From Bandwagon to Boomerang in US Higher Education

The bandwagon effect and the boomerang effect are two social phenomena that have been observed in US higher education. These effects can have a significant impact on students' behavior and decision-making processes.

The bandwagon effect refers to the tendency of individuals to adopt certain beliefs or behaviors simply because many others are doing so. In the context of higher education, this could manifest as students choosing to pursue certain majors or participate in specific extracurricular activities because they perceive them to be popular or socially desirable. Predominantly, we are now seeing this happen in the case of MS STEM programs. As we had discussed the advantages of the STEM program, grad aspirants should be cautious and do extensive research on the major and study the curriculum to determine whether they have the passion to learn new technologies coupled with accounting.

The bandwagon effect can create a sense of conformity and herd mentality, where students may feel pressure to conform to the choices made by their peers. What happens when the candidate finds out that it is not aligned with his or her goals or passion? Whether you need to upskill and learn the fundamentals of software and analytics, this can be challenging, but some may need or prefer to upskill before the start of their master's program.

On the other hand, the boomerang effect is characterized by an individual's resistance or opposition to a particular idea or behavior, which can be triggered by attempts to persuade or influence them. In the context of higher education, the boomerang effect could occur when students, upon being pressured or persuaded to choose a certain path or make a specific decision, react by actively resisting or rejecting that suggestion. This can result in students making choices that are contrary to what was initially intended or desired. This, we have seen, can be easily eliminated by basic counseling, the first step the students take before they start the application process.

Both the bandwagon effect and the boomerang effect can have implications for students' careers. The bandwagon effect can lead to a lack of diversity in academic and career choices, as students may feel compelled to follow the crowd rather than explore their interests and passions. On the other hand, the boomerang effect can create challenges for educators and policymakers who are trying to influence students' decisions in a particular direction.

To mitigate the negative effects of these phenomena, it is important for students to be encouraged to think critically and independently rather than simply following the crowd. Providing students with a wide range of information and resources can help them make informed decisions and resist the pressures of the bandwagon effect. Some of the latest STEM programs in accounting, such as the MSAcc-Masters in Accounting-STEM program or the MSATA (MS in Accounting, Technology, and Analytics), can be quite rigorous. Aspirants should be prepared in advance and completely thorough with the program that they will be pursuing.

Additionally, educators and policymakers should be mindful of the potential boomerang effect and ensure that any attempts to influence students' choices are respectful and considerate of their autonomy. On the other hand, students who have this valuable information can decide whether a STEM master's program is right for them and can prepare in advance for what's to come and whether it is the right career path in the accounting field.

To conclude, the bandwagon effect and the boomerang effect are two social phenomena that can significantly impact decision-making processes in US higher education. Understanding these effects and taking steps not only enhances the latest emerging skillsets but also reduces their negative consequences. This can, in turn, help create an environment that promotes independent thinking, the preparation of analytical skills needed, and further diversifies academic and career choices.