How should I explain a change in course at university? Will it be asked of me?

Hey!

First of all, a change of university degree/field is no problem at all & is shown on many CVs. Therefore, interviewers are used to it and it does not particularly catch their attention!

If an interviewer is interested in your change of studies, they will ask. This depends on the interviewer - so it can definitely be the case. 

From my point of view, a change in a study is no disadvantage - on the contrary: I often interpret it as a kind of selfreflection from the interviewee who found its real passion/interest! Therefore, I would not talk about any “personal circumstances”, however, that your interests have changed and you have noticed that another kind of study fits your interest much better! If you can explain your new choice (which I am sure you can) then there will not be any further questions from the interviewer). 

I hope this helps! 

BR 
Alessa

Hi Taylor,

In short: this is a non-issue, don't worry about it! :-)

For your resume/CV:

• The type of degree is much less important than the prestige of the program and what you make of it (GPA, extracurriculars)
• Switching once would not raise any eyebrows. If you would switch again and again without finishing anything that would be a red flag
• Show your dedication to your new field by highlighting any relevant coursework, projects, or internships

For interviews:

• If asked (in 95% of interviews, this won't come up), highlight your decision to switch as a proactive step to align your education with your interests and strengths
• Emphasize how the change has benefited you and prepared you for your career
• Mention any specific interests or career goals that guided your decision. They may have changed over time so that's okay! 
• Emphasize skills from your economics studies that are relevant to consulting (e.g., the quantitative aspect)
• Practice these answers to become comfortable with them

Linkedin:

• IMHO, you don't need a LinkedIn for applications (that's what the CV is for)
• If you make one, just fill it out normally, including the economics studies that you later aborted

I feel like you are overestimating the impact this has on how you are perceived. :-)

Cheers,

Florian

Taylor, 

I believe you're seriously overthinking this. 

Just don't put it on the CV.

In case anybody asks about the gap, you can just explain it as plain and direct as you did here. 

Lots of people go ahead studying subjects they absolutely hate. Some people do that with their careers. Knowing when to stop and change what you're doing is an asset, not a liability, and you should be proud of it. 

Best,
Cristian

Hi Taylor,

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your question:

• First of all, I don't think many interviewers will be interested in asking you about your change of study.
• Moreover, in case one actually does, it is essential to frame your course change positively. Emphasize that the decision to switch from economics to business management was a strategic choice.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare for your upcoming interviews, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Hi Taylor,

Q: How should I explain a change in course at university? Will it be asked of me?

I would emphasize the positive elements that led you to choose business management (if you have chosen it, I am sure you had some reasons that led you there). It is not a very relevant change and it doesn’t really signal anything negative, so I would just prepare a good answer in case they ask and not worry about it. 

Good luck!

Francesco

I don't quite follow what the issue is? You switched your majors during university so what? Many people do that and it is quite common. I really do not think many recruiters will focus on it unless there is some big issue to focus on.

1) You may not include this in your CV

2) I really don't see as a negative that you were going the wrong direction and decided to steer to a different direction. That is a sensible decision, not a bad one.

When explaining your course change from economics to business management, focus on framing it as a strategic decision that aligns better with your skills and career goals. You can highlight that the switch allowed you to pursue a field where you feel more confident and capable, emphasizing the personal circumstances that influenced your choice. Stress that this decision reflects your ability to adapt and prioritize your academic success, rather than a failure. 

When it comes to your CV and LinkedIn, consider including both courses to show your broad interests and how they complement each other, framing the transition as a move toward a more suitable path that enhances your professional profile. Lastly, practice articulating this narrative confidently, so that you can address any questions from potential employers with assurance.
 

If an employer asks, just be honest but keep it simple and positive. Say you switched from economics to business management because you realized business was a better fit for your skills and interests. You can mention that without a prior background in economics, it was a challenge, and you wanted a course where you could excel and grow. Focus on the skills you gained, like adaptability and decision-making. It doesn’t look bad on your CV, it shows self-awareness and willingness to make the right choices. As for LinkedIn, don’t overthink it! Many people change courses or careers; just highlight your strengths and what you bring to the table.

I changed my major 7 times in university -- never came up once during an interview anywhere for any job. 

As long as you convey your story so that it is sensible and convincing to your audience, then you're golden. The majority of graduates don't use their degree in countries like the US anyhow (and consultants come from all backgrounds). 

I'd underscore your natural curiosity, adaptatilivty, and agility as reasons for change if it ever comes up. Instead of trying to find the perfect choice, make the choice you made as ideal as possible (e.g., perform well in your exams and score high grades in your selected major).