At Monmouth College, we admit 20-30% of students who are “undecided” about their major. We currently have more than 200 business majors who do not know what specific aspect of business they will focus on either. Frankly, I am not concerned despite the high cost of education that a student focuses on international business or entrepreneurism, my specialties, or finance and accounting. I am more concerned that colleges make it practically impossible to come to college undecided or change majors and graduate in four years. That is one of the biggest secrets in higher education today.
It is practically impossible to finish in four years unless you make a plan and stick to it religiously. That sounds good but in practice, but the college years are times of discovery and those revelations often change the path a students is pursuing. Great schools provide a general education platform that is flexible and broad. But the major area of study is where there is little to no flexibility. Specific sequencing can make it practically impossible to complete the undergraduate degree in four years. Examples are engineering, education, some “hard sciences”.
If prospects choose a quality college with excellent programs like those at Monmouth, and study topics that interest them, they will graduate on time. Their passion and smarts will propel them towards a rewarding career too. Why? It is our desire as humans to do more than survive–we want to prosper and thrive. Those aspirations are the most powerful motivators towards success in any business. Despite those yearnings to prosper and make a difference, graduates face some great barriers: high unemployment, taxes, commercial restraints by government, and limited time and capital. It is not easy to win at business.
Plus from research we discovered the average American is forced or elects to change jobs at least seven times over a 40 year career. That is why a broad based education lays the foundation for business success. Learning a little about a lot of things can pay off. That is the philosophy of the political economy and commerce department at Monmouth College.
Additionally, the pace of change in the global economy is rapid. The New York Times Columnist Thomas Friedman said that “getting an education today is like training for the Olympics without knowing what sport you will end up competing in”. Undecided majors that learn from the best faculty and seek learning from the best books and theories will be able to translate that knowledge into problem solving capabilities and entrepreneurial success. I just met with a former student yesterday who is starting a sports marketing agency. He was not a marketing major. But he has smarts, passion, and drive on his side. I would not bet against him. Even undecided majors can be a big success, when the college or program remains flexible.
