While choosing a major can feel like a very big deal, most students are surprised to find out that the impact of this decision on career options is not that big. Why is this the case? First, although a few career fields require specific areas of study (e.g., teaching and medicine) most occupations are open to graduates from a variety of majors. In many cases, employers are more concerned about grades, personality traits, and skills acquired through internships and extracurricular activities than your choice of major. Second, although the first jobs of many graduates are often related to their majors, their career paths often progress like that of a pinball. In fact, the Department of Labor reports that the average person shifts career direction three times and changes jobs 8 - 10 times in their lifetime. Therefore, it's important to recognize that your choice of major will not define where you'll be working for the rest of your life.