Updated November 6, 2025
Most college students think there is a specific major for each career, and it's impossible to enter that career field unless they choose that matching major for undergraduate study. This is not true!
Myth: There is only One Right Major/Career for Me
Fact: Most students discover that they can be happy with a variety of majors or careers. Choose the one that you will enjoy most and get started.
Myth: I Must Choose My Major/Career Very Carefully or Else I Will Be “Stuck” in a Job I Don’t Like for the Rest of My Life
Fact: Most students will experience multiple career changes over their lifetime.
Sometimes it is better to concentrate on building a skill set that is transferable, rather than worrying so much about the actual subject content of your major.
Myth: Multiple Majors or Minors Make Me More Employable So I Should Complete as Many as Possible as an Undergraduate Student at BYU
Fact: Your major and minor are only one part of what employers are looking for. Work experience and internships also add to your credentials.
Rather than completing multiple majors or minors, your time may be better spent gaining additional work experience or going to graduate school.
Myth: Employers are Only Interested in Students with Majors that Tie Directly to the Jobs They are Offering
Fact: While it is true that some jobs require specific majors, most jobs require skills that can be developed in a variety of majors. FBI agents, airline pilots, and event planners are all jobs that can be obtained without a specific major.
Desired skills for most jobs include: the ability to solve problems and think analytically, communicate well with others, and lead and manage teams.