The selection of a major is a crucial decision for college students as it determines the course of their academic and professional lives. Many factors can influence the choice of major, including personal interests, skills, career goals, and financial considerations. One of the significant factors that can impact the selection of a major is the rise of certain topics and trends.
First, let's define what we mean by “trend.” A trend is a general direction in which something is developing or changing. In the context of selecting a major, a trend might refer to a growing demand for certain types of jobs or careers. For example, majors related to technology, healthcare, or sustainability are currently in high demand.
Trends and popular topics can influence the selection of majors by creating a perception of industry demand, job security, salary potential, and personal interests. In addition, students are often influenced by the prevailing trends in their desired industry and the media coverage of the latest technologies, social movements, and emerging fields.
Firstly, the rise of specific trends can create a perception of industry demand, leading students to choose majors in high demand within their desired industry. For example, according to research firm Gartner, AI is projected to create 2.3 million new jobs worldwide by 2030 while eliminating 1.8 million traditional jobs. This was a point echoed by a recent study by the World Economic Forum, which said, "The development of AI technologies will disrupt jobs but at the same time usher in unprecedented new opportunities."
NTU's Prof Ong said that while AI can perform particular tasks like humans, such as cooking specific meals, it is very unlikely that machines will be able to exhibit "broadly applicable intelligence comparable to or exceeding that of humans" — not for the next 20 years at least, he added.
"Currently, we are seeing rapid progress in the field of specialized AI, which will most likely continue in the years to come," he added. "In other words, we may not expect a robot to replace a chef in the very near future. Nevertheless, it is to be expected that machines will reach and exceed human performance on more and more tasks."
These trends can influence students' perception of job security in certain industries or fields. If a particular field is experiencing job growth and stability, students may be more likely to choose majors in that field, whether it is AI, Health Care, Consulting, or other fields.
There are some benefits of selecting a major based on trends, like, the likelihood of landing a job after graduation since there is often a larger requirement for qualified personnel in a sector or discipline that is expanding.
However, choosing a major primarily based on trends has disadvantages too. First of all, trends can be unpredictable and fluctuate with time. A field or industry's current level of demand does not guarantee that it will continue to be such in the future. Trend-based major selection puts students at risk of entering a competitive or saturated job market where the competition is already high and job prospects might be limited.
Another potential drawback is that choosing a major solely based on trends may not coincide with your interests or passions. Even if a trend may provide financial security and employment security, it may not be a fulfilling career path for you if you lack enthusiasm for the profession.
The rise of certain topics and trends can have a significant impact on the major selection process for college students. While some students may prioritize industry demand and salary potential, others may be more influenced by personal interests, job security, or cultural and social trends. Ultimately, it's crucial for students to choose a major that aligns with their passions and goals, while also considering the current and future trends in their desired industry.
Sources
"Media Interview – "The Big Read: The Rise of Ai, and How Lives Will Be Forever Changed" by Prof Louis Phee, Dean, Coe and Prof Ong Yew Soon, Chair, SCSE." School of Computer Science and Engineering. Web. 20 Apr. 2023.
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