7 answers
Jack
Student
Ashburn, Virginia
1
Question
Asked
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How to find a major for collage?
I think I want to go into Biology but I don't know what exactly I want to do.
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7 answers
Joann Whitman
Pharmacy Technician (Indiana Licensed and Nationally Certified)
1
Answer
Tipton, Indiana
Updated
Joann’s Answer
Personally, I wasn't really sure either I just knew I wanted to work in healthcare. Knowing I've been in the workforce as long as you have been in school my best advice would be to job shadow. If you set 2 hours aside for anything that sounds interesting, you can experience it to see if your truly passionate about it. Most managers or directors would really enjoy showing you what it is that makes their job so fulfilling.
Brenna Sturgeon
1
Answer
Updated
Brenna’s Answer
As a current college student who went into college undecided, the best way to find what you want to do is not limiting yourself. Explore everything, research online, and talk to advisors at your university. It is important to take introductory courses on topics you find interesting to learn more about a topic/career. With continuous research and an open mind, you will definitely find the perfect major for you!
Richard Bruce
Singer/songwriter/guitar tech
9
Answers
Titusville, Florida
Updated
Richard’s Answer
Try attending community college first and get your general ed credits while you explore the biology courses they have. Cheaper and it will help you narrow down your options plus make the right choice when you transfer to a 4-year college and maybe even grad school. Public sector jobs are few and far between with only a Bachelors Degree in Biology.
Alexis Weber
Pharmacy technician
4
Answers
Durand, Michigan
Updated
Alexis’s Answer
Don’t be afraid to go against the crowd. Work or volunteer for a year or two beforehand if you’re unsure to figure out what you enjoy. AmeriCorps has volunteer opportunities across the country, gives you experience then they will help pay for some schooling. Many different technician jobs only require a HS diploma (pharmacy, automotive, laboratory, maintenance). You can find entry level jobs in agriculture, customer service, government, entertainment, manufacturing…This doesn’t even include trades: carpentry, welding, electrical, plumbing, roofing…
Once you’ve figured out your likes/dislikes, then you can decide if college is right for you.
But if a gap year isn’t an option, I’d start with community college and take classes and find internships that interest you. Talk with an advisor, they will help build your path.
Once you’ve figured out your likes/dislikes, then you can decide if college is right for you.
But if a gap year isn’t an option, I’d start with community college and take classes and find internships that interest you. Talk with an advisor, they will help build your path.
Justin Smith
Consultant (Analytics)
13
Answers
Bowie, Maryland
Updated
Justin’s Answer
It's completely fine if you're unsure about your exact career path. One of the great aspects of college is being surrounded by knowledgeable individuals, such as professors and fellow students, who can provide insight into various fields and majors. I suggest talking with a professor or visiting a career counseling center (if your college offers one) to explore the potential opportunities and careers in Biology.
Since you haven't selected a major yet, many students choose to be "undecided" during their first year of college. This allows them to complete the required general education courses while also learning about different majors. They can observe the paths their friends are taking and gradually develop an idea of what they might want to pursue in the future.
Since you haven't selected a major yet, many students choose to be "undecided" during their first year of college. This allows them to complete the required general education courses while also learning about different majors. They can observe the paths their friends are taking and gradually develop an idea of what they might want to pursue in the future.
Andy Rusnak
Technical Support
1
Answer
North Ridgeville, Ohio
Updated
Andy’s Answer
Hi Jack,
This is a great question and something that I personally went through myself.
Its important to remember that you don't have to have your whole life planned out when you select your college major, so its okay not to know what you want to do. Your life is likely to take a lot of different twists and turns. The important things to start thinking about are:
* Why are you interested in biology? What specific things do you find enjoyable about that subject?
* What skills will you gain with this major that will help you later in your career (either in the Biology or non-Biology fields)?
You should be studying something that you are passionate about and enjoy learning but also that applicability for a long term career.
For me when I was in college this subject was Chemistry. I loved to study Chemistry and as I left school with a Chemistry degree there was a limited number of jobs specifically in Chemistry (none of which I was really interested in). I had gone into Chemistry with a plan a mind but found too many things had changed and that plan no longer would work for me. But the skills I had learned in Chemistry were transferrable into the tech industry. I got to keep doing what I loved about Chemistry (problem solving and understanding how things worked) in a totally different industry.
Your plans are likely to change throughout college and throughout your career. That's okay. Its okay to even start studying something and change your major in college. That is one big benefit of college is to be able to explore different passions to find what you love doing most.
Other things you might be able to do now to understand what options might be available to you after a degree in Biology is to look for volunteering opportunities in the field and talk with school teachers and Guidance Counsellors to learn more about what you can do with this type of degree and see if any of those types of opportunities interest you.
I hope this helps at least give you some things to think about!
Best of Luck,
Andy
This is a great question and something that I personally went through myself.
Its important to remember that you don't have to have your whole life planned out when you select your college major, so its okay not to know what you want to do. Your life is likely to take a lot of different twists and turns. The important things to start thinking about are:
* Why are you interested in biology? What specific things do you find enjoyable about that subject?
* What skills will you gain with this major that will help you later in your career (either in the Biology or non-Biology fields)?
You should be studying something that you are passionate about and enjoy learning but also that applicability for a long term career.
For me when I was in college this subject was Chemistry. I loved to study Chemistry and as I left school with a Chemistry degree there was a limited number of jobs specifically in Chemistry (none of which I was really interested in). I had gone into Chemistry with a plan a mind but found too many things had changed and that plan no longer would work for me. But the skills I had learned in Chemistry were transferrable into the tech industry. I got to keep doing what I loved about Chemistry (problem solving and understanding how things worked) in a totally different industry.
Your plans are likely to change throughout college and throughout your career. That's okay. Its okay to even start studying something and change your major in college. That is one big benefit of college is to be able to explore different passions to find what you love doing most.
Other things you might be able to do now to understand what options might be available to you after a degree in Biology is to look for volunteering opportunities in the field and talk with school teachers and Guidance Counsellors to learn more about what you can do with this type of degree and see if any of those types of opportunities interest you.
I hope this helps at least give you some things to think about!
Best of Luck,
Andy
Great answer, Andy - thanks!
Richard Bruce
Luis Ilabaca
Data Scientist
8
Answers
Miami, Florida
Updated
Luis’s Answer
Choosing a college major is an exciting journey of self-discovery, and it's wonderful that you're considering Biology as a potential path. If you're unsure about the exact focus within Biology that you want to pursue, that's perfectly okay! Take some time to reflect on what excites you most about the subject, whether it's studying living organisms, conducting experiments, or exploring environmental interactions.
Once in college, seize the opportunity to enroll in introductory Biology courses to explore different areas and gain a better understanding of your interests. These courses will give you a taste of what each field within Biology entails and help you assess which aspects resonate with you the most. Don't hesitate to seek guidance from advisors, professors, or professionals in the field who can provide valuable insights and help you explore various career paths. Their expertise can offer clarity and direction as you navigate through the options.
Remember, your major doesn't have to define your entire career, and it's okay to keep an open mind. College is a time of growth and exploration, so embrace the journey, get involved in extracurricular activities related to Biology, and trust yourself to discover the path that aligns with your passions and goals. You have the curiosity and determination to find your perfect major. Enjoy the exciting adventure ahead!
Once in college, seize the opportunity to enroll in introductory Biology courses to explore different areas and gain a better understanding of your interests. These courses will give you a taste of what each field within Biology entails and help you assess which aspects resonate with you the most. Don't hesitate to seek guidance from advisors, professors, or professionals in the field who can provide valuable insights and help you explore various career paths. Their expertise can offer clarity and direction as you navigate through the options.
Remember, your major doesn't have to define your entire career, and it's okay to keep an open mind. College is a time of growth and exploration, so embrace the journey, get involved in extracurricular activities related to Biology, and trust yourself to discover the path that aligns with your passions and goals. You have the curiosity and determination to find your perfect major. Enjoy the exciting adventure ahead!