9 answers
Nathan
Student
Virginia Beach, Virginia
1
Question
Asked
1338 views
What should I major in college? It's a very personalized process but i'm lost.
I'm in college, my first official year, but I almost have my associate's degree already (due to AP and summer courses). However, I don't know what to major in, and I feel that I need to decide quickly. I know many people will say to go off your interests and what you're good at, but I don't feel passionate about anything in particular. I've noticed I take a liking towards history in a more casual way, and I do like sciences such as Bio and Chem (Took both as AP and passed exams). I'm okay at math, but I don't have an interest in it. For reference, I took Calc AB in High School senior year and passed the class but not the exam. As far as career interest tests, I've ended up being recommended various science and engineering jobs/majors, but I don't think engineering is for me. I don't think I have the discipline it requires when it comes to engineering because throughout school I've been able to fly through quite easily (which has set up bad habits as far as discipline of studying and putting in time after school). I've gone through school with flying colors, but I feel purposeless and almost like I'm wasting talent. I graduated recently in 2024, so it's quite early to say that, but I've graduated near the top of my class with a 4.195 GPA, and I just don't know what to pursue. I've liked science the most, but subjects like Bio and Chem are so complex and nuanced that I wonder if I've only touched the surface and it's too early to say if I enjoy it. I will say that some engineering sounded interesting, such as Biomedical Engineering or Environmental Engineering, but I'm not very hands-on and as I said earlier, I'm not sure if engineering is for me. I also have an interest in food in a general sense, if that helps at all. (Maybe something like a Food Scientist/Technician?) Any and all replies are appreciated. This became a ramble of sorts, but I wanted to get my thoughts out there, and I can provide any clarification with responses.
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9 answers
Lauren Lewis
Nutrition
1
Answer
San Marcos, Texas
Updated
Lauren’s Answer
Hey Nathan,
I resonate with your experience, because I liked science in high school, but was not sure what major to pick. Eventually, the field of Nutrition and Dietetics was revealed to me and it has been extremely interesting. I am a senior in college and have not changed my major from Nutrition and Foods, because I have enjoyed the material so much. The material ranges from Food Science to Biochemical Nutrition. If you think being a food scientist would be interesting, this is a great major that can help you explore that field as well as the science side of it. Also, if you decide you want to go to medical school after obtaining your degree that is an option too. I love this major because it provides such a broad range of options. Job options after college that I have seen include working with sports, hospitals, food service organizations, cooperate wellness, and schools. Also, with your high GPA, I think you could definitely handle the rigor. I am sure you will love whatever you choose though!
Wishing you the best of luck!
I resonate with your experience, because I liked science in high school, but was not sure what major to pick. Eventually, the field of Nutrition and Dietetics was revealed to me and it has been extremely interesting. I am a senior in college and have not changed my major from Nutrition and Foods, because I have enjoyed the material so much. The material ranges from Food Science to Biochemical Nutrition. If you think being a food scientist would be interesting, this is a great major that can help you explore that field as well as the science side of it. Also, if you decide you want to go to medical school after obtaining your degree that is an option too. I love this major because it provides such a broad range of options. Job options after college that I have seen include working with sports, hospitals, food service organizations, cooperate wellness, and schools. Also, with your high GPA, I think you could definitely handle the rigor. I am sure you will love whatever you choose though!
Wishing you the best of luck!
Thank you so much for your feedback! I'll take a look into it as it incorporates a couple of my interests, science and food.
Nathan
Jess A
6
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Jess’s Answer
Hi Nathan!
I resonate with your experience. Choosing a major definitely creates a lot of pressure, especially when so many subjects are interesting! One approach that might help is taking some personal tests or quizzes. Here are two free online options that I recommend:
1) My favorite is Britannica's Curiosity Compass:
○ https://curiosity.britannica.com/curiosity-personality-quiz
2) 16 Personalities Test is a popular tool too:
○ https://www.16personalities.com/free-personality-test
You can also check with your college's career office to see what resources they offer. They might have quizzes or assessments that explore your attributes and workplace preferences, which can provide further clarity. These tools can help you gain a deeper understanding of your natural interests and tendencies, making it a bit easier to choose a path that aligns with who you are.
Hope this helps!
Jess
I resonate with your experience. Choosing a major definitely creates a lot of pressure, especially when so many subjects are interesting! One approach that might help is taking some personal tests or quizzes. Here are two free online options that I recommend:
1) My favorite is Britannica's Curiosity Compass:
○ https://curiosity.britannica.com/curiosity-personality-quiz
2) 16 Personalities Test is a popular tool too:
○ https://www.16personalities.com/free-personality-test
You can also check with your college's career office to see what resources they offer. They might have quizzes or assessments that explore your attributes and workplace preferences, which can provide further clarity. These tools can help you gain a deeper understanding of your natural interests and tendencies, making it a bit easier to choose a path that aligns with who you are.
Hope this helps!
Jess
I didn't realize that the 16 Personalities test had a career path segment, so thank you! I've taken it already before, so I'll have to take a look and see if there are any insights I can gain from it.
Nathan
Leah Esquivel
Digital Business Development
4
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Leah’s Answer
I'd really have a think about what types of jobs and work excite you and align with goals you have for your future. Start interviewing people that are in your network to learn more about what they do, research job postings to get a feel for what job descriptions look like. See if there are internships you can participate in early on. Once you start to narrow down your interests that align with goals you have for your future you can get a feel for which majors support your vision. I always considered a major that could be applicable in many industries as well.
Michelle M.
Actress
2375
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Nathan !
I read your post carefully and although I can't tell you what to major in, I had a couple of ideas that vibed as I read your post. Unfortunately, nothing about a career is casual or undisciplined and it's okay to not have chosen a career yet. You're amazingly great as a student, however, so it's great that you are reaching out to us.
So, what came to my mind for someone who is wonderful at course work, gets good grades and is already in college but hasn't chosen a major? It's difficult because one usually goes to college BECAUSE they have a career and a major in mind.
I was thinking of four majors that are out of thin air from what you've discussed. That being said, I do have some reasoning behind it. Education (to teach history), Computer Science, Communications Studies, or Business. Read up on these careers and the various roles that are possible with these majors. These are majors that hold possibilities and if you major in one, you may find your niche within that field. These majors are basic enough to fit many different positions and areas of the subjects.
The situation is also that no one can tell you what to major in, but at some point, you will be inspired. I had a college friend that changed her major constantly and ended up settling on Communication Studies. She obtained a fantastic career with the State and they trained her for her particular duties. She received a real awesome and generous retirement package in the end, too.
This is something that you will figure out yourself and don't feel pressured about it. Keep striving for good grades and do some further exploring. Discuss it with staff at the Career Center on campus as they may have some ideas, too.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
I read your post carefully and although I can't tell you what to major in, I had a couple of ideas that vibed as I read your post. Unfortunately, nothing about a career is casual or undisciplined and it's okay to not have chosen a career yet. You're amazingly great as a student, however, so it's great that you are reaching out to us.
So, what came to my mind for someone who is wonderful at course work, gets good grades and is already in college but hasn't chosen a major? It's difficult because one usually goes to college BECAUSE they have a career and a major in mind.
I was thinking of four majors that are out of thin air from what you've discussed. That being said, I do have some reasoning behind it. Education (to teach history), Computer Science, Communications Studies, or Business. Read up on these careers and the various roles that are possible with these majors. These are majors that hold possibilities and if you major in one, you may find your niche within that field. These majors are basic enough to fit many different positions and areas of the subjects.
The situation is also that no one can tell you what to major in, but at some point, you will be inspired. I had a college friend that changed her major constantly and ended up settling on Communication Studies. She obtained a fantastic career with the State and they trained her for her particular duties. She received a real awesome and generous retirement package in the end, too.
This is something that you will figure out yourself and don't feel pressured about it. Keep striving for good grades and do some further exploring. Discuss it with staff at the Career Center on campus as they may have some ideas, too.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
I will look into the jobs that are possible with the majors you've listed. I have already thought about the entire education route with history, and it's not something I'm very keen on, but I haven't checked out the other 3. Some of your replies on other posts are actually what inspired me to make an account and ask this in the first place, so thank you so much for replying to this!
Nathan
You are very welcome, Nathan !
Michelle M.
Christopher Williams, CEBS, PMP
Senior Engagement Manager
36
Answers
Woodstock, Georgia
Updated
Christopher’s Answer
Hey Nathan -
I currently have two kids in college - one is a Finance major and one is an Education major. My suggestion would be to follow your passion and interest. In my opinion, a degree in a broader topic like Business, Finance, or Economics will allow you to go into a wide variety of industries. If you have an interest in computers, then IT would be a great major to pursue. Hope you can find the right major and pursue it!
I currently have two kids in college - one is a Finance major and one is an Education major. My suggestion would be to follow your passion and interest. In my opinion, a degree in a broader topic like Business, Finance, or Economics will allow you to go into a wide variety of industries. If you have an interest in computers, then IT would be a great major to pursue. Hope you can find the right major and pursue it!
A lot of people have been talking about choosing something broad along the lines of Economics and Finance, so it's something I've been considering recently. Thank you so much!
Nathan
Adam Knox
Environmental, Health, and Safety Manager
2
Answers
Portland, Oregon
Updated
Adam’s Answer
Hey Nathan,
I had a similar story when I was your age. Walked into college a Sophomore, good grades came easy but study habits were missing. I recommend going "shopping" for a career and then aligning your academic courses to that general direction - with the caveat that it is ok to change. Life is much longer than it appears for you right now...you aren't wasting talent because there isn't a timeline you are bound to. What you enjoy now may change later, and what you say to lack (like discipline) you can develop if you choose. Remember that a college degree is just a tool and a means to an end, rather than an end goal in and of itself.
If your situation allows, I'd even suggest taking a gap year. Go get a throw away job in an career-adjacent industry (Ex - You want to be a chemist? Go find a job that gets you in a lab somehow, even if its being a janitor or a clerk; Want to be a mechanical engineer? go change tires/oil and get your hands dirty).
It sounds cliche, but life is about the journey, not the destination. That is why it's important that you have a plan that has flexibility built in.
I had a similar story when I was your age. Walked into college a Sophomore, good grades came easy but study habits were missing. I recommend going "shopping" for a career and then aligning your academic courses to that general direction - with the caveat that it is ok to change. Life is much longer than it appears for you right now...you aren't wasting talent because there isn't a timeline you are bound to. What you enjoy now may change later, and what you say to lack (like discipline) you can develop if you choose. Remember that a college degree is just a tool and a means to an end, rather than an end goal in and of itself.
If your situation allows, I'd even suggest taking a gap year. Go get a throw away job in an career-adjacent industry (Ex - You want to be a chemist? Go find a job that gets you in a lab somehow, even if its being a janitor or a clerk; Want to be a mechanical engineer? go change tires/oil and get your hands dirty).
It sounds cliche, but life is about the journey, not the destination. That is why it's important that you have a plan that has flexibility built in.
You may have found your answer cliché, but I found it to be very insightful. It can be easy to get lost when you're going too fast, and I may need to slow down. Your story is very similar to mine, and as such, I was able to resonate with it, so thank you very much for the assistance.
Nathan
Anita Hall Frost
Engineer
7
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Anita’s Answer
Hi Nathan. First off, you're definitely not alone in this! Choosing a career path can be tricky, especially with everyone asking, "Where are you going and what will you major in?" But don't worry, you have options. You can start college without choosing a major right away! They call it being an "undecided" or "exploring" student. At the U of MN, there's a whole department dedicated to helping students explore different paths. Check it out: https://advisor.umn.edu/undecided.
Also, talk to lots of people. Sometimes, those who know you well can offer great insights—not necessarily about what to major in, but about what they see in you. For example, someone might say, "You love solving problems and get so excited when you figure things out—maybe look into a career that involves problem-solving." Comments like these, along with my passion for feeding the world, led me to become a Food Engineer, and I spent my career working as an engineer for a Fortune 500 food company—and I loved it!
Another option is taking a year or two off before starting college. You've been focused on academics in high school, so maybe a break will give you some fresh perspective and help you learn more about yourself. If you can, travel, find a hobby you enjoy, or do some volunteer work. These experiences can help you discover what you truly love.
Remember, life is long, and taking some time to figure things out is just a small part of your journey. Wishing you all the best!
Also, talk to lots of people. Sometimes, those who know you well can offer great insights—not necessarily about what to major in, but about what they see in you. For example, someone might say, "You love solving problems and get so excited when you figure things out—maybe look into a career that involves problem-solving." Comments like these, along with my passion for feeding the world, led me to become a Food Engineer, and I spent my career working as an engineer for a Fortune 500 food company—and I loved it!
Another option is taking a year or two off before starting college. You've been focused on academics in high school, so maybe a break will give you some fresh perspective and help you learn more about yourself. If you can, travel, find a hobby you enjoy, or do some volunteer work. These experiences can help you discover what you truly love.
Remember, life is long, and taking some time to figure things out is just a small part of your journey. Wishing you all the best!
Thank you so much, Anita. I find your advice to be very insightful, as I've definitely felt a need to just keep pushing ahead even if that idea hasn't been forced on me. I could see myself taking a year or so off after I earn my associate's if I need to.
Nathan
SUJAL Tarkhad
Project Manager
3
Answers
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Updated
SUJAL’s Answer
Hello Nathan,
From what you have shared, you are doing good academically. Suggest what you can do is as first step to self help write down on a notepad what are the career options that interests you or have interested you in the recent past. Even if you are unsure of what you want to pursue still write down your career interest. Also write down what you are not interested in pursuing as a career option. Once you have done that you may want to read up material on the career opportunities that interest you even to an extent. Remember when you choose a career you should enjoy pursuing the same day in day out. Its not a job, its something you would pursue for a lifetime. Reaching out to a professional career counselor can also be of great help to you who can guide you well and direct you on making the right career choice. They can suggest tools which can give you a direction in making the right choice. However the final decision on which career you wish to take up would be yours. Wishing you all the very best to make the right and best career choice decision.
From what you have shared, you are doing good academically. Suggest what you can do is as first step to self help write down on a notepad what are the career options that interests you or have interested you in the recent past. Even if you are unsure of what you want to pursue still write down your career interest. Also write down what you are not interested in pursuing as a career option. Once you have done that you may want to read up material on the career opportunities that interest you even to an extent. Remember when you choose a career you should enjoy pursuing the same day in day out. Its not a job, its something you would pursue for a lifetime. Reaching out to a professional career counselor can also be of great help to you who can guide you well and direct you on making the right career choice. They can suggest tools which can give you a direction in making the right choice. However the final decision on which career you wish to take up would be yours. Wishing you all the very best to make the right and best career choice decision.
Thank you so much, I'll see if there are any career counselors I could reach out to. I really appreciate you taking the time to give your input on the situation.
Nathan
Joseph Ford
189
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
Well, it looks as though your area of interest is all over the place. :-) This is normal and a good thing. Many students start off majoring in one or two subjects then graduating in another. You know there may be forums you can join based on your areas of interest that include individuals who work in the fields. You can take a look and see what the people who work in these fields are discussing it may help. Just remember you can move around in any of these fields especially if you simply Major in Math or Chemistry.
https://www.foodscienceforum.com/
https://dialysistechnical.freeforums.net/
https://www.eli.org/environmental-forum
https://www.foodscienceforum.com/
https://dialysistechnical.freeforums.net/
https://www.eli.org/environmental-forum