5 answers
Somava Ray
Student
Schaumburg, Illinois
1
Question
Asked
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What major should I apply with?
Hi, I'm in 11th grade and I am unsure on what major path to follow. Im conflicted between computer science and accounting. I am more determined to achieve success in my future job and am not sure which will provide the most support. Throughout high schoolI have mostly focused on CS. Im not CRAZY about it I do enjoy it. Accounting on the other hand I just did some research and it seemed intriguing and the jobs looked promising. How do I know what majors to aply for colleges? Because some will be difficult than others. Im also open doing another major like Aerospace
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5 answers
Paul Lowe
Finance
2
Answers
Forney, Texas
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Ultimately it depends on what motivates you. Both areas of interest can be rewarding. Also, both areas of interest have a shortage in future employees. If money motivates you, there is something to be said for software engineering as it pays more than accounting. That said, think about it this way. You will be potentially doing the same thing day in and day out for 35 years or more. With that in mind, you should really find something that you and enjoy and will keep you engaged in the work you would want to do.
Tony Roig
Volunteer
53
Answers
New Hope, Pennsylvania
Updated
Tony’s Answer
Hello Somava,
It's fantastic to see your interest in both fields! I strongly recommend you engage in activities and tasks that allow you to delve deeper into each area, providing you with a taste of both types of work. You might find it beneficial to undertake some career assessments. These can be instrumental in identifying which path aligns best with your personality, preferences, skills, and natural talents. It's quite common for students to major in one field while minoring in another, so you could consider this approach when you embark on your university or college journey. It's worth noting that software programming might offer a less social environment when compared to Accounting.
Wishing you all the best,
Tony
It's fantastic to see your interest in both fields! I strongly recommend you engage in activities and tasks that allow you to delve deeper into each area, providing you with a taste of both types of work. You might find it beneficial to undertake some career assessments. These can be instrumental in identifying which path aligns best with your personality, preferences, skills, and natural talents. It's quite common for students to major in one field while minoring in another, so you could consider this approach when you embark on your university or college journey. It's worth noting that software programming might offer a less social environment when compared to Accounting.
Wishing you all the best,
Tony
Biplab Panda
Engagement Director
116
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Biplab’s Answer
If your choice is currently between accounting and computer science and you think you'd enjoy both, the good news is that you won't go wrong with either!
Focus on studying up and gaining experience wherever possible through internship or other extracurricular opportunities, and if you are enjoying what you do then either choice will be fine.
Here are some examples of options you'd have with either option.
Careers with a Major in Computer Science:
1. Software Developer
2. Data Scientist
3. Cybersecurity Analyst (my company regularly has openings for these!)
4. Cloud Solutions Architect
5. Game Developer
---
Careers with a Major in Accounting:
1. Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
2. Financial Analyst
3. Tax Consultant
4. Forensic Accountant
5. Management Accountant
Focus on studying up and gaining experience wherever possible through internship or other extracurricular opportunities, and if you are enjoying what you do then either choice will be fine.
Here are some examples of options you'd have with either option.
Careers with a Major in Computer Science:
1. Software Developer
2. Data Scientist
3. Cybersecurity Analyst (my company regularly has openings for these!)
4. Cloud Solutions Architect
5. Game Developer
---
Careers with a Major in Accounting:
1. Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
2. Financial Analyst
3. Tax Consultant
4. Forensic Accountant
5. Management Accountant
Karissa Helton
Teacher
205
Answers
Miami, Florida
Updated
Karissa’s Answer
Knowing which major to pick may not be a one-time decision. You may have to take unnecessary classes or even major in the wrong thing only to have to go to graduate school later to get the degree that you can use. Here are a few tips:
1) Are there any classes you enjoyed in high school? Try majoring in that subject. As you take more classes you will be able to see what careers are available.
2) Read “What Color is Your Parachute by Richard Nelson Bolles. This book helps you figure out which career paths match your personality and interests.
3) If you are in college go to the counseling center. Make an appointment with a counselor and ask about a career test.
4) Did you enjoy working in groups in high school? For some people the answer is no. If you did not then working with other people may not be for you.
5) Go through the college catalogue and read through each degree program’s courses. Cross out the ones you know for sure are not right for you.
1) Are there any classes you enjoyed in high school? Try majoring in that subject. As you take more classes you will be able to see what careers are available.
2) Read “What Color is Your Parachute by Richard Nelson Bolles. This book helps you figure out which career paths match your personality and interests.
3) If you are in college go to the counseling center. Make an appointment with a counselor and ask about a career test.
4) Did you enjoy working in groups in high school? For some people the answer is no. If you did not then working with other people may not be for you.
5) Go through the college catalogue and read through each degree program’s courses. Cross out the ones you know for sure are not right for you.
Jeff Sloan
Software engineer - firmware Retired
106
Answers
Updated
Jeff’s Answer
Hi Somava,
It's wonderful that you have several options for a career path! However, at this point, you don't have to make a decision. The first two years at university are meant for figuring out what you really like. You'll take multiple introductory classes to gain a broad knowledge base. You'll also be able to talk to your professors and fellow students. You can get a feel for what a job in that industry entails. In a four year degree degree program, you don't have to declare a major until after you complete your sophomore year. And, after that, you can change majors at any point.
I began my journey as a biology major with plans to become a marine biologist. I took an intro computer science class and was hooked. Back in that day, CS majors were very rare and careers were just being created.
Another thing to keep in mind is that, even after you graduate, you can still change careers and directions. I spent much of my career between being a large application programmer, a hardware developer, and firmware developer and then went into academia. You will change careers and careers paths throughout your career so you are not locked into any specific path.
One option is to work on a double major or one major and the other path, a minor. That way, you have the background for either career path.
At this point, my best advice is to not worry about the future. You have lots of great options and now is the time to begin to figure it all out and see what you really enjoy, always knowing that you are not locked in!
Enjoy the journey!
It's wonderful that you have several options for a career path! However, at this point, you don't have to make a decision. The first two years at university are meant for figuring out what you really like. You'll take multiple introductory classes to gain a broad knowledge base. You'll also be able to talk to your professors and fellow students. You can get a feel for what a job in that industry entails. In a four year degree degree program, you don't have to declare a major until after you complete your sophomore year. And, after that, you can change majors at any point.
I began my journey as a biology major with plans to become a marine biologist. I took an intro computer science class and was hooked. Back in that day, CS majors were very rare and careers were just being created.
Another thing to keep in mind is that, even after you graduate, you can still change careers and directions. I spent much of my career between being a large application programmer, a hardware developer, and firmware developer and then went into academia. You will change careers and careers paths throughout your career so you are not locked into any specific path.
One option is to work on a double major or one major and the other path, a minor. That way, you have the background for either career path.
At this point, my best advice is to not worry about the future. You have lots of great options and now is the time to begin to figure it all out and see what you really enjoy, always knowing that you are not locked in!
Enjoy the journey!