4 answers
Taylor
Student
Fredericksburg, Virginia
1
Question
Updated
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How do you decide on your major Do you have any advice to quell the worries on someone still unsure of their passion and stressing about the uncertainty of the future??
This year, I was supposed to be a junior in high school, However, I followed a pathway that allowed me to combine my junior and senior year courses into one year, and I plan to graduate a year early. On one hand, this was an accomplishment I am proud of. However, recently I have been stressing myself out about going into college at a younger age with an undecided major. For my mental and social well-being, I feel like college is a good plan for me to develop the stability and productivity of continuing my education, not to mention that I genuinely want to continue. Nevertheless, it still becomes taxing wondering whether attending university will be resourceful or regretful in the long run. I can't help but have doubts going into a university that will be financially demanding whilst still debating what major I will choose. Any advice?
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4 answers
Jessica Ruyle
Executive Content Creator
6
Answers
Croswell, Michigan
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
Hey Taylor!
I remember having the same worries when I was heading to college. What really helped me was starting at a community college before transferring to a university. It’s a great way to knock out general education credits, explore different fields, and figure out what you want to major in—all while saving money compared to a four-year university.
When I started community college, I thought I wanted to major in architecture. But as I took classes and worked toward a Marketing degree, I realized my real passion was graphic design. Since I still had time left in community college, I was able to complete my gen eds and find a university with a strong graphic design program. Because I took this path, I was able to jump straight into my design courses and cut my university time in half since all my gen ed credits transferred.
Figuring out your major takes time, and I know it’s easier said than done, but by exploring what interests you and staying open to new possibilities, you’ll find the career path that excites you. Wishing you the best of luck!
I remember having the same worries when I was heading to college. What really helped me was starting at a community college before transferring to a university. It’s a great way to knock out general education credits, explore different fields, and figure out what you want to major in—all while saving money compared to a four-year university.
When I started community college, I thought I wanted to major in architecture. But as I took classes and worked toward a Marketing degree, I realized my real passion was graphic design. Since I still had time left in community college, I was able to complete my gen eds and find a university with a strong graphic design program. Because I took this path, I was able to jump straight into my design courses and cut my university time in half since all my gen ed credits transferred.
Figuring out your major takes time, and I know it’s easier said than done, but by exploring what interests you and staying open to new possibilities, you’ll find the career path that excites you. Wishing you the best of luck!
Carole Lam-Chin
Social Impact
1
Answer
San Francisco, California
Updated
Carole’s Answer
Taylor, you're not alone! I was in a similar situation during high school. Start by thinking about the subjects you truly enjoy and why they make you happy. This can help you explore careers connected to those interests.
Try exploring different subjects with free online courses to see what catches your eye. For example, HP LIFE offers 30 free courses on business skills and career development at https://www.life-global.org/.
This exploration can give you clearer ideas, helping you choose a school that supports your career dreams. Community college is also a great, affordable option to complete general education courses before moving on to a university for your degree.
Try exploring different subjects with free online courses to see what catches your eye. For example, HP LIFE offers 30 free courses on business skills and career development at https://www.life-global.org/.
This exploration can give you clearer ideas, helping you choose a school that supports your career dreams. Community college is also a great, affordable option to complete general education courses before moving on to a university for your degree.
Jason White
Lead Product Manager- Network Security
136
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Jason’s Answer
Hey Taylor,
I recall being in your position many moons ago. My advice would be to write down the things that you like to do (hobbies). What things you're passionate about (potentially causes or deep convictions). and what skills you like to use. (think problem solving, collaborating, presenting, etc). I would then look into connections between those things. This will help you see the associations between the things that you do like. Then you can speak with the different departments at your school and learn more about the options you have for careers based on things that you like. As you begin learning more you can begin to eliminate options based on what you're learning. There's usually a general type of university college and they can help with this (they did at my school at least)
Ex. You might discover that both engineering and healthcare use problem solving skills, however that you don't like the sight of blood or or bodily fluids which might rule out being in healthcare.
I recall being in your position many moons ago. My advice would be to write down the things that you like to do (hobbies). What things you're passionate about (potentially causes or deep convictions). and what skills you like to use. (think problem solving, collaborating, presenting, etc). I would then look into connections between those things. This will help you see the associations between the things that you do like. Then you can speak with the different departments at your school and learn more about the options you have for careers based on things that you like. As you begin learning more you can begin to eliminate options based on what you're learning. There's usually a general type of university college and they can help with this (they did at my school at least)
Ex. You might discover that both engineering and healthcare use problem solving skills, however that you don't like the sight of blood or or bodily fluids which might rule out being in healthcare.
Jeremy Portwood
1
Answer
Updated
Jeremy’s Answer
At the end of the day, you can’t steer a parked car…
While being unsure about which path to take, standing at a crossroads waiting for something to knock you into a path usually doesn’t produce good results. In fact it can be debilitating. Some, like myself, can be paralyzed by the decision having to choose one over the other.
My advice is to be active and make a choice to go in a direction. So, if you choose a direction and find that you aren’t happy where it is taking you, you have learned what you don’t like or don’t want to do. This can more easily illuminate what you are looking for. Finally, you are in a journey. Not every decision you make will be “perfect.” Each decision you make will push you in a direction and from there you can determine if it is the way you want to be going.
While being unsure about which path to take, standing at a crossroads waiting for something to knock you into a path usually doesn’t produce good results. In fact it can be debilitating. Some, like myself, can be paralyzed by the decision having to choose one over the other.
My advice is to be active and make a choice to go in a direction. So, if you choose a direction and find that you aren’t happy where it is taking you, you have learned what you don’t like or don’t want to do. This can more easily illuminate what you are looking for. Finally, you are in a journey. Not every decision you make will be “perfect.” Each decision you make will push you in a direction and from there you can determine if it is the way you want to be going.