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Deciding what to do
Is it normal to not have decided what you want to do in the future until college or even after?
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5 answers
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Lynne’s Answer
Yes, it is normal not to "know" what you want to do in the future.
1) Make a list of your strengths and interests.
2) Make a list of careers that overlap your strengths and interests.
3) Research the colleges that offer these areas of study.
It is ideal to narrow down your areas of interest/careers so that you don't spend time and money pursuing a degree that you will not be able to use or want to pursue in real life.
1) Make a list of your strengths and interests.
2) Make a list of careers that overlap your strengths and interests.
3) Research the colleges that offer these areas of study.
It is ideal to narrow down your areas of interest/careers so that you don't spend time and money pursuing a degree that you will not be able to use or want to pursue in real life.
Updated
Carl’s Answer
Yes this is normal. It can still be true well into your career. There are entire programs geared towards helping professionals switch careers. If you are still unsure about what you want to do spend some time figuring out what you are passionate about. Unless you have a specific field in mind, many college degrees apply to many different jobs. Avoid pigeonholing yourself into a specific track right now. Spend some time talking to professionals in various fields that you are interested in. Another option is to make a list of things you definitely don't want to do. This can also help you narrow your choices a bit.
Updated
Lucia’s Answer
Yes, it is normal for you to not know what to do yet. In my case, I really enjoyed drawing, painting and anything that had to do with art, so in my last year of high school I "decided" that I would go to college to study art. I honestly chose that because I "ran out of time", and I was still undecided. Once I started taking courses my first semester, I realized that art was more of a hobby for me, and moved to pursue my degree in engineering. Also, even after college, you might decide you want to do something else, which is also normal, but like Lynne said, if possible, it would be great if you narrow down your ideas of interest before you start college in order to avoid spending time or money on a degree that will not help you.
I would recommend asking yourself the following questions in order to narrow down some ideas:
1) What likes/dislikes do I have?
2) What are my priorities (family, friends, money, etc.)? - for example, if you value family time, look for careers that will have work/life balance
3) Do I see myself doing the same thing for the rest of my life? - if you are a person who enjoys doing different things, look for something that will allow you to continue growing and learning
4) Where do I want to work? - if you want to stay close to home, then look for careers that will allow you to stay close to home
5) What are my strengths and weaknesses?
I would recommend asking yourself the following questions in order to narrow down some ideas:
1) What likes/dislikes do I have?
2) What are my priorities (family, friends, money, etc.)? - for example, if you value family time, look for careers that will have work/life balance
3) Do I see myself doing the same thing for the rest of my life? - if you are a person who enjoys doing different things, look for something that will allow you to continue growing and learning
4) Where do I want to work? - if you want to stay close to home, then look for careers that will allow you to stay close to home
5) What are my strengths and weaknesses?
Updated
Madi’s Answer
Hi Hugo,
It is perfectly normal to be undecided. In fact, many people go into college without a major and take general education courses until they figure out what they want to do. With general education courses, you get experience in a variety of different areas from science to art to mathematics. It can really help you figure out what interests you career wise. Additionally, since everyone has to take general education course regardless of their major, you will still likely be able to graduate with the your class.
It is perfectly normal to be undecided. In fact, many people go into college without a major and take general education courses until they figure out what they want to do. With general education courses, you get experience in a variety of different areas from science to art to mathematics. It can really help you figure out what interests you career wise. Additionally, since everyone has to take general education course regardless of their major, you will still likely be able to graduate with the your class.
Updated
Rashika’s Answer
Hello there,
These are really good answers. I would agree, make a list of things you are passionate about and things you like to do and not do. Talk to friends and family around you to see what careers/jobs they have and went into. Try out or dabble in different hobbies and interests to see how you feel or like them. Some questions to think about?
How did they decide that was the right choice for them?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Make a list of jobs you do find interesting or would like to try
What are some companies you find interesting, follow, or like?
Look at programs or internships in college under your major
Best of luck!
These are really good answers. I would agree, make a list of things you are passionate about and things you like to do and not do. Talk to friends and family around you to see what careers/jobs they have and went into. Try out or dabble in different hobbies and interests to see how you feel or like them. Some questions to think about?
How did they decide that was the right choice for them?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Make a list of jobs you do find interesting or would like to try
What are some companies you find interesting, follow, or like?
Look at programs or internships in college under your major
Best of luck!