By Nayeli Martinez
Trinity Times Correspondent

Francesca Sylvain didn’t take the traditional path to higher education. Now a sophomore majoring in business administration at Trinity Washington University, she decided to pursue a degree only after realizing it could help her strengthen the company she had already started.

“I actually started a business before choosing to go to college,” Sylvain said. “At first, I didn’t believe in college at all and created my business because I wanted to make money early on.”

The path to career goals like Sylvain’s often begins with picking a major. This choice can shape many aspects of academic and post-graduation life – from social circles to mental health, from earning power to the repayment of student loans. For many students, balancing self-discovery with practical planning for the future can be challenging.

According to a survey conducted by Grand Canyon University, 81% of Americans chose their major based on passion, while 19% chose their major for money. The study also found that six in 10 Americans who chose their major based on passion feel some level of regret.

“When students are trying to decide their career, they base it off of job security, off of family, off of their culture,” said Anna Beucler, a program lead at Urban Alliance, a nonprofit organization that provides mentorships and internships for youth.

For some students, family pressure is a powerful influence. Sylvain’s mother wanted her to pursue a career in law – a field Sylvain didn’t seriously consider at first.

“It’s funny how the tables are turning now,” she said. “Because that is actually what I want to do. I’m looking to go into employment law, which has a lot to do with business.”

Sonia Bonilla, a junior business administration major at Trinity, had a different experience.

“My parents always told me, ‘Do what you enjoy. We just want you to be happy,’ and I’m grateful for that,” Bonilla said. “Not many people have that type of support.”

Beylul Russom, a communications professor at Trinity, pointed to a student’s home life as a major factor in career choice.

“If you come from a working-class background, you will probably be pushed into jobs that make a lot of money,” Russom said. “When your family understands financial insecurity, they want to push you in a direction that allows you to achieve financial stability in order to break that generational curse.”

Certain majors are valued more highly by society based on their earning potential. According to the 2023 NACE Salary Survey, graduates with bachelor’s degrees in engineering are projected to earn $74,405, computer science majors $72,843, and math and science majors $67,199. Humanities majors, by comparison, are projected to earn $52,938 – about 29% less than STEM graduates.

STEM fields are often viewed as more practical and valuable, data scientist Sahin Ahmed wrote in a July 2024 Medium article. “STEM fields are now viewed as more practical and valuable, given their direct contributions to technological innovation and economic development. The demand for computer scientists, engineers, and healthcare professionals has surged, overshadowing the perceived utility of humanities disciplines.”

Not all students agree with that perspective.

“The stigmas around certain majors in the humanities aren’t warranted,” said Mayrene Diaz, a third-year Trinity student majoring in global affairs. “All the majors that exist serve their purpose and exist for a reason. It is equally important for both STEM and arts to be studied.”

While major demand can shape graduates’ career paths, employment outcomes vary depending on how success is measured. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that about 28% of STEM graduates work in jobs directly related to their field. By contrast, the American Academy of Arts & Sciences states that 96.3% of humanities graduates are employed in some capacity after graduation, though not necessarily in humanities-related positions.

Beucler advises the young people she mentors to set realistic expectations about the job market.

“Very few people can actually build a career that they’re really passionate about and love in this economy,” she said. “But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a fulfilling life as a young adult.”

Russom echoed that message for Trinity students choosing their majors.

“I think there is a way to have our day-to-day jobs that pay the bills and to normalize having hobbies to pour into in order to manage stress,” Russom said.

As business majors, Bonilla and Sylvain said they believe it is possible to pursue personal interests while also achieving financial stability.

“If you have a job that you’re passionate about and it comes with money, that’s a good thing,” Bonilla said. “Money shouldn’t really matter as much as your passion.”

Sylvain agreed.

“If you have the ambition and skills to make use of your degree,” she said, “it doesn’t really matter what piece of paper you have.”