When I first applied to the Viterbi School of Engineering, I was pretty confident in my choice of Computer Science and Business Administration as my major. After all, I had done well in AP Computer Science in high school, and the idea of pairing it with business seemed like a smart move. I figured it would combine the best of both worlds: technical skills from computer science and leadership development from business courses.
My first semester felt like I was on the right track. I was doing well in my intro classes and even got the chance to dive into research through CURVE (The Center for Undergraduate Research in Viterbi Engineering), which was an exciting opportunity. Everything seemed to be falling into place.
But then, as my second semester rolled around, I started to hit some bumps in the road. The computer science classes got a lot more technical, and I quickly realized that the software engineering path just wasn’t for me. I found myself dreading the idea of spending long hours coding. My motivation started to dip, and for the first time, I was really struggling with my coursework. Even the research experience, while valuable, didn’t spark enough passion for me to see a future in it.
That’s when I knew it was time to reevaluate. I started exploring other majors within Viterbi, hoping to find something that aligned better with my interests. After some searching, I stumbled upon Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE), and it immediately caught my attention. It had elements of the business side I enjoyed and offered the flexibility to take my skills into consulting, a field that suddenly felt like the perfect fit. Thankfully, due to the flexibility of Viterbi students to switch majors within the school, I was able to make the switch after a single meeting with an ISE advisor.
Fast forward to now, in the first semester of my sophomore year, and I can confidently say switching majors was the best decision I made. I’m genuinely enjoying my new classes, and for the first time in a while, I feel excited about where this path could take me. It’s been a journey of figuring out what I truly want, but I’m glad I trusted my instincts and made the switch. To any prospective students, my advice would be to stay open to change—it might just lead you to where you’re supposed to be.
