Why Generation-Y Chooses Their Career Paths On The Wrong Factors

From the moment the last piece of luggage is packed for your first year at college , to the second that graduation cap releases from your hand into the sky, an abundance of emotions stream through your mind.

You're finally free of parental restraint, but if you play your cards right, you can still have your new lifestyle financed by them. Freshman year. The ultimate seven months full of endless partying, ultimately no schoolwork, and countless nights you wish you could remember. Freshman year should be considered a trial run since the worst that can happen is you pack on an extra fifteen pounds, or more, and a battered image that no one will forget.

But what about the primary reason you’re attending university? Don’t forget about those grades, especially if your parents are paying for school. It’s easy to get behind, and harder to get ahead, but it’s not rocket science. Once you get all those stupid required classes out of the way, what classes are going to entice you? Out of all the possibilities, which major do you choose? For many, the answer is obvious: Business Administration.

Today, it seems that every student is a business student. Good job attempting to stand out as a unique individuals, people!

For those dreaming of stepping out of a Mercedes CL-Class in a single-breasted suit--fully decked with dual buttons and pointed lapels--in front of an endless Manhattan building every morning, a simple business degree does not guarantee that dream. But if you are dreaming of spending your days in front of an aging computer and staring at a Microsoft Excel sheet nine hours a day, fine. Go obtain that degree along with every other college scholar out there.

Do everyone a favor; take advantage of the resources handed to you at college. Most importantly, befriend your advisor. You might not trust their advice just yet, these individuals truly know what they’re doing. If you make use of their help, they’ll help you discover who you are and where you will be able to succeed. Why not utilize this useful resource instead of just being one more name on their roster?

Not surprisingly, 50 percent of those who declare a major do end up switching majors. Pre-med students become dancers, and future accountants become teachers.

According to a survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, only 66% of college students admitted picking their major based on their career interests. Other students cited reasons such as a career's potential earnings, disregarding any relevance it had to their skills, or simply coasted into their major.

There are many signs you chose the wrong major. Beside the dreaded 9am classes, are you struggling to get through the course? If you have a bed made up on the third floor of the library just to maintain a “B” in the course, this major is most likely not your forte. Try turning off MTV for a little, and pay attention to the news. Follow media stories involving your potential careers.

With this economy it may not be the most opportune timing for certain professions. Also, no matter how many people tell you grades are not the most important thing, they certainly do matter. If your major GPA is lower than your overall GPA, chances are you do not understand the material, and potential employers will not think twice about not returning your call.

No one is saying this in any way is easy. Not many people know at 18 years old the path they want to continue for the rest of their lives. When the economy took a hit, a common theme was seeing people mid-life heading back to school to get distinctive degrees. And for those who do seem to have it all figured out, let’s see how it worked out at the 10th year reunion.

Find a mentor. Upperclassmen are willing to help the vulnerable freshman, surprisingly. There are so many supplies out there for you. Believe it or not, your school does want you to succeed. If you don’t, you're just costing them money. Build up that resume as well! All those community service events you did in high school were great, but high school is over. Take them off your resume.

Also, start looking around for possible internships to get your name out there. I know it's contradictory; no job wants you without experience, yet they don’t want to be the ones to offer you that experience. No income now will better your chances at a higher income later. So cut down on going out, and start saving!

Don’t feel required to become a business or a law student. Wealth can be accumulated in any field where you have the ability to excel, remember that! What are your strengths? What are your weakness? You need to be able to highlight your strengths, and work around what holds you back. Don’t fail to remember that a degree with mediocre or less than average grades is going to impress nobody.

Michael Kaye | Elite.