11 answers
Riya
Student
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
1
Question
Asked
781 views
I'm interested in more than one subject and i don't understand what I should choose for my uni course.
Hey!
I'm interested in eng lit, psychology, philosophy, films and media, performing arts -dancing and acting, theatre. I'm so torn apart as I'm not able to choose properly. I want to go with my passion but also want to be able to monetize it. Can somebody please guide me?
#writing #careerchoice #subjectchoice #majors #minors #undecided #psychology #any
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11 answers
Emily Lam
28
Answers
Edison, New Jersey
Updated
Emily’s Answer
Hi Riya,
I honestly had the same struggle and I decided to take multiple classes that interested me. With the knowledge that I've gained from these classes, I then narrowed down which major I would most likely see myself loving in the future. Also, most people who graduate with a certain degree do not go into the fields that are related to their certain major.
I honestly had the same struggle and I decided to take multiple classes that interested me. With the knowledge that I've gained from these classes, I then narrowed down which major I would most likely see myself loving in the future. Also, most people who graduate with a certain degree do not go into the fields that are related to their certain major.
Thank you for the advice.
Riya
Zohra Anwar
Developer
21
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Zohra’s Answer
Hi Riya,
Not knowing what grade you're in, your age and what you've already done in the past, it'll be a general but effective method.
Write down top 10 things that are your favorite, then choose top 3 you cannot live without this very moment. Consider time, effort, cost (if any) benefits now and for the future. Do those activities for a few months and see how much you love it and also how you're improvement. You'll learn a lot about yourself in the process whether you love it or hate it.
I say try everything you're interested in little by little instead of overwhelming yourself and only then will you know what you're most passionate about, and this will change like the seasons.
Regards,
Zohra
Not knowing what grade you're in, your age and what you've already done in the past, it'll be a general but effective method.
Write down top 10 things that are your favorite, then choose top 3 you cannot live without this very moment. Consider time, effort, cost (if any) benefits now and for the future. Do those activities for a few months and see how much you love it and also how you're improvement. You'll learn a lot about yourself in the process whether you love it or hate it.
I say try everything you're interested in little by little instead of overwhelming yourself and only then will you know what you're most passionate about, and this will change like the seasons.
Regards,
Zohra
Thank you, Zohra!
Riya
Priya Mathew
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, Art Student
170
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Priya’s Answer
Hi Riya,
Because I am in the US, the situation may be a bit different. In the U.S., you could possibly try classes in all of these fields and decide in college which one you would like to focus on. Is there perhaps a career advisor or academic advisor in your school/area that you can tell this to? Maybe a local advisor would be able to help you decide if you are studying locally. If you are studying internationally, an academic advisor should also still be a good option (particularly in the US.) In terms of narrowing it down, you can also ask people in those fields what they think, or even your professors in college. You can also try and research online what kind of jobs people do in each of those fields, what is most common, and see what you like the best. And you can also think about your own financial needs, family needs, your needs, your passions, etc. I, myself, love literature, music, art, psychology and philosophy. I went with psychology as a field that would be more/somewhat accepted by my family, and also a passion of mine. It offers a good diversity in job settings after college, and also had elements of art and philosophy in it. I did not go with literature because I only knew that I could be a teacher/professor with the knowledge and I was not very good at speaking in front of others (I am sure there are other options but this is how I narrowed it down at that time.) I do wish I had studied music and art more, and am doing my best now to also supplement the knowledge personally while I am working professionally in Counseling. Is there any particular field you just cannot live without, one that makes you excited and that you would study for fun or for your own interest/pleasure? Keep exploring your own needs and thoughts and maybe you will land at the right one. And even if you do not pick your right path or the exact path at that time, I am learning that is okay! You can still find ways to be you and do what you love as an adult =)! (At least, again, in my perspective and from where I am from!) Good luck!
Because I am in the US, the situation may be a bit different. In the U.S., you could possibly try classes in all of these fields and decide in college which one you would like to focus on. Is there perhaps a career advisor or academic advisor in your school/area that you can tell this to? Maybe a local advisor would be able to help you decide if you are studying locally. If you are studying internationally, an academic advisor should also still be a good option (particularly in the US.) In terms of narrowing it down, you can also ask people in those fields what they think, or even your professors in college. You can also try and research online what kind of jobs people do in each of those fields, what is most common, and see what you like the best. And you can also think about your own financial needs, family needs, your needs, your passions, etc. I, myself, love literature, music, art, psychology and philosophy. I went with psychology as a field that would be more/somewhat accepted by my family, and also a passion of mine. It offers a good diversity in job settings after college, and also had elements of art and philosophy in it. I did not go with literature because I only knew that I could be a teacher/professor with the knowledge and I was not very good at speaking in front of others (I am sure there are other options but this is how I narrowed it down at that time.) I do wish I had studied music and art more, and am doing my best now to also supplement the knowledge personally while I am working professionally in Counseling. Is there any particular field you just cannot live without, one that makes you excited and that you would study for fun or for your own interest/pleasure? Keep exploring your own needs and thoughts and maybe you will land at the right one. And even if you do not pick your right path or the exact path at that time, I am learning that is okay! You can still find ways to be you and do what you love as an adult =)! (At least, again, in my perspective and from where I am from!) Good luck!
Your advice was so helpful!
Riya
Nikhil Kulkarni
Project Management
2
Answers
Northampton, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Nikhil’s Answer
Hi Riya,
The classic conundrum isn't it?
It's my belief every student should face at least once such a situation of difficult choice in their student life! It makes them better students and helps them be better humans as well.
While there is no one correct answer to your question, I have always believed that one needs to analyse their situation (financial, geographic, aptitude, social, tolerance towards changing course if needed, etc) before making a decision. To that effect, I would recommend you to use tools that you can use to analyse the various options and make the most appropriate pick. Further, seek advice from people around you who know you, know the industries and advise what opportunities you can expect in the future. Talk to your teachers and family, who and take their advise in consideration as well.
One of the key tool which has helped me personally in the past is the concept of IKIGAI (there is a lot of documentation online which can help).
Finally, please remember - end of the day you need to find peace and happiness in what you are doing. And your career is not the do all and end all, there is more to life over and above what you study and work.
Good luck. !
The classic conundrum isn't it?
It's my belief every student should face at least once such a situation of difficult choice in their student life! It makes them better students and helps them be better humans as well.
While there is no one correct answer to your question, I have always believed that one needs to analyse their situation (financial, geographic, aptitude, social, tolerance towards changing course if needed, etc) before making a decision. To that effect, I would recommend you to use tools that you can use to analyse the various options and make the most appropriate pick. Further, seek advice from people around you who know you, know the industries and advise what opportunities you can expect in the future. Talk to your teachers and family, who and take their advise in consideration as well.
One of the key tool which has helped me personally in the past is the concept of IKIGAI (there is a lot of documentation online which can help).
Finally, please remember - end of the day you need to find peace and happiness in what you are doing. And your career is not the do all and end all, there is more to life over and above what you study and work.
Good luck. !
I appreciate your support, Nikhil
Riya
Amit Vyas
Service
2
Answers
Pune, Maharashtra, India
Updated
Amit’s Answer
Hi Riya,
Some great answers provided here. Here's my take and hope it helps.
It's a situation that most of us fall into. Since, you've already listed down your favorite subjects (Eng lit, psychology, philosophy, films and media, performing arts -dancing, acting, theater) the first thing is to learn what you really want, consider your top 3 favorite. To make things easier, think about subjects that can connect to multiple streams. For instance, English Literature has a rich impact on improving writing skills. These skills can be used to write dramas, song lyrics, scripts, etc. The idea is to connect the dots.
Once you've discovered your passion, the second task is to do a thorough analysis of the corresponding industry. Learn more about how the industry works, what are the different job roles in that industry, the pay scale, business landscape in case you want to become an entrepreneur in that space. Using these two approach, you should be able to narrow down your options. Also, interact with people who are already working within your choice of industry they should give you lots of interesting insights in terms of how things work, what their day-to-day job looks like, it's very important to get the inside picture so that you're prepared to face any rocky bumps.
Once you've selected your area of interest, give your best shot in that space. Maybe plan a specialization (a post graduation degree or Phd research), if not done already. Prepare a roadmap for yourself, something that's based on quantitative goals which can be measured. This way you'll be able to track your progress. Last, but certainly not the least, believe in yourself and never stop learning.
All the best!
Some great answers provided here. Here's my take and hope it helps.
It's a situation that most of us fall into. Since, you've already listed down your favorite subjects (Eng lit, psychology, philosophy, films and media, performing arts -dancing, acting, theater) the first thing is to learn what you really want, consider your top 3 favorite. To make things easier, think about subjects that can connect to multiple streams. For instance, English Literature has a rich impact on improving writing skills. These skills can be used to write dramas, song lyrics, scripts, etc. The idea is to connect the dots.
Once you've discovered your passion, the second task is to do a thorough analysis of the corresponding industry. Learn more about how the industry works, what are the different job roles in that industry, the pay scale, business landscape in case you want to become an entrepreneur in that space. Using these two approach, you should be able to narrow down your options. Also, interact with people who are already working within your choice of industry they should give you lots of interesting insights in terms of how things work, what their day-to-day job looks like, it's very important to get the inside picture so that you're prepared to face any rocky bumps.
Once you've selected your area of interest, give your best shot in that space. Maybe plan a specialization (a post graduation degree or Phd research), if not done already. Prepare a roadmap for yourself, something that's based on quantitative goals which can be measured. This way you'll be able to track your progress. Last, but certainly not the least, believe in yourself and never stop learning.
All the best!
Lori Willis
Business Systems Analyst
1
Answer
Memphis, Tennessee
Updated
Lori’s Answer
That is a great question and one which you share with many others like yourself. I had the same question when I started college. You want to follow your dreams but keep your feet on the ground long enough to pay the rent. You can do both, you’ll just need to get creative.
What I have found is that people who are already where you want to be are more than happy to help you get where they are. So find a mentor in the fields you are interested in and see how they can help you. Assess your current skill set (doesn’t have to be related to your passion just has to marketable) and see where you can offer your services in exchange for professional advice and/or ideally on the job experience in your passion areas. For example, you mentioned being interested in performing. Find a business involved in the performance area and see if you can work out a deal with the hiring manager where you can offer your current skill set for wages and also receive valuable industry exposure. The biggest thing is having a plan (don’t get hung up on the finality of the plan – sometimes plans take unexpected turns – or get revamped from time to time – not a bad thing). Successful people tend to pay attention and help people who come to them with a plan. A good work ethic also helps.
As far as what courses to take in Uni, keep your options open – unless you have unlimited financial resources then I would say try everything you are interested in. Otherwise, just take core classes for now, until you figure it out. Based on your interests it looks like you’d be a Liberal arts major – check the core classes required for Liberal Arts. Classes such as Psychology and English you will always use, no matter where you end up.
Good luck! :)
What I have found is that people who are already where you want to be are more than happy to help you get where they are. So find a mentor in the fields you are interested in and see how they can help you. Assess your current skill set (doesn’t have to be related to your passion just has to marketable) and see where you can offer your services in exchange for professional advice and/or ideally on the job experience in your passion areas. For example, you mentioned being interested in performing. Find a business involved in the performance area and see if you can work out a deal with the hiring manager where you can offer your current skill set for wages and also receive valuable industry exposure. The biggest thing is having a plan (don’t get hung up on the finality of the plan – sometimes plans take unexpected turns – or get revamped from time to time – not a bad thing). Successful people tend to pay attention and help people who come to them with a plan. A good work ethic also helps.
As far as what courses to take in Uni, keep your options open – unless you have unlimited financial resources then I would say try everything you are interested in. Otherwise, just take core classes for now, until you figure it out. Based on your interests it looks like you’d be a Liberal arts major – check the core classes required for Liberal Arts. Classes such as Psychology and English you will always use, no matter where you end up.
Good luck! :)
I will use this advice as I prepare for my career.
Riya
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1816
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
I am glad to hear that you have a wide variety of interests. This is really good. Most of your interest is relation to performing arts. You need to prioritize some of your interests and shortlist a few of them. I would suggest to try approach below :
1. You can ask yourself which interest and hobbies you like most and spend more your leisure time on it. You can shortlist a few, e.g. 2-3
2. Find out the relevant careers of these interests. Explore on these careers.
3. Identity the careers you would like to do in the future, e.g. do some research on the websites, speak to someone who works in the careers, or seek advice from career counselor in your school, etc.
4. Map the relevant subjects and find out the universities which offering these courses and the entry criteria.
You can consider to take double major on your interested subjects and with other interest subject as your minor.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
1. You can ask yourself which interest and hobbies you like most and spend more your leisure time on it. You can shortlist a few, e.g. 2-3
2. Find out the relevant careers of these interests. Explore on these careers.
3. Identity the careers you would like to do in the future, e.g. do some research on the websites, speak to someone who works in the careers, or seek advice from career counselor in your school, etc.
4. Map the relevant subjects and find out the universities which offering these courses and the entry criteria.
You can consider to take double major on your interested subjects and with other interest subject as your minor.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
This was super helpful, thank you!
Riya
Matt Adams
Indirect Tax Manager
8
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Matt’s Answer
Hi Riya,
I would recommend making a list of your favorite topics, and make a pros/cons list. What do you see as the benefits for focusing on one subject versus the others.
With some of the performing arts topics and degrees, it might be helpful to list some actual careers that you can see for yourself after graduating. (Video editing, writing or editing someone's writing, educating or training other people).
A lot of people struggle with selecting one particular subject to study, but sometimes the degree you receive doesn't guarantee the career you will have. Meaning, you can get a degree in one subject, and still have a career in another.
Good luck to you!
Look up a contact in a particular industry, try to reach out and ask for specific advice from someone in the field. Ask about a job shadow opportunity!
I would recommend making a list of your favorite topics, and make a pros/cons list. What do you see as the benefits for focusing on one subject versus the others.
With some of the performing arts topics and degrees, it might be helpful to list some actual careers that you can see for yourself after graduating. (Video editing, writing or editing someone's writing, educating or training other people).
A lot of people struggle with selecting one particular subject to study, but sometimes the degree you receive doesn't guarantee the career you will have. Meaning, you can get a degree in one subject, and still have a career in another.
Good luck to you!
Matt recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much, Matt!
Riya
Caroline Reece
Educator
3
Answers
Charleston, South Carolina
Updated
Caroline’s Answer
This is a great question and something many people struggle with. Going into my first semester of college I had so many things I wanted to pursue. This is one reason general education requirements are so helpful for people starting college. Start taking the classes that you think you will enjoy and find a mentor within those who can help! My advisor and one of my major professors helped me figure out how I can take what I love doing and actually use it in my career.
And remember you don't have to know everything right away. There is no rush (even though I know it feels like there is). Take your time, figure out what you enjoy doing, what you could make a career out of and always keep asking for advice.
And remember you don't have to know everything right away. There is no rush (even though I know it feels like there is). Take your time, figure out what you enjoy doing, what you could make a career out of and always keep asking for advice.
Thank you, Caroline!
Riya
lillie king
Manager
24
Answers
Omaha, Nebraska
Updated
lillie’s Answer
Look into humanities, they cover almost all of the things that you listed that you're interested in. You could either major in it and a minor in psychology or vice versa. Take some time to research humanities and see if this fits what you'd potentially want to do.
Christopher Conde
Technical Support Engineer
5
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Christopher’s Answer
Hello,
As you continue to grow, mature and learn your interest will change and vary. You mention the question of how to monetize your creativity. Most of your interest are very creative and can be lucrative with hard work. I would potentially minor in something more practical and less creative to balance out the creative pursuits. Maybe something dealing with computer graphics and cgi could be a nice combination of a practical skill which ties into movies and film.
As you continue to grow, mature and learn your interest will change and vary. You mention the question of how to monetize your creativity. Most of your interest are very creative and can be lucrative with hard work. I would potentially minor in something more practical and less creative to balance out the creative pursuits. Maybe something dealing with computer graphics and cgi could be a nice combination of a practical skill which ties into movies and film.
Thank you, Christopher for the advice.
Riya