I minored in Cognitive Science in college; it was a new, interdisciplinary program that combined courses in Computer Science, Psychology and Philosophy. After graduation, if you had asked me my favorite course of all four years, I probably would have said “Human Factors” – one of my Cognitive Science electives.

It was an intermediate-level psychology class that aimed to identify the ways that humans interact with everyday objects and how objects/products can be effectively designed in order to match the human psyche. It was fascinating for me to realize all the aspects of product design that could make a product either extraordinarily successful or a giant flop.

We were told to keep a diary over the course of the semester and log all the different frustrating experiences we had over the course of a day. [Identifying problem statements, anyone?]

I remember a few even 10 years later:

Why is my alarm clock so hard to set?

Why does that door look like I should push on it, but it’s really a pull door?

Why does it take the jaws of life to open up a CD wrapper? (Yes, I’m dating myself on that one.)

These were all examples of everyday problem statements just begging for a solution. Perhaps a feature enhancement. Or perhaps a completely new product.

Thinking back on it, it’s the perfect course for a would-be product manager. But I didn’t realize it – or even know to think about it – at the time.

So what’s the moral here?

There are a lot of people out there that will tell you not to worry about what you major in during college. They’ll tell you college will only help you get your first job. Or that you probably won’t end up in the field in which you majored in. Or that during college, you gain more social and emotional skills than you do useful academic knowledge.

Well, I wouldn’t necessarily argue with those people at all. They’re valid arguments.

But, I would add that you should make sure you’re picking classes that intrigue you, even if it’s not in your major or relevant to the job you think you’ll one day have. Diversify your courseload and pay attention to what motivates and interests you.

Don’t let yourself worry about what major is going to be printed on your diploma — that’s not the instruction booklet for the rest of your life.