Academic Advisor Mock Interview
Practice 35 Academic Advisor interview questions covering student success, retention strategies, and advising philosophies.
Question 7 of 35
Under what circumstance would you suggest a student change majors?
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Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
This is an important question, as changing majors can significantly affect a student's academic and career goals. It is essential to consider factors such as the student's interests, strengths, and goals, as well as their academic performance and progress toward graduation. Ultimately, the decision to change majors should be based on carefully considering these factors, with the ultimate decision in the student's hands.
The interviewer wants to know that you fully understand the gravity of a decision like changing majors. They want to see that you can guide their students wisely. If you can, give an example of a time when you suggested a student change majors and the outcome of their decision.
Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
"Changing majors can be serious business, especially if the student risks losing out financially due to the decision. I would suggest a student change majors once they have completely disengaged and are uninterested in the program. I would also only suggest a change once the student is clearly informed about the alternate major they want to take."
Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
"The situation would have to be severe before I would recommend changing majors. That isn't a small decision as it can be costly and time-consuming. I would only recommend changing majors if the student were unhappy and on the verge of dropping out altogether."
Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
"As an experienced academic advisor, I do not feel that it is my place to heavily discourage changing majors if a student is truly unhappy with their originally chosen major. It is their life and their future career path. I will provide them with a lot of well-researched information supporting either decision. A pros and cons list, so to speak. My primary focus would be to support the decision they make in the end."
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Anonymous Answer
Changing courses is an important decision which ought to be made after careful consideration. The student's reasons for changing their course should be carefully discussed. Exploring alternatives to their decision should also help support students with regards to arriving at a final decision. After engaging in all the above, if students are still considering changing degree courses, their academic tutors must be consulted.
Rachelle's Feedback
Solid answer. You show great care and professionalism when it comes to your approach.
Anonymous Answer
I would never suggest a student change a major. I would investigate the student's goals. I would ask what they like about their major and how they chose it, what research did they do. Then we could look at their degree audit and see how they are doing and if they are interested in the major. Then I would ask the student to walk me through their progress and see how they feel about it. Then we could make a pro and con list and find sites to research careers and majors or see if an interest inventory needs to be done. Students know themselves well however I often find that more research into career avenues is usually helpful and I suggest that the student consider a Plan A and B at a minimum if they are very narrow in a small career field.
Marcie's Feedback
Great! It sounds like you have a good process in place to assist students with clarifying their goals and interests. Do you have any prior experience with similar situations that you can discuss? Providing a specific example of a time when you helped someone make a change or pinpoint what they wanted to study would further strengthen your answer. Nice job!
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