Jakarta, ThedailyID — Choosing a college major is one of the biggest decisions students make before entering the workforce. However, many graduates later regret the field they chose after facing the realities of the job market.
A survey by ZipRecruiter found that several college majors are far more likely to leave graduates with second thoughts. The study surveyed 1,500 university graduates who were actively looking for jobs.
According to ZipRecruiter Chief Economist Sinem Buber, many students genuinely enjoyed their chosen fields while studying. However, priorities often shift after graduation as salary and career opportunities become more important.
“When we graduate, reality sets in. When you’re struggling to pay your bills, your salary may become much more important,” Buber said, as quoted by CNBC.
The survey ranked journalism as the most regretted college major. About 87% of journalism graduates said they regretted their choice.
The 10 most regretted college majors are:
- Journalism — 87%
- Sociology — 72%
- Fine Arts — 72%
- Communications — 64%
- Education — 61%
- Marketing Management and Research — 60%
- Medical Assisting — 56%
- Political Science and Government — 56%
- Biology — 52%
- English Literature — 52%
The findings highlight the growing gap between academic interests and career expectations. For many graduates, earning potential and job prospects ultimately shape how they view their education after entering the workforce.
