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how do stay committed to college and your major?
I am in fear that i’ll lose interest sometime down the road in my career path. what do i do to stay on track? #career #college
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Josha’s Answer
Hi Eziyah,
First of all, do not be afraid if your interests change over time, this is VERY normal and many people do it. Your question is around 2 different areas- college/major and career path. So I will answer both separately.
First staying committed in college is difficult. For many students it is their first time away from home, or having to self manage their class load, social life, and home duties (cooking/cleaning/laundry etc). This compounded with academic work can be daunting and it can be overwhelming at times, but my advice is to keep your eye on the prize. Ultimately, your goal is to get a degree and find a job, and when you have those moments of doubt- you should refocus on that. Now, I will also say, if you find your course work uninteresting and you can't possibly see yourself doing this (or anything like it) it may be time to talk to your academic advisors at your school about changing your major. College is meant to prepare you for the workforce, so if you're taking class that lead you to a career you don't want, you may want to change that path.
With regards to the career path, this one is trickier. Many adults change jobs multiple times throughout their career. With every job you learn a little more about the type of work you like, and do well at, compared to the types of work you dislike. It's very normal to change jobs and companies. If you find yourself completely uninterested in the career path you're on, you could always look into going back to school or going to a trade school to specialize in a new area to drastically change your career. For example, my mother was a pharmacist for many years, but when she became a mother she wanted a career with a vacation schedule similar to her kids, so she went back to school to get a degree in teaching.
First of all, do not be afraid if your interests change over time, this is VERY normal and many people do it. Your question is around 2 different areas- college/major and career path. So I will answer both separately.
First staying committed in college is difficult. For many students it is their first time away from home, or having to self manage their class load, social life, and home duties (cooking/cleaning/laundry etc). This compounded with academic work can be daunting and it can be overwhelming at times, but my advice is to keep your eye on the prize. Ultimately, your goal is to get a degree and find a job, and when you have those moments of doubt- you should refocus on that. Now, I will also say, if you find your course work uninteresting and you can't possibly see yourself doing this (or anything like it) it may be time to talk to your academic advisors at your school about changing your major. College is meant to prepare you for the workforce, so if you're taking class that lead you to a career you don't want, you may want to change that path.
With regards to the career path, this one is trickier. Many adults change jobs multiple times throughout their career. With every job you learn a little more about the type of work you like, and do well at, compared to the types of work you dislike. It's very normal to change jobs and companies. If you find yourself completely uninterested in the career path you're on, you could always look into going back to school or going to a trade school to specialize in a new area to drastically change your career. For example, my mother was a pharmacist for many years, but when she became a mother she wanted a career with a vacation schedule similar to her kids, so she went back to school to get a degree in teaching.
Updated
Paul’s Answer
There is absolutely nothing to fear! Many students change their major while at college and working professionals change careers as well. It's normal and actually encouraged when a person finds their true passion. While there are some people who know exactly what they want to do with their lives from a very young age, most people have to find their way and hope that they eventually find the right spot. It may take some time, but you will get there.
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Ashley’s Answer
Hi Eziyah,
I want to give you a quick piece of advice. I just graduated college... and I can honestly say that I'm still trying to figure out exactly what I want to do when I grow up! Most people don't know exactly what they want to do. As long as you major in something that is interesting to you, you will be able to finish college committed to your major. Think about the classes that you enjoy going to and the content that you enjoy studying. If you absolutely hate your coursework/studying for your major, then you probably could find another major that fits you better.
Colleges have SO MANY resources for students as they try to find a major/career path. Ask around and see if you can take a personality test that will suggest career paths. Try to find a career path that fits with your natural talents and personality type. For example, a really introverted person would struggle in a sales career, where the job focuses on talking to people all day long. Use the resources available to you!
Best of luck finding the best major/career path out there! It's okay not to know exactly what you want to do... most people are still figuring it out.
I want to give you a quick piece of advice. I just graduated college... and I can honestly say that I'm still trying to figure out exactly what I want to do when I grow up! Most people don't know exactly what they want to do. As long as you major in something that is interesting to you, you will be able to finish college committed to your major. Think about the classes that you enjoy going to and the content that you enjoy studying. If you absolutely hate your coursework/studying for your major, then you probably could find another major that fits you better.
Colleges have SO MANY resources for students as they try to find a major/career path. Ask around and see if you can take a personality test that will suggest career paths. Try to find a career path that fits with your natural talents and personality type. For example, a really introverted person would struggle in a sales career, where the job focuses on talking to people all day long. Use the resources available to you!
Best of luck finding the best major/career path out there! It's okay not to know exactly what you want to do... most people are still figuring it out.