Having a degree matters…but maybe not the specific degree you have. Why? Well, according to recent research by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, 62% of recent college graduates are working in jobs that require a degree, but only 27% of college graduates are working in a job that even relates to their major. Here are tips on how to pivot if your college major doesn’t match your motivation or passion.

#1. Remember, Your First Job May Not Align with Your Major

Jobs in today’s world do not always fit what your college major may be. This is why it is important to have a minor that may not be something you love but is something that can come in handy in the workforce. Perhaps you could minor in computer engineering or coding even if you major in fashion media. You would be surprised at how these two separate studies could cross paths.

#2. Your Experience is What Really Matters

Take advantage of opportunities to intern in various different companies and in different types of jobs. Get involved on campus and volunteer for things you care about. Those items may get you excited about something that you otherwise didn’t study in school, which could bring you into a whole new direction.

#3. Focus on Soft Skills

Employers want to see that you can learn fast, fit into the environment and be responsive to each task that is assigned. Ninety-three percent of employers believe that critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills are more vital than someone’s undergraduate field of study. Even Silicon Valley is starting to favor employees who studied liberal arts as those opposed to the typical technology path. Soft skills are a huge deal to employers. It’s great to create a product —but if you can’t get someone else to believe in it, then it will end up as just a great idea.

#4. Your Network is Paramount

You know what they say… “it isn’t about what you know, but WHO you know.” You can choose a business major with the target of becoming a CEO one day, but the truth of the matter is that if you don’t create a network, you're limiting the speed of getting where you want to go. You can start building your network now by building relationships with your professors and peers and attending as many networking events as possible.

The major you choose is not the only path your career will take you on. You may end up with all A’s in finance but end up becoming a graphic designer. The choice is yours and it will be the right one as long as you are excited and find what motivates you to wake up every day and push forward.