Division of Undergraduate Studies

Is there a chance you’ll hear this question over the upcoming Thanksgiving break? The asker usually means well, but research shows that this question often makes students feel anxious and inferior, especially when their major interests are not clearly aligned with a specific career. Many people believe the myth of a straight line from major to career. The truth is that the major–career relationship is pretty curvy, and only about a quarter of college graduates end up in a career directly related to their major. Even so, what do you actually do if you get this question?

1. Take some time to reflect on how the question might be influencing your decisions. The asker may know you well, and their opinion may mean a lot to you. It's okay if you feel a little thrown off by their doubts. You can use your adviser as a sounding board to examine if those influences are leading you on a fulfilling path.
2. Show your family and friends what you do need from them. If the asker really wants to be helpful but is missing the mark, tell them how you'd like to be supported instead. The Penn State Student Affairs website has career information specifically for parents and families that covers exactly that, as well as answers to their questions, career services available to students, employment statistics for recent Penn State graduates, and much more.
3. Do some career exploration for yourself. The question may have come from someone else at first, but if you want to give some thought to your future career plans, consider exploring your direction and goals, meeting with a career counselor, or tackling the major–career question head-on. Share how you're exploring possible careers with family and friends—chances are they'll feel better just knowing that you're already thinking about your future.  

You've learned a lot about yourself as a person since coming to college, so don’t let doubts cause you to simply go with the flow or dampen your intellectual curiosities. Remember: majors are not careers, and your Penn State education is more than your major. You can do this!