Human motivation is one of the complex subjects studied by researchers’ intensely. Denhardt, Aristigueta and Denhardt (146) define motivation as an emotion not directly observable; not same as satisfaction; not always conscious and something directly uncontrollable. The two types of motivation broadly categorized are intrinsic and extrinsic motivation (Ott. Parks and Simpsons; 132-133)
When choosing a college major intrinsic motivation towards a field or subject is more evident and implemented than the extrinsic motivation. This means that it has been seen that a passion, enthusiasm and zeal towards a specific subject outweighs the cash for the career foregone.
Studying a specific subject or choosing a college major demands interest of the student. Even if the opportunity cost in terms cash for the subject foregone is high, a student is not motivated. This absence of motivation is not because of any extrinsic factor but passion and which becomes the driving force and an intrinsic factor of motivation to choose the college major.
Therefore, owing to interest and passion, satisfaction with the work should be the driving force when choosing a college major. This does not only help to achieve the goals and objectives of a student but he also seeks to develop his career higher and higher in future. This satisfaction with his work compels him to go forward towards success (Locke and Latham; 20-40)
On the other hand, if pay becomes the diving force when choosing college major, lack of interest suppresses the motivation to learn, educate and develop oneself in the particular field and may result in failure for the student. In short, pursuing the career/ major of work satisfaction will generate a handsome income compared to proceeding a career with the aim of money making with absence of interest and motivation which will ultimately either lead to failure or not reaching the desired goal.
References:
Denhardt, R. B., Denhardt, J. V., & Aristigueta, M. P. Managing Human Behavior in Public and Nonprofit Organizations. 2008. Sage Publications, Inc
Locke, E. A., & Latham, G. P. Building a practically useful theory of goal setting and task motivation. A 35-year odyssey. 2002. The American Psychologist
Ott, J. S., Parkes, S. J., & Simpson, R. B. Classic Readings in Organizational Behavior. 2007. Wadsworth Publishing.
