5 answers
Connor
Student
Cedar Rapids
1
Question
Asked
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How do you choose what To Major in when going to college?
I Am going to be a Senior in Highschool this year and i don't know what my major will be in college. How do You choose?
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5 answers
Kyle May
Commercial Photography/Videography
10
Answers
Columbia Station, Ohio
Updated
Kyle’s Answer
Let me tell you some things that I wish someone would have told me when I was in your shoes.
First: Be realistic about what you really want to do with your life. What kind of lifestyle do you want? Is lifestyle or work life most important?
Before committing to any career path, find out what kind of life that career will afford you. Want to be a photographer? Great. What does the average photographer make each year? I stress average, not the few at the top of the game. I wanted to be a photojournalist until I found out that most last only a couple of years and those who last make very little. Find a career that will allow you to have a good life and don't be afraid to do some research, (even look at job postings for the career you are considering), and find out what type of lifestyle that career will provide. Talk to somebody in that field. Find out how many years experience you'll need before you start making decent money.
2nd: Treat college like it's a full time job. I left college before graduation because I was offered my dream job as a radio DJ in a larger city. After a couple of years, that job went away and I found myself working low wage jobs until I went back to school and finished my degree. Previously I treated college as a 4 yr vacation and didn't apply myself. Upon my return, I applied myself 100% and Deans listed my entire senior year. This led to me getting a great job as a buyer and traveling the world doing a job I loved, (and was really good at!). Be focused and keep your eye on the prize. I promise that it'll pay off big time in the end.
3rd: Last bit of advice, I promise. You have your entire life to figure out what career path is best for you. Like math? Science and business might be for you. Get into a general business or general science program and make the specific choice down the road. Love to read? Maybe you should look at liberal arts or a literature program. The thing is that you might not find your ideal job until you are 10yrs out of college. Don't feel pressed to make lifelong decisions now. You've got plenty of time to try several different career paths - so take advantage of every college learning experience you can - and don't let partying or boys/girls derail your efforts to be successful. Life is long and you have one thing us older folks don't have and that is time. Good luck.
First: Be realistic about what you really want to do with your life. What kind of lifestyle do you want? Is lifestyle or work life most important?
Before committing to any career path, find out what kind of life that career will afford you. Want to be a photographer? Great. What does the average photographer make each year? I stress average, not the few at the top of the game. I wanted to be a photojournalist until I found out that most last only a couple of years and those who last make very little. Find a career that will allow you to have a good life and don't be afraid to do some research, (even look at job postings for the career you are considering), and find out what type of lifestyle that career will provide. Talk to somebody in that field. Find out how many years experience you'll need before you start making decent money.
2nd: Treat college like it's a full time job. I left college before graduation because I was offered my dream job as a radio DJ in a larger city. After a couple of years, that job went away and I found myself working low wage jobs until I went back to school and finished my degree. Previously I treated college as a 4 yr vacation and didn't apply myself. Upon my return, I applied myself 100% and Deans listed my entire senior year. This led to me getting a great job as a buyer and traveling the world doing a job I loved, (and was really good at!). Be focused and keep your eye on the prize. I promise that it'll pay off big time in the end.
3rd: Last bit of advice, I promise. You have your entire life to figure out what career path is best for you. Like math? Science and business might be for you. Get into a general business or general science program and make the specific choice down the road. Love to read? Maybe you should look at liberal arts or a literature program. The thing is that you might not find your ideal job until you are 10yrs out of college. Don't feel pressed to make lifelong decisions now. You've got plenty of time to try several different career paths - so take advantage of every college learning experience you can - and don't let partying or boys/girls derail your efforts to be successful. Life is long and you have one thing us older folks don't have and that is time. Good luck.
Lauryn James
Graphic Designer
4
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Lauryn’s Answer
No worries if you're still unsure about your major until the end of your sophomore or the start of your junior year in college. You have the freedom to explore various core classes until you discover your true passion. I can tell you from personal experience that I switched my major almost every semester (yes, even during the summer) before I finally found what truly excited me and made a plan to achieve it. My advice would be to explore different career paths that spark your interest and then choose a major that aligns with your chosen path. Keep in mind that certain fields like nursing and computer science may require a bit more time in college, but there's no need to stress too much about it. Remember, college is a journey of exploration and discovery, so take your time!
Talk to other people around you as well. Choosing primarily off of how much you make (which I have witnessed people do) also isn't necessarily going to be fulfilling either. College opens up a lot of opportunities as well when it comes to travel and studying abroad or even teaching younger students abroad. Hope this helps!
Think about what hobbies or interests you have and look at possible careers/ occupations that closely relate.
Talk to other people around you as well. Choosing primarily off of how much you make (which I have witnessed people do) also isn't necessarily going to be fulfilling either. College opens up a lot of opportunities as well when it comes to travel and studying abroad or even teaching younger students abroad. Hope this helps!
Lauryn recommends the following next steps:
Molly Hollingsworth
HR Clerk
80
Answers
Coppell, Texas
Updated
Molly’s Answer
Hi Connor!
This is a great question! Simply answered, I would recommend to step your foot into multiple areas. If you find that what you are currently in or studying does not satisfy and appeal to what you want to do in the future, then you can easily shift away from that one area and focus in another. In college, I knew that I wanted to focus my studies in general business. However, that is all I knew. After focusing my studies in multiple areas of business, I found my way into Human Resources where I currently am working in today. I received my MBA focusing specifically in Organizational Behavior and Human Resources, and currently have a position as an Human Resources Administrator for a Sam's Club distribution and fulfillment center. You will never know what you like until you dip your foot in the water and tread through several areas!
I hope this helped, and good luck in your endeavors!
Thank you
Molly H.
This is a great question! Simply answered, I would recommend to step your foot into multiple areas. If you find that what you are currently in or studying does not satisfy and appeal to what you want to do in the future, then you can easily shift away from that one area and focus in another. In college, I knew that I wanted to focus my studies in general business. However, that is all I knew. After focusing my studies in multiple areas of business, I found my way into Human Resources where I currently am working in today. I received my MBA focusing specifically in Organizational Behavior and Human Resources, and currently have a position as an Human Resources Administrator for a Sam's Club distribution and fulfillment center. You will never know what you like until you dip your foot in the water and tread through several areas!
I hope this helped, and good luck in your endeavors!
Thank you
Molly H.
Fernando Iriarte
Freelance Writer & Editor
151
Answers
Puerto Rico
Updated
Fernando’s Answer
It all starts with what you're passionate about. What sparks the imagination? What field of study has you going the extra mile? What is that one hobby that you always brings out the best in you? Write down everything that comes to mind when answering these questions and afterwards start to narrow down which ones you click with the most. There's more than likely going to be not one, but many career fields tied to your choice. From this moment it's all about researching the career fields and seeing which colleges offer a good curriculum geared towards your field of choice.
Doctorate Student -
Psychology/Forensic Science
58
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Doctorate Student’s Answer
Making a decision about the field(s) you're considering is an excellent step forward! Dive deeply into your passions, and everything else will fall into place naturally. To make the most of your resources, think about beginning your educational journey with General Education classes at a Community College. These classes are often free of charge, offering an amazing opportunity for you to delve into subjects that genuinely ignite your curiosity. Remember, college or career counselors are always there to support you. Their advice could be the crucial element in unlocking your true potential. So, here's to your bright and promising future! May your exciting journey be filled with boundless success and joy!