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How do I pick what career I want, or will it come naturally to me?

Hello, I am going into my freshman year at college as a Computer Science major. The only thing is, I haven't decided exactly what path to go on for a career. How do I pick what career I want, or will it come naturally to me?

Freshman in college, Computer Science major, potential physics, math, or accounting minor, thinking about cybersecurity or software development

college technology computer-science
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Dr. Drew’s Answer

The first few semesters will probably be mostly filled with general education courses. You should also look at what compsci courses are offered at your school and.possibly stop by office hours for the professors that teach courses that peak your interest. Not all schools offer all courses, and some may not be offered every semester or every year but you should get a better idea of what interests you as you take some of the intro courses. Don't panic if you don't know your path going in, but also make sure you ask questions and take advantage of resources the school offers. By the end of your 4th semester you will probably know where you want to go and be planning the higher level courses.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the advice! I know my school offers a few paths to go on in later years in my degree, so I'll make sure to talk to the professors about some of the courses I'm interested in. Hailey
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Nicole’s Answer

I was once in this same position a few years ago. During my freshman year of college I was stressed about not knowing what exact career path or role I wanted. I was a computer science major and had an interest in software engineering but was hesitant to give it the label of "my dream role". The first thing I'd say is that it's very normal throughout your time at college for your interest to change and for you to realize that what you thought was your "dream role" is not a good fit for you. During my personal experience, I found myself learning that software engineering was simply not for me and that I did not want a role that was coding heavy. I found myself worrying about what career path I would take, especially as a computer science where everyone first thinks of "coding". However, here I am today in a Tech/Cybersecurity role that requires minimal to no coding. Many people ask me if my computer science degree was a waste because I don't code but I explain to them how my the computer science concepts and techniques I learned from my degree have provided me a strong foundation in the cybersecurity field and even provide me some skills that give me a unique advantage in my role.

So I'd recommend:
1. Being open to other areas/fields
2. Research how your degree can be leveraged in different fields that aren't necessarily "common"
3. Network and leverage those in your network to learn about their roles to allow you to gage your interest
4. When it comes to courses you can choose, make sure to inform yourself on all the options and taking a variety
5. Be open to trying something new, even if it's an untraditional role with your degree

One advantage of a computer science degree is that almost all companies/businesses nowadays leverage and use some kind of technology or cybersecurity service. The career paths are endless and don't be afraid of going into a role that is untraditional. Freshman year me would have never imagined myself exceling in her first post-grad role as a Technology/Cybersecurity auditor in Verizon's Internal Audit department; but I was able to get here by being open to other "untraditional" areas where technology is applicable and gave it a shot when I applied for their internship. I started to love the role during my internship and was excited to accept my full-time offer.
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Michael’s Answer

I absolutely understand why you're posing this question. You're eager to maximize your career potential. Your future holds great significance. As a first-year student, I urge you to fully embrace the unique experience that pursuing a degree provides. This journey will introduce you to a wealth of new knowledge that will guide your path forward. You'll discover classes and social groups that assist you in making crucial career decisions. Remember, there's no rush. College is a valuable time for you to master the art of learning. Your post-college life will be brimming with continuous learning as the computer industry constantly evolves. Rest assured, you're capable of adapting to these changes. For now, choose a varied curriculum to explore your passions.
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Ben’s Answer

I really connect with this question. Some people will tell you they fell into a career, and some say they "just knew". Rather than expecting a lightning bolt of clarity, I decided to do a few things to help narrow down how to answer this question:

1. Follow your curiosity: Pay attention to the activities, subjects, or hobbies that naturally captivate your interest. Explore them further and see if they can be translated into potential career paths.
2. Embrace exploration: Be open to trying new things and stepping outside of your comfort zone. Take on internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work in different fields to gain exposure and hands-on experience. This can help you discover what resonates with you.
3. Reflect on your values: Consider what matters most to you in life. Reflect on your core values, such as creativity, helping others, or making a 3. positive impact. Look for careers that align with these values, as they can provide a sense of fulfillment and purpose.
4. Seek inspiration: Engage with people who inspire you or have careers that you find intriguing. Attend industry events, conferences, or networking opportunities to connect with professionals in fields that interest you. Their stories and insights can spark ideas and help you envision your own path.
5. Trust your instincts: Listen to your intuition and pay attention to how different career options make you feel. Notice if you feel energized, motivated, and fulfilled when thinking about certain paths. Trusting your instincts can guide you towards a career that feels authentic and fulfilling.

Remember, the journey of finding the right career is unique. There is no right path and often ends with career changes. This is okay too, my main advice is once you dive into a path, stick with it until you have a good understanding it is not for you.
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Ryan’s Answer

Entering college, I was certain about majoring in math, but unsure of where that path would lead me. After exploring a diverse range of subjects in the first two years, I found myself drawn to Computer Science and decided to major in it as well. Remember, every interest you pursue is an opportunity to develop versatile skills that can be applied in a multitude of fields. No matter what you choose, there's a world of opportunities waiting in every industry for the skills you're cultivating. I eventually found my niche in the insurance industry, where my skills unlocked new possibilities I never knew existed. Keep in mind, every step you take is bringing you closer to discovering your own unique path.
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Tony’s Answer

Life is funny, in that if you get a job, you will find other jobs in your area that you like better, and others you would not enjoy. Over time, you will hop from one job to another. Some to explore a potential path, others for more tactical or practical reasons.

If you don't know which direction to choose, there are several books like "What Color is your parachute?" or take the Myers-Briggs Personality Test (such as this one here: https://mypersonality.net/). There are plenty of libraries in San Francisco. In fact, you can walk into almost any college library and read their college books for free!

Don't fall for the sunk-cost fallacy. Just because you spend your freshman year in one direction, does not mean you can't change direction in later years. Yes, it might postpone your graduation, but erasers are cheaper than jackhammers. Changing now might save you years of changing later.
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Leon’s Answer

Don't go crazy with this. I still don't know what the perfect carrier is going to be for me and i have been at it for a while now. Only suggestion I have is to spread yourself out and try a lot of different things. Get out of your comfort zone. You never know what you're going to enjoy doing or what is going to resonate with you. Eventually something is going to catch your eye and you're going to go down that path. Remember, if you enjoy what you do it will feel like you never work a day in your life.
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Marc’s Answer

This question really resonated with me.

There's a common misconception floating around that students are expected to have a sudden revelation one day during high school or college, pinpointing exactly what they want to pursue as a career. But let's be honest, this hardly ever happens! I'm halfway through my own career and I'm still figuring out where it's all leading.

Here's a nugget of wisdom for you, borrowed from the movie Frozen 2. Just focus on doing the next right thing, and follow the path that feels right in the moment. Be adventurous and explore new things by gaining as much hands-on experience as early as possible. Internships are a fantastic way to test the waters and see if you're on the right path. Keep your mind open to all possibilities and try to avoid repeating the same job.
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Chinedu’s Answer

Don't be hasty about choosing a career now, figure out your school schedule. There should be general courses that will be taught to you guys in your first few semesters, attend those lectures. Then figure out the path that resonate with you, that suits you well. Stop by office hours of the professors that are handling those courses, ask them questions that are bothering you and they will be happy to put you through.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for your advice! I'll definitely make sure to go to office hours and speak with my professors about this. I think there will be a lot of truly finding what I like to do for the first few semesters, so this helps. Hailey
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James’s Answer

Don’t get too hung up on that. If you’re a planner like me, I know this can be a real weight. However to help, plan and focus in on being the best you can be in your major in this present time. Think how you can best serve your personal life balance, consider your family life. Success in your major will help clarify your question and i would suggest that success begins with a good short term organization.
Thank you comment icon Thank you! I am a planner like you, but I'll make sure to stay in the present and be the best I can be. Hailey
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