10 answers
Asked
935 views
How do I pick a college major based on my diverse interests?
I am very interested in bio and computer but I have no interest in chem and physics .I am interested in business studies, economics and accounts and I want a quick degree which takes no more than 3 years.I need advice!!
#business #major #college #economics #CS #biology
Login to comment
10 answers
Updated
Taymour’s Answer
I was in a similar position when I first joined University . I discovered that what I am interested in is not something that I specifically might want to work in. Some interests might become a hobby, but not necessarily a career path. Its very important to discover what you are actually interested in and would want to work in. To do that, you can start joining small internships, trainings and shadowing in different fields that you are interested in to get a feel of what really goes on there. Doing so will lead you to see a real picture of this career. Doing so might help narrow down your options a bit.
Also, I would reemphasize the idea of Majoring and Minoring. Some universities allow you to double major, double minor or even more. This allows you to learn a bit more of everything if you are really interested in them. If worse comes to worse, you can always change your major or minor, one year is not a big issue.
I personally feel when choosing a major or career path, it's not only important to choose something you love but also something that has a future in the job market.
Updated
Leroy’s Answer
Is your focus to get a quick degree, or to invest in your education and therefore career, as these are conflicting? I'm not sure about colleges, but I know universities you can have a major and a minor. My friend received a major in electrical engineering and minor in biology. I think if you are looking at some form of dual degrees, to see how the two can compliment each other, and how it will help you differentiate from others. With bio and computers, you could work to better understand which genes trigger which diseases, through AI technology and algorithms of data collected. Am not in these fields, just my thought.
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
Thanks for your question. The good news is that skills in science and computer science translate very well to business, economics and finance. I would recommend that you focus on building on the strengths you have by focusing on your science/computer science skills, while at the same time take courses in business, economics and finance. You might want to consider a double major as well. Finally, I would recommend looking for summer internships that allow you to apply your skills to these fields.
Updated
Mackenzie’s Answer
I agree with much of the advice above about determining what you are interested in. I encourage you to consider this outside of the lens of academic majors or industries. Consider what interests you through the lens of who you want to impact (individuals, society, organizations), what your values are (harmony, equity, achievement, status, etc.), and how you would like to deliver your craft (through human connection, use of technology, community involvement, hierarchical structure, etc). These types of assessments seem abstract, but it will help you identify a path that will bring you fulfillment. It is easy to say, for example, "I want to work in physics" but help yourself narrow the scope. These questions could help you decide if you want to teach physics, do research, consult with companies, etc. Once you have a goal in mind of what fulfills you, it can inform the career path you should take.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Updated
Suvebah’s Answer
For intermediate program you can opt for Pre-engineering or computer science. This will give you a good basis of subjects like Statistics, advanced mathematics and basic accounting and economics. Your major in college does not deter you from choosing the right career for you. Use the two years of college/intermediate to really do your homework. Find out what interests you and what area you excel in. Also see how the chosen program fits in with your career aspirations. You can view prospectuses online and narrow down which programs interest you and which universities/institutes are best suited for you. Many universities also hold webinars for students such as yourself to narrow down their choices.
Updated
Whitney’s Answer
As many others have stated, finding something that interests you is important and will help you have an engaging and rewarding career. It seems like there are a variety of fields that interest you, which is awesome! Another factor to consider when choosing between fields is the type of work you would enjoy. Would you be happy at a corporate desk job or would you rather be in a lab or in the field? Both have pro's and con's but different fields can have a significant impact on your future day-to-day life. Lastly, I would consider your future career path. If you're not sure you're going to be happy doing one thing, consider fields which have a multitude of career paths, so you're not locked in to something that you don't enjoy, but you can still put your degree to good use!
Updated
waner’s Answer
1. Undecided for a year, take the time to dabble across different courses in general studies within the fields you are interested in
2. Meet with your adviser to understand what you are interested in
3. Read description of classes and see if any of the descriptions are things that fit within what you expect of the major
4. Join different activities and clubs to meet other people within the fields you may be interested in to hear from their experiences
5. Choose a minor alongside your major if you enjoy more than 1 field that may be not too related (i.e. Bio and Business)
6. Participate in internships/apprenticeships or shadow people in those professions to see what shoes you would end up in in that career
7. Network, meet with people who are in the career you would potentially like and ask for advice from them to navigate college career whether that is meeting with professors or joining more groups
2. Meet with your adviser to understand what you are interested in
3. Read description of classes and see if any of the descriptions are things that fit within what you expect of the major
4. Join different activities and clubs to meet other people within the fields you may be interested in to hear from their experiences
5. Choose a minor alongside your major if you enjoy more than 1 field that may be not too related (i.e. Bio and Business)
6. Participate in internships/apprenticeships or shadow people in those professions to see what shoes you would end up in in that career
7. Network, meet with people who are in the career you would potentially like and ask for advice from them to navigate college career whether that is meeting with professors or joining more groups
Updated
Sharhonda’s Answer
I agree with Leroy L. first decide which is more important- quick degree or investing in your education and career. If you havent already started college an option is to take classes you have an interest in the first year, study abroad or go to school part time and work part time; you can declare a major later on. At one point in my college career I considered not going back to school. I worked two terrible jobs that summer and quickly realized I needed to finish school or get a trade because that type of work was NOT for me. Having some life experience and taking time to explore your interests sounds like it might be good for you.
Updated
Juliana’s Answer
You will evolve over time, as will your interests. I would say if you are not sure, it is easier to do a broad based degree (like Business ) which can be applied to any industry. My undergrad was in Microbiology and then I did a Business Degree (Accounting & Finance majors). I was interested in Microbiology, but not to the extent I wanted it to be my day job. So when I graduated I went into auditing (you could do accounting , finance or marketing, depending on the business major), but focused on the biotech industry clients (my interest). However you don't need to do 2 degrees!
I suggest, if there is an interest area, you can do it as a minor. Eg do a BA, with a minor in Design Engineering, or Data Science, or Process automation (Combines a broad degree with some computer analytics) since you mentioned this was an interest area.
Business is an easy way to give you an "in" into a career, that allows a lot of flexibility in terms of how you want to explore and hone your interests and can be used across any industry.
I suggest, if there is an interest area, you can do it as a minor. Eg do a BA, with a minor in Design Engineering, or Data Science, or Process automation (Combines a broad degree with some computer analytics) since you mentioned this was an interest area.
Business is an easy way to give you an "in" into a career, that allows a lot of flexibility in terms of how you want to explore and hone your interests and can be used across any industry.
Updated
Dana’s Answer
Hi there! It's great that you have multiple interests. Here are some degrees I thought about:
✔️ Computer Science - if you are interested in programming, computers, developing websites, you can research more information about this degree. It is full of possibilities. For example, if you're not necessarily into algorithms, you can invest more time in looking at how web applications are developed, or you can look for UI/UX design careers.
✔️ Business Administration - a versatile degree from which many careers can emerge. In my country, for example, there are some degrees which contain a combination of Business Administration, Economics and Computer Science.
✔️ Biotechnical Engineering - if you are attracted towards being an engineer, or towards robotics
✔️ Biomedical Engineering and anything Biology related, if you are interested in the subject, however you should consider that there is a change you will encounter chemistry there or maybe physics.
Hope this helped and don't hesitate to ask more questions in the comments :) Good luck! <3
Research more about each degree and what careers you can have after graduating.
✔️ Computer Science - if you are interested in programming, computers, developing websites, you can research more information about this degree. It is full of possibilities. For example, if you're not necessarily into algorithms, you can invest more time in looking at how web applications are developed, or you can look for UI/UX design careers.
✔️ Business Administration - a versatile degree from which many careers can emerge. In my country, for example, there are some degrees which contain a combination of Business Administration, Economics and Computer Science.
✔️ Biotechnical Engineering - if you are attracted towards being an engineer, or towards robotics
✔️ Biomedical Engineering and anything Biology related, if you are interested in the subject, however you should consider that there is a change you will encounter chemistry there or maybe physics.
Hope this helped and don't hesitate to ask more questions in the comments :) Good luck! <3
Dana recommends the following next steps: