6 answers
Eythan
Student
Fenton, Michigan
2
Questions
Asked
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What should I do if still undecided by next year?
Im still undecided and nothing has caught my eye for what I really want?
#undecided
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6 answers
Gloria Ortiz
Instructional Designer
850
Answers
Irving, Texas
Updated
Gloria’s Answer
Hi Eythan,
I actually knew my major when I went to college at 18. I did not graduate with that major. I wanted to write so I chose Journalism as a major. I even chose my university based on that major. However, I did not consider how competitive a project like that would be. So when you look at majors, learn as much as you can about what having that major entails. Consider majors that appeal to you. Unless the job that you want would benefit from a specific college, I would say choose a college based on its overall benefits, not just based on a major.
Since you are just starting your college experience, you should not feel a lot of pressure to decide on a major just yet. Most of your major work is done during your junior and senior year. I would suggest that you work hard on the general courses that you need to take at your university – English, History, Math, etc. I would also recommend that you challenge yourself with the elective courses that you take. If you do not really know what you want to major in, you should start to look in places where you have never looked. Take the elective that you don’t even know what it is. That will expose you to new experiences that may catch your attention. Or you may find that something you don’t think would be a good major is actually what you want to do. You should not be afraid of majors where you are not quite sure what you will do with it as a job. I ended up graduating with what is the equivalent of a Liberal Arts degree at a lot of universities. And what do I do? I am an Instructional Designer.
I learned what my strengths were through working. I didn’t know that I would end up being a Learning and Development professional when I started doing data entry at a credit card company. There I found out I can explain to people how to do their jobs in a way that helped them learn fast. Also consider volunteering with various organizations. That can expose you to different roles, help you find your strengths, and help you to build a network outside of those you find in your every day life.
Gloria
I actually knew my major when I went to college at 18. I did not graduate with that major. I wanted to write so I chose Journalism as a major. I even chose my university based on that major. However, I did not consider how competitive a project like that would be. So when you look at majors, learn as much as you can about what having that major entails. Consider majors that appeal to you. Unless the job that you want would benefit from a specific college, I would say choose a college based on its overall benefits, not just based on a major.
Since you are just starting your college experience, you should not feel a lot of pressure to decide on a major just yet. Most of your major work is done during your junior and senior year. I would suggest that you work hard on the general courses that you need to take at your university – English, History, Math, etc. I would also recommend that you challenge yourself with the elective courses that you take. If you do not really know what you want to major in, you should start to look in places where you have never looked. Take the elective that you don’t even know what it is. That will expose you to new experiences that may catch your attention. Or you may find that something you don’t think would be a good major is actually what you want to do. You should not be afraid of majors where you are not quite sure what you will do with it as a job. I ended up graduating with what is the equivalent of a Liberal Arts degree at a lot of universities. And what do I do? I am an Instructional Designer.
I learned what my strengths were through working. I didn’t know that I would end up being a Learning and Development professional when I started doing data entry at a credit card company. There I found out I can explain to people how to do their jobs in a way that helped them learn fast. Also consider volunteering with various organizations. That can expose you to different roles, help you find your strengths, and help you to build a network outside of those you find in your every day life.
Gloria
Paula P
22
Answers
Canada
Updated
Paula’s Answer
Business and technology are always good fields to get into. Some people switch majors a few times before finding something that really interests them, and that’s ok. Some people change careers paths multiple times before finding something they are passionate about and that’s ok too. Try out different courses and see what speaks to you.
Nicholas Johnson
Electronic Technician/ Sysadmin
33
Answers
Oak Harbor, Washington
Updated
Nicholas’s Answer
Ask yourself what you enjoy doing in your spare time, try to find something you love so work doesn't have to feel like "work". If you are going to spend the rest of your life doing something it might as well be something you enjoy, or find some sort of interest in. I know you may feel rushed, but you have time. The first few years of college can be spent focusing on your general studies which will by you some more time as you figure out what you want to continue studying. Bonnie is not wrong tech is the way of the future, but there will always be a high demand for blue collar jobs like mechanics, welders, plumbers, electricians, construction workers and etc.
Bonnie Allen
Assoc. Director Technology
56
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Bonnie’s Answer
I recommend you try the tech field because those are the jobs of the future. Udacity’s online program has over two hundred free online courses from which to choose. The only emery to know is by doing.
Visit Udacity.com and choose from their list to begin
Bonnie recommends the following next steps:
Danielle Grossi
Worldwide Sales Director
3
Answers
Rancho Santa Margarita, California
Updated
Danielle’s Answer
First of all, it's totally ok and normal to not know what you want to do. Especially since we will all probably have several careers in our lifespans. One major that will always help you in life, is Business. If you are really undecided and are not passionate about anything specific, I would recommend at least a business degree. I have worked in Tech for over 20 years now and agree with Bonnie that those are the jobs of the future but if you don't enjoy tech, you may not stick with it.
My major was Business IT, so it was a mix of business and tech courses. I started my career as a software engineer but have moved to up and around to all different types of positions from software engineering, product management, project management, communications, marketing, business development, operations, and now sales. I did a stint of startups for 3 years and have worked for small and mostly large enterprise companies.
You can never go wrong with having a Business degree but really, just don't ever stop learning. The degree is the entry point.
Today, if you want to stay relevant, progress in your career, and seize opportunities, you have to commit to life-long learning.
It doesn't have to be degrees, but always be learning. That will keep you ahead.
To be life-long learner, check out LinkedIn Learning, for example
Udacity has tons of free courses
Coursera is great for short learnings and getting into new topics
My major was Business IT, so it was a mix of business and tech courses. I started my career as a software engineer but have moved to up and around to all different types of positions from software engineering, product management, project management, communications, marketing, business development, operations, and now sales. I did a stint of startups for 3 years and have worked for small and mostly large enterprise companies.
You can never go wrong with having a Business degree but really, just don't ever stop learning. The degree is the entry point.
Today, if you want to stay relevant, progress in your career, and seize opportunities, you have to commit to life-long learning.
It doesn't have to be degrees, but always be learning. That will keep you ahead.
Danielle recommends the following next steps:
Julian Sanchez
HR
15
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Julian’s Answer
Hi Eythan!
I think you should continue to explore different courses and try to find something that you love! You don't necessarily have to declare anything in particular right away. You want to make sure that you love what you do!
When I was in college, I was undecided for some time and eventually found something that I really loved! It took some time and I ended switching majors quite a few times, but I am very happy with what I chose.
Your career path may even change when you are working! I got my degree in Journalism and now I work in HR! There are many options! Definitely give things a try!