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How to make a decision that I can commit to?
How do I decide on a career when I'm interested in different fields that don't overlap with each other? What major should I choose? How would I select universities to apply to?
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5 answers
Updated
Jacqueline’s Answer
Do some investigating of careers via internet and speaking with those in that career. That may help narrow down choices. You may want to take an interest inventory and speak with a vocational counselor for more guidance.
Updated
Alejandro’s Answer
Hi Amy,
One thing that worked for me was to focus on the type of work that I envisioned myself doing and the ones that I didn't. For example, I've always found other fields of work/study interesting, but I can't do everything. College is only 4 years of your life, and depending on the field, it doesn't necessarily define what you are going to do for the rest of your life. Try getting a close perspective on your options. Literally, try to visit workplaces or shadow people who are working in those fields that you find interesting, that might help with your choice.
In terms of majors and universities, I think it would be better if I share my thought on the options you are considering. There are a lot of factors that play in and everybody's situation is different. My suggestion would be to prioritize factors and criteria that are most important to you.
Let me know if you would like me to elaborate further.
Best,
Alejandro
One thing that worked for me was to focus on the type of work that I envisioned myself doing and the ones that I didn't. For example, I've always found other fields of work/study interesting, but I can't do everything. College is only 4 years of your life, and depending on the field, it doesn't necessarily define what you are going to do for the rest of your life. Try getting a close perspective on your options. Literally, try to visit workplaces or shadow people who are working in those fields that you find interesting, that might help with your choice.
In terms of majors and universities, I think it would be better if I share my thought on the options you are considering. There are a lot of factors that play in and everybody's situation is different. My suggestion would be to prioritize factors and criteria that are most important to you.
Let me know if you would like me to elaborate further.
Best,
Alejandro
This is great advice. I had never thought about what I did not want to do when considering careers but knowing exactly what you DONT want is half the battle. Make sure you only eliminate what you know you don't want. Be careful not to eliminate things you think you don't like but know little about. For example I always thought running a business was not for me because my parents didn't like it but I assumed I could never do it and wish I had not taken that option away from myself.
Elizabeth Lambert
Updated
Atul’s Answer
>>>How do I decide on a career when I'm interested in different fields that don't overlap with each other?
What subjects do you enjoy in middle and high school? For instance: I enjoyed Math, so I pursued engineering (hardware and software). Your school guidance counselor or your favorite teacher could also assist you but you make the decision yourself. Do not let someone make the decision for you. Few examples:
If you enjoy Chemistry - you can be a pharmacist, can pursue Biomedical Engineering, etc.
If you enjoy Biology - you can pursue medicine, nursing, etc.
If you enjoy Math - this field will remain in demand for a foreseeable future - software development.
etc.
>>>What major should I choose?
The first two years of college are common curriculum so you have two years in the college to decide the major. But select a school where you switch majors.
>>>How would I select universities to apply to?
Student Loan is a major problem and too many people have them and can not pay it back because they have studied and have a major that Corp America do not want and these people cannot find jobs. Unless you get a full scholarship then select private school/univ. Otherwise, go to state universities which are affordable and in some states they are very respectable.
What subjects do you enjoy in middle and high school? For instance: I enjoyed Math, so I pursued engineering (hardware and software). Your school guidance counselor or your favorite teacher could also assist you but you make the decision yourself. Do not let someone make the decision for you. Few examples:
If you enjoy Chemistry - you can be a pharmacist, can pursue Biomedical Engineering, etc.
If you enjoy Biology - you can pursue medicine, nursing, etc.
If you enjoy Math - this field will remain in demand for a foreseeable future - software development.
etc.
>>>What major should I choose?
The first two years of college are common curriculum so you have two years in the college to decide the major. But select a school where you switch majors.
>>>How would I select universities to apply to?
Student Loan is a major problem and too many people have them and can not pay it back because they have studied and have a major that Corp America do not want and these people cannot find jobs. Unless you get a full scholarship then select private school/univ. Otherwise, go to state universities which are affordable and in some states they are very respectable.
Updated
William’s Answer
Hi Amy!
If you want to stick to your decision, you must:
You must have a clear objective.
You objective must be legitimate.
Your reason must be that you need your decision.
Your objective must be realistic.
Your should be able to measure your progress.
Think it over and over, research, reference case studies or get expert advice.
Plan the timing and resources for implementing your decision.
You must not allow distraction.
You must ensure privacy of your decision to avoid discouraging influences.
Read this book to guide you on strategic decision making.
The Decision Book: Fifty Models for Strategic Thinking by Mikael Krogerus, Roman Tschäppeler
If you want to stick to your decision, you must:
You must have a clear objective.
You objective must be legitimate.
Your reason must be that you need your decision.
Your objective must be realistic.
Your should be able to measure your progress.
Think it over and over, research, reference case studies or get expert advice.
Plan the timing and resources for implementing your decision.
You must not allow distraction.
You must ensure privacy of your decision to avoid discouraging influences.
Read this book to guide you on strategic decision making.
The Decision Book: Fifty Models for Strategic Thinking by Mikael Krogerus, Roman Tschäppeler
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. You may have to choose what you like most. You can decide from the career angle.
Below is my suggestions:
1. Think about the careers that relate to your interests
Eg if you are interested in Music, would you like to be a musician, singer, composer, music producer, music teacher, etc
2. Find out more on these careers
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Also, seek advice from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc
4 . Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of the relevant subjects in the college
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Below is my suggestions:
1. Think about the careers that relate to your interests
Eg if you are interested in Music, would you like to be a musician, singer, composer, music producer, music teacher, etc
2. Find out more on these careers
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Also, seek advice from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc
4 . Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of the relevant subjects in the college
Hope this helps! Good Luck!