3 answers
Maxine
Student
Madison, Wisconsin
1
Question
Asked
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how do i figure out what job i want to do and what to study in college ?
should i just go to college and take classes trying to figure out what i want to get a degree in or should i have a set path yk follow
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3 answers
Siddharth Krishnan
Senior Manager Transportation
46
Answers
Langley City, BC
Updated
Siddharth’s Answer
I would think of what topics interest you to learn more. For this I would recommend to read news articles or journals to help identify what topics are interesting. Then once you identify that you can then decide on path to study or work as well.
Doug Johnson
Project Manager
21
Answers
Orland Park, Illinois
Updated
Doug’s Answer
Maxine:
I’m glad you’re thinking about this before you start college. Some people are lucky and start college knowing exactly what they want to pursue for a career. But it’s okay to start college not knowing what you want to major in or what career you want to pursue. In fact, I think you’re in the same situation as most people your age.
When I started college, I really had no idea what I wanted to be. In addition, most of the people I knew in college also didn’t know or changed their mind partway through. In hindsight, I’d prioritize as follows:
1. I recommend that you go to a liberal arts college with your primary objective being to learn how to think. An introductory course to logic/critical thinking is a good start, but you’ll absorb thinking skills from any course you take. Stay curious. In addition to the course textbooks and lectures, pay attention to the perspective of the professor and other students – how they reach conclusions and why they think the way they do.
2. Take classes in a wide range of subjects. You won’t have the time or prerequisites to cover everything, but you will discover areas that interest you. Any subject area that gets you thinking beyond what you need to study for the test is a possible candidate for your major.
3. While taking classes, participating in school activities, and talking to others, you may discover a deep interest or even a passion for some discipline, career, or profession. Some majors provide a natural prelude to a career. But most people with a liberal arts major end up in a career that, on the surface, seems to have little to do with their major. For example, I majored in Psychology. But in my senior year, while working with computers, I discovered my passion. I ended up in a rewarding career in Information Technology. In any case, you will discover that your liberal arts major helped teach you how to think logically and communicate effectively – important skills for any career.
Stay curious, keep an open mind, and good luck!
I’m glad you’re thinking about this before you start college. Some people are lucky and start college knowing exactly what they want to pursue for a career. But it’s okay to start college not knowing what you want to major in or what career you want to pursue. In fact, I think you’re in the same situation as most people your age.
When I started college, I really had no idea what I wanted to be. In addition, most of the people I knew in college also didn’t know or changed their mind partway through. In hindsight, I’d prioritize as follows:
1. I recommend that you go to a liberal arts college with your primary objective being to learn how to think. An introductory course to logic/critical thinking is a good start, but you’ll absorb thinking skills from any course you take. Stay curious. In addition to the course textbooks and lectures, pay attention to the perspective of the professor and other students – how they reach conclusions and why they think the way they do.
2. Take classes in a wide range of subjects. You won’t have the time or prerequisites to cover everything, but you will discover areas that interest you. Any subject area that gets you thinking beyond what you need to study for the test is a possible candidate for your major.
3. While taking classes, participating in school activities, and talking to others, you may discover a deep interest or even a passion for some discipline, career, or profession. Some majors provide a natural prelude to a career. But most people with a liberal arts major end up in a career that, on the surface, seems to have little to do with their major. For example, I majored in Psychology. But in my senior year, while working with computers, I discovered my passion. I ended up in a rewarding career in Information Technology. In any case, you will discover that your liberal arts major helped teach you how to think logically and communicate effectively – important skills for any career.
Stay curious, keep an open mind, and good luck!
Fernando Iriarte
Freelance Writer & Editor
153
Answers
Puerto Rico
Updated
Fernando’s Answer
It all starts by asking yourself what is it that drives you or sparks curiosity? What hobby or field of study always brings out the best in you? This is how I ended up narrowing down my options and really focusing on what I wanted to do with regard to college majors. This process does take time and you will have to research various career fields along with colleges/universities. Don't let anyone pressure you into making a decision or trying to force you down a path you don't feel drawn to. Everybody goes through a period of trying to figure out where they want to go, so don't feel like you're alone in this.