The process of choosing or changing your major often includes at least one crucial conversation with one or more family members. The tips below will help you to prepare for and manage this major conversation in a proactive way.

Preparing for Your Major Conversation

Do your "homework" prior to the meeting.

• Anticipate questions your family will ask.
• Gather information. For example learn about career opportunities related to the major.
• Consider how each family member might respond during this crucial conversation.
• Determine the role your family members will play or the input they should have in this decision-making process.
• Generate an outline of crucial conversation discussion points.
• Schedule a time to talk, preferably in person, not over the phone, and don't introduce the topic at an inopportune time, like immediately when a parent returns home from work.

Identify major conversation discussion points.

• If you're changing majors, note that changing majors is common among first- and second-year students.
• Explain why your first major was not the appropriate academic track for you.
• Explain why the new major is a better match for your interests, skills, and abilities.
• Describe how you made this choice - for example, by talking to your advisor, taking two course in the new major, or completing the Myers Briggs personality test.
• Identify career possibilities related to the new major.
• Inform family members about your future plans and opportunities related to the major, including research or internship experiences.
• Describe what additional actions you might take before committing more firmly to this course of study and officially declaring your major.
• Propose a course of action if family members continue to express reservations or concerns. For example, provide family members with information about the major or employment opportunities.

Manage your major conversation.

• Remember that your family members have good intentions and want you to be successful and content with your choice of major.
• Stay focused on your conversational plan and outline.
• Be receptive to questions and concerns but firm and confident about your decisions, goals, and plans.
• Convey, through organization and presentation, that you have made a thoughtful and informed decision, not an impulsive one.
• Remain positive and enthusiastic throughout the discussion even if others become emotional, show their disapproval, or seem resistant to your new choice of major.
• Suggest that the discussion be continued at another time if family members remain uncompromising about what they believe to be the best course of study for you.