss what is a good reason to change degrees, what you may want to consider, and how to choose a degree that you will enjoy studying and building a career in

What’s a good reason to change university degrees?

There are many good reasons you might want to change your university degree. From changing priorities to not realising what the reality of a certain industry is here are some options to consider below:

• You no longer want to work in the industry your degree leads to.
• You don’t enjoy the degree and/or the work.
• The kind of work you expected the degree and the industry it leads to isn’t what you expected.
• You’ve simply changed your mind.

What isn’t a good reason to change university degrees?

For all the reasons you might want to change your university degree there may be other options for you. Below are some of those reasons and some alternative solutions you may consider,

• You’re struggling to balance work and university: You may be able to become a part-time student. This means your degree will be longer but you’ll do less classes each semester giving you more time to work.
• You aren’t able to attend your classes: If you need to travel to attend your classes you may be able to organise an online option with your lecturers or have the classes recorded (if this isn’t already happening). Furthermore, you may be able to Zoom into the in-person class.
• You’re finding the degree is too difficult: University can be challenging at times but your lecturers want you to succeed. The key is to talk about it. Reach out to your lecturers and be honest if you’re struggling or not understanding a concept. They likely will be happy to help or point you to a resource that will.
• You have doubts about finding a job with this degree: While university can just be an experience to learn more often it’s a stepping stone to a job and a career. If you’re concerned about finding a job with your current degree, speak to your lecturers and career advisors. They may be able to talk out the concerns you have and show you to resources that will help improve your hireability.

The throughline here is communication with your university. If you feel like your reasons are good or bad for changing degrees it’s important to check in with your university so you are informed when making your decision.

How to choose a degree that’s right for you?

When choosing a new degree that better fits your personality you may consider your strengths, weaknesses, and career goals. Consider what you do for fun and what degrees might be related to that. Furthermore, reflect on what you don’t like about your current degree so that it can inform whatever you do next. And finally your career goals: what do you want your working life to be like? You may look at the long-term job opportunities of the career path to the kind of work you’ll be doing and the hours that are expected.

Your current degree also will contribute to the degree you’re switching into. Classes you’ve already completed can contribute to your new degree in the form of electives or even core subjects if there is cross-over. Check with your career advisor to see how that will work for you.

You’ll know what’s right for you

In the end deciding if switching degrees is right for you is a personal decision based on your current circumstances and priorities for the future. A key take away however is that it’s perfectly okay to change your degree and just means you’re better understanding yourself and what you want in life. It’s a sign of personal growth.

About The Author Sam is a Media and Communications (journalism) student at La Trobe University. He's been writing for various outlets since he was 16 and recently completed an internship at the Herald Sun. He's passionate about what makes people tick, from their interests to their motivations.