11 answers
Lily
Student
Ewa Beach, Hawaii
1
Question
Updated
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How do I figure out what career I want to spend my life doing?
I am a freshman and I want to go to college but if I major in the wrong thing then what? How do I figure out what career I want to pursue based on my interests and what college education I need?
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11 answers
Vidya Ramesh
Technical Project Manager
7
Answers
San Mateo, California
Updated
Vidya’s Answer
Start broad- look at options you get from doing certain courses at school. Science major would have different options from that of an Arts major.
You could possible narrow your choices by process of elimination.
But if that is daunting, try to talk to people from various career fields. But keep in mind that their experience is personal. Take it with a pinch of salt and continue talking to more people. You could attend career fairs or check out various job posting platforms such as LinkedIn.
These avenues will give you perspective to start your exploration journey.
Good luck!
You could possible narrow your choices by process of elimination.
But if that is daunting, try to talk to people from various career fields. But keep in mind that their experience is personal. Take it with a pinch of salt and continue talking to more people. You could attend career fairs or check out various job posting platforms such as LinkedIn.
These avenues will give you perspective to start your exploration journey.
Good luck!
Rob Friesel
Lead Software Engineer
13
Answers
Essex, Vermont
Updated
Rob’s Answer
> but if I major in the wrong thing then what? How do I figure out what career I want to pursue based on my interests and what college education I need?
The first thing I would advise here is to not stress about your major. I switched my major three times in college ... and then ultimately didn't go into the field associated with the major that I *did* graduate with. Rather than approaching your college major as an apprenticeship, with "the goal" being to go into that field, instead consider the breadth of coursework that can apply toward that degree, and try to draw all the pieces of the different courses together. In other words: try to use your college experience as a way to improve your critical-thinking skills, your problem-solving skills, and the way you communicate with peers in teams.
The second thing that I would say is to reject this societal notion of the linear path. We're told from a young age to finish school, go to college, get a degree in fill-in-the-blank, and then build a long and fruitful career in that field. The number of people I know that fit that mold is vanishingly small. Almost everyone I know has had a life that has taken all kinds of twists and turns. People reinvent themselves all the time!
This isn't to say that it's impossible to fall in love with a major and build a life-long career of it. There's at all nothing wrong about going all-in on something in college and sticking it out for decades. But there's ALSO nothing wrong with getting a few years into a career and discovering that all it did was serve as a launchpad for something completely different.
The first thing I would advise here is to not stress about your major. I switched my major three times in college ... and then ultimately didn't go into the field associated with the major that I *did* graduate with. Rather than approaching your college major as an apprenticeship, with "the goal" being to go into that field, instead consider the breadth of coursework that can apply toward that degree, and try to draw all the pieces of the different courses together. In other words: try to use your college experience as a way to improve your critical-thinking skills, your problem-solving skills, and the way you communicate with peers in teams.
The second thing that I would say is to reject this societal notion of the linear path. We're told from a young age to finish school, go to college, get a degree in fill-in-the-blank, and then build a long and fruitful career in that field. The number of people I know that fit that mold is vanishingly small. Almost everyone I know has had a life that has taken all kinds of twists and turns. People reinvent themselves all the time!
This isn't to say that it's impossible to fall in love with a major and build a life-long career of it. There's at all nothing wrong about going all-in on something in college and sticking it out for decades. But there's ALSO nothing wrong with getting a few years into a career and discovering that all it did was serve as a launchpad for something completely different.
Mike Childress
Marketing Operations
1
Answer
Rochester, New York
Updated
Mike’s Answer
Hi Lily - all great answers above. I'll add to the responses by examining what classes interest you in school (and which ones don't) and why you enjoy those classes.
In school, I knew I enjoyed math and business but I didn't have an interest in science or literature. As college approached, I too struggled to figure out a possible career path since math and business seem like distinct paths. I ended up majoring in Marketing, but over time I've shifted to have more of a data focus within business - which ultimately fulfills my math and business interests.
In short, go by what interests you and your path will present itself.
In school, I knew I enjoyed math and business but I didn't have an interest in science or literature. As college approached, I too struggled to figure out a possible career path since math and business seem like distinct paths. I ended up majoring in Marketing, but over time I've shifted to have more of a data focus within business - which ultimately fulfills my math and business interests.
In short, go by what interests you and your path will present itself.
Joe Churchman
Software Developer
8
Answers
Vancouver, Washington
Updated
Joe’s Answer
Lily, you've got your whole life ahead of you. Stoke your passion and don't settle for something that doesn't make you happy. You'll find what you want in time.
I started college as a philosophy major, then english, photography, and finally art jewelry. I graduated during a recession and went to work in construction. I stayed there for over a decade and now I'm a software engineer and I love where I am.
It is absolutely ok to not know exactly what you want to do right now. You have a lot of time in school to find the subject that resonates most with you. Just be patient and listen to yourself. Give yourself time to explore different areas of study. Meet new people, meet their parents, talk with people that you perceive as happy and successful, try to learn from the decisions they made that led them to where they are.
I started college as a philosophy major, then english, photography, and finally art jewelry. I graduated during a recession and went to work in construction. I stayed there for over a decade and now I'm a software engineer and I love where I am.
It is absolutely ok to not know exactly what you want to do right now. You have a lot of time in school to find the subject that resonates most with you. Just be patient and listen to yourself. Give yourself time to explore different areas of study. Meet new people, meet their parents, talk with people that you perceive as happy and successful, try to learn from the decisions they made that led them to where they are.
Priscilla Cardoso
Product Manager
37
Answers
Cooper City, Florida
Updated
Priscilla’s Answer
Hi Lily!!
I've been in multiple roles in my life (I'm in by 40s now). I started in IT, then HR, and now I work as Product Manager in a Financial institution (I graduated from Business Administrator, which is an amazing way to keep your options open - HR, Marketing, Finance, etc).
People change as they progress in life. Something that motivates and interest you may not be the same 20 years from now. So I would say keep your mind and your eyes open. Don't get too worried about having to choose one career and thinking that you need to stick with that. As long as you're growing (more senior positions, compensation, or personal achievement), you're good.
To find what you need to study for a career, look for the job descriptions and they will tell you which type of education you need (Glassdoor, Indeed, etc).
I've been in multiple roles in my life (I'm in by 40s now). I started in IT, then HR, and now I work as Product Manager in a Financial institution (I graduated from Business Administrator, which is an amazing way to keep your options open - HR, Marketing, Finance, etc).
People change as they progress in life. Something that motivates and interest you may not be the same 20 years from now. So I would say keep your mind and your eyes open. Don't get too worried about having to choose one career and thinking that you need to stick with that. As long as you're growing (more senior positions, compensation, or personal achievement), you're good.
To find what you need to study for a career, look for the job descriptions and they will tell you which type of education you need (Glassdoor, Indeed, etc).
Pamela Woodard
Banking
23
Answers
Piscataway Township, New Jersey
Updated
Pamela’s Answer
Hi Lily, there is no wrong major and I am sure you may choose one and then change it down the road, that is fine. If you take the traditional route to get a 4-year degree, you will need to study the basics, Math, English/writing, Psychology etc., while you are taking these classes, you will time to determine your major. Evaluate your skills and interests, do some research and spend some time learning about areas that interest you, look at job descriptions, compare your skills to the requirement or make a list of skills you will need to work in that field. Look to volunteer ask people in the areas of business you want to work in to do informational interviews; look for internships to try-out a job for the summer.
Dave Scheff
Sr. Contracts Manager
12
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Dave’s Answer
Hi Lily,
I'd only add that the first two years of college are going to be the basics (general required classes) as well as electives (your choice!). For the latter, given the stress and newness especially your first quarter/semester, I'd suggest finding classes that spark your interest. Did you like poetry? geography? math? History? music? art? I'd bet there's a class you'll like!
You probably aren't going to pick a major for a couple of years anyway - and taking electives that are actually interesting to you might naturally point to a direction - or several. Talk to teachers, ask a lot of questions. I had a group of very smart friends (much smarter than I, I always thought) and we hung out and talked about everything under the sun, including our classes and what we were learning - I got a lot from that.
Final thought - you might think you want to do something, actually get there, and decide it's not for you. It's your life, you get to change your mind - none of this is set in stone. One of the friends I mentioned used to practice law and he's a physical therapist now! Another was an attorney in the music business for 20 years before he decided he'd rather teach. I played drums for a living and now I'm doing legal work.
Have fun, take all the time you need to make the life that's good for you!
I'd only add that the first two years of college are going to be the basics (general required classes) as well as electives (your choice!). For the latter, given the stress and newness especially your first quarter/semester, I'd suggest finding classes that spark your interest. Did you like poetry? geography? math? History? music? art? I'd bet there's a class you'll like!
You probably aren't going to pick a major for a couple of years anyway - and taking electives that are actually interesting to you might naturally point to a direction - or several. Talk to teachers, ask a lot of questions. I had a group of very smart friends (much smarter than I, I always thought) and we hung out and talked about everything under the sun, including our classes and what we were learning - I got a lot from that.
Final thought - you might think you want to do something, actually get there, and decide it's not for you. It's your life, you get to change your mind - none of this is set in stone. One of the friends I mentioned used to practice law and he's a physical therapist now! Another was an attorney in the music business for 20 years before he decided he'd rather teach. I played drums for a living and now I'm doing legal work.
Have fun, take all the time you need to make the life that's good for you!
Doni Evans
Sr. Technical Recruiter
3
Answers
Marietta, Georgia
Updated
Doni’s Answer
1. Listen to your inner voice; take the time to be quiet with yourself
2. Experiment to Test Your Intuition…don’t need to replace safety which whatever the next thing is…have to build slowly but surely…
3. Become a Lifelong Learner…there is no destination will reach in career, it is a constant game of accumulating experience and knowledge to help get to next level…Stay/Keep learning…you have to be intentional about your focus and where & how your time is spent
4. Identify and Follow Your Values…use them for decision making….using your values as a compass for decision making can really help…Have a clear message to share…identify your core values/what’s important to you when you make decisions; what is weighed? Getting to the point and what the point is…being clear on what your values are;
5. Connect w/like-minded people…
6. Think Long-term…have an infinite mindset…Focus on daily inputs because can’t control outcomes…
7. WRITE….writing/sharing; also helps with clarifying what you actually think… daily journaling…helps bring up unresolved questions, feelings, etc…clarify thoughts
Putting things into action…take what you're learning and apply it
Join communities; people respond well to authenticity…being deliberate and intentional
2. Experiment to Test Your Intuition…don’t need to replace safety which whatever the next thing is…have to build slowly but surely…
3. Become a Lifelong Learner…there is no destination will reach in career, it is a constant game of accumulating experience and knowledge to help get to next level…Stay/Keep learning…you have to be intentional about your focus and where & how your time is spent
4. Identify and Follow Your Values…use them for decision making….using your values as a compass for decision making can really help…Have a clear message to share…identify your core values/what’s important to you when you make decisions; what is weighed? Getting to the point and what the point is…being clear on what your values are;
5. Connect w/like-minded people…
6. Think Long-term…have an infinite mindset…Focus on daily inputs because can’t control outcomes…
7. WRITE….writing/sharing; also helps with clarifying what you actually think… daily journaling…helps bring up unresolved questions, feelings, etc…clarify thoughts
Putting things into action…take what you're learning and apply it
Join communities; people respond well to authenticity…being deliberate and intentional
Shahwaiz Chaudhry
billing analyst
4
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Shahwaiz’s Answer
Hi Lily,
Before choosing a major its always best to analyze intrinsic and extrinsic values. Consider choosing a major that has an apparent scope and can also help you out in the job market as some positions highlight the degree they ask for. For example, if you choose to do business management then this field is a large umbrella further divided into different majors such as Accounting, HR, Marketing etc. Since business management is a vast field you can have the flexibility to choose which major is suitable for you on the basis of interests, passion, and that can reward you after graduation.
Before choosing a major its always best to analyze intrinsic and extrinsic values. Consider choosing a major that has an apparent scope and can also help you out in the job market as some positions highlight the degree they ask for. For example, if you choose to do business management then this field is a large umbrella further divided into different majors such as Accounting, HR, Marketing etc. Since business management is a vast field you can have the flexibility to choose which major is suitable for you on the basis of interests, passion, and that can reward you after graduation.
Derin Joseph
Software Engineer
10
Answers
Grapevine, Texas
Updated
Derin’s Answer
Hey Lily, you have to look within yourself and find what interests you. There are people who do what they love and people who do what they don't love and then use the money to do what they love, both are fine. You are still very young, so do some research on each industry and all kinds of jobs and see what interests you. Never think if you pick the wrong major in college your life will be ruined, I started out as a mechanical engineering major and switched majors when I realized I don't enjoy it. Even if you graduate with the wrong degree, people switch careers all the time in today's world! Use this time to explore, I am sure you will find your calling!
Lana Soyfer
Executive Recruiter
3
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Lana’s Answer
I will echo what Derin shared with you above.
I would add to major in something that you are passionate about. This will make you feel excited and happy to eventually work in that field.
I wouldn't look at "the career that is forever" as you grow your interests change and that can propel you in a different direction.
You can always pursue advanced degrees later if you feel you need to change the direction of your career.
I started in Accounting but moved into Human Resources (Recruiting) and I am grateful that I had the Accounting foundation as that is useful in our personal life.
Good luck!
I would add to major in something that you are passionate about. This will make you feel excited and happy to eventually work in that field.
I wouldn't look at "the career that is forever" as you grow your interests change and that can propel you in a different direction.
You can always pursue advanced degrees later if you feel you need to change the direction of your career.
I started in Accounting but moved into Human Resources (Recruiting) and I am grateful that I had the Accounting foundation as that is useful in our personal life.
Good luck!