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How do you know you made a good decison on what to study for college?
When do you know what you actually want to do after college? For example, let's say I have options but I can't really decide between which one I would like more for my future.
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9 answers
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Justin’s Answer
Hey Maria,
Nice to meet you, I’m Justin. I’m a student that was in your exact position for two years, until the end of my sophomore year in college. I was torn between engineering and pre-health and psychology and computer science and physics… and I ended up just bouncing around, taking almost every single intro course at my school. What I will say is that, even after taking all of the intro courses, I still had doubts. My issue is perfectionism—I needed to make absolutely sure that I made the right decision. I was afraid to make the wrong one because I thought my mistake would determine my entire career. I’ll let you know that it will not. Many people I am working with in my internship do not have the educational background in college to work in it, yet are professionals in it anyway. No mistake is truly permanent. And the lesson I’m learning is that there is no way to know truly without doing. Even then, you may not know truly until maybe several years in your career of choice. I still have doubts about my choice, but I know that the only way to find out is dig deep and get more experience, and course correct once I find out. My recommendation: take some time to deeply think about a field of study that fits you, and once you’ve chosen it, try not to let your doubts change your choice. Try not to change majors constantly like me, unless you really have a deal-breaker that you discovered later. Nobody really knows the answer, so trust your gut!! You got this Maria!!
Nice to meet you, I’m Justin. I’m a student that was in your exact position for two years, until the end of my sophomore year in college. I was torn between engineering and pre-health and psychology and computer science and physics… and I ended up just bouncing around, taking almost every single intro course at my school. What I will say is that, even after taking all of the intro courses, I still had doubts. My issue is perfectionism—I needed to make absolutely sure that I made the right decision. I was afraid to make the wrong one because I thought my mistake would determine my entire career. I’ll let you know that it will not. Many people I am working with in my internship do not have the educational background in college to work in it, yet are professionals in it anyway. No mistake is truly permanent. And the lesson I’m learning is that there is no way to know truly without doing. Even then, you may not know truly until maybe several years in your career of choice. I still have doubts about my choice, but I know that the only way to find out is dig deep and get more experience, and course correct once I find out. My recommendation: take some time to deeply think about a field of study that fits you, and once you’ve chosen it, try not to let your doubts change your choice. Try not to change majors constantly like me, unless you really have a deal-breaker that you discovered later. Nobody really knows the answer, so trust your gut!! You got this Maria!!
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this. It was really good advice. Thank you so much for understanding and again for answering this.
maria
Updated
Elaina’s Answer
The truth is in that moment in college, you can't ever 100% guarantee you will make the right decision. The reason is because you grow as an individual and you grow as a professional - your interests and knowledge evolve throughout time. HOWEVER, in that moment, you can map out your options through thinking all the career possibilities and growth you'd like. It's a cliché question, but you can ask yourself, where do you see yourself in 5 years. What kind of impact you would like? Whatever decision you make in college, do not feel like you made the wrong decision and that your original decision confines you from further growth down the road. People make career changes all the time and sometimes, their different background makes them a unique candidate. I also speak from experience in that I studied marketing in college, but I actually wanted to study cognitive science. Even though I was always curious about human mind and behavior, this decision turned out to be a blessing in disguise because through working in marketing, I was able to gain practical applications in analyzing user behavior and running digital behavioral experiments. I eventually got my Master's in Behavioral Science. So at the end, I was still able to enjoy my job regardless of my original decision made in college. And regardless of the decision you make, always continue to learn and build your knowledge base. Good luck with your exploration!
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Richard’s Answer
I think it is unrealistic for an 18-year-old to know what they want to study in in college. If you are really undecided, try a very broad liberal arts course of study the first year and expose yourself to as many things as possible, and that will help you figure out what you like.
In my case, I started out in art school, to study graphic design. (I am strong in verbal and weak in mathematics, which precluded me from any math-heavy choices). But after my first year, I was not as enamored with my choice. I'm not 100% sure if it was the career choice itself or the particular curriculum of the school, (Mason Gross School of the Arts) but after the first year, I was having second thoughts. I shared an on-campus apartment with some upperclassmen, one of whom was a landscape architect. After speaking with him, I realized that landscape architecture combined my love of art and design with my love of nature, and I did a dean-to-dean transfer my sophomore year, to Cook College (now School of Environmental and Biological Science). I had to add an extra year to my college career, mainly because many of the art school credits did not transfer, and the curriculum for LA was very structured. Nevertheless, don't be afraid to change gears mid-way if you find something you like better, after being exposed to different things.
In my case, I started out in art school, to study graphic design. (I am strong in verbal and weak in mathematics, which precluded me from any math-heavy choices). But after my first year, I was not as enamored with my choice. I'm not 100% sure if it was the career choice itself or the particular curriculum of the school, (Mason Gross School of the Arts) but after the first year, I was having second thoughts. I shared an on-campus apartment with some upperclassmen, one of whom was a landscape architect. After speaking with him, I realized that landscape architecture combined my love of art and design with my love of nature, and I did a dean-to-dean transfer my sophomore year, to Cook College (now School of Environmental and Biological Science). I had to add an extra year to my college career, mainly because many of the art school credits did not transfer, and the curriculum for LA was very structured. Nevertheless, don't be afraid to change gears mid-way if you find something you like better, after being exposed to different things.
Updated
Rachael’s Answer
Think about what classes you have taken that you have done well in and enjoyed. You can refer to a counselor (high school or advisor in college) to get ideas of careers paths that may be associated with certain classes/ subjects. For example I loved my high school chemistry class and my guidance counselor said pharmacy might interest me and I never looked back. I hadn't really considered pharmacy before that and I developed a passion for it right away that never faded. I am extremely happy with my career path. In undergrad, with required general education credits there is opportunity to choosing some different classes/subject matter to help explore your interests. Consider which you could see making you the most content spending a long time doing. You could shadow or reach out to a person working in each area/business and talk with them regarding what the job is like from day to day basis and season-to-season depending on the job. You could consider finances and work life balance with the options. Some have plans to have family and kids and would like a nice balance between home and work. Others may be focused more on career only and may not require as much work-life balance. Think about what you are good at and enjoy doing the most. Are you looking for something to master and know what you are doing all the time and be comfortable? Or do you get "bored" easily and are you looking for a career option where you are always able to learn/grow with the profession? Likely in high school you did this, but I believe there are career option surveys out there that could also give you some career path ideas based on your answers/interests.
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
maria
Eric Meininger
Pediatrician, Internist, Adolescent medicine specialist
8
Answers
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Eric’s Answer
It’s hard to say. I had an opportunity in college to explore despite being on a medicine track. I was never sure medicine was the right track for me - after all, I wanted to be a farmer! I tried photography, women’s history, Russian literature, and other classes besides my health care classes. Ultimately I ended up in adolescent medicine which many would say isn’t medicine at all, but I love my career. I have been on the cutting edge of gender expansive health since before it was an issue. I continue to provide healthcare to underserved populations (previously in homeless healthcare, chronic alcoholics, injection drug users, now in underserved communities in Guam. Keep your options open and tuned to your interests and you will find fulfillment.
Updated
MV’s Answer
Hello Maria,
To prevent any confusion regarding your career and academic program, it's essential to have a clear understanding of your genuine interests, what truly brings you joy, and where you envision yourself in the years ahead. Once you are certain about these aspects, you will have the answers you seek.
To prevent any confusion regarding your career and academic program, it's essential to have a clear understanding of your genuine interests, what truly brings you joy, and where you envision yourself in the years ahead. Once you are certain about these aspects, you will have the answers you seek.
Thank you so much, MV!
maria
Updated
Murph,’s Answer
Whatever gives you the most peace, the most enjoyment and allows you to be challenged but never overwhelmed and you are achieving at the highest level....this is when you know you've found your zone.
Thank you so much for the advice.
maria
Updated
Keyston’s Answer
I didn't go to college, but I found my path working as a supervisor in facility maintenance, thanks to my wife's company. Worrying about a job, college decisions, and career choices all depend on your own journey. It's important to follow your heart and explore your options until you discover what truly speaks to you.
Updated
Moises’s Answer
Hello Maria,
It's perfectly okay to have a variety of interests and potential career paths after graduation. Sometimes, you might find yourself pursuing a career unrelated to your field of study. Life is unpredictable, and you never know where your journey might take you. Remember, once you choose a career path, it's not set in stone. If you start a job and realize a few years down the line that it's not fulfilling, it's completely fine to change direction. You can always switch gears and explore other areas. Granted, some fields might require specific expertise, but if you're truly passionate, you'll find a way to acquire the necessary skills.
Moreover, it's not uncommon for people to balance a job with a passion project or hobby. If there are two things you're deeply passionate about, consider pursuing one as a career and the other as a side venture.
Lastly, it's important to remember that our desires can change over time. What you want most right now might not be what you want in the future. So, keep an open mind about all possibilities and don't hesitate to change course if you feel the need.
It's perfectly okay to have a variety of interests and potential career paths after graduation. Sometimes, you might find yourself pursuing a career unrelated to your field of study. Life is unpredictable, and you never know where your journey might take you. Remember, once you choose a career path, it's not set in stone. If you start a job and realize a few years down the line that it's not fulfilling, it's completely fine to change direction. You can always switch gears and explore other areas. Granted, some fields might require specific expertise, but if you're truly passionate, you'll find a way to acquire the necessary skills.
Moreover, it's not uncommon for people to balance a job with a passion project or hobby. If there are two things you're deeply passionate about, consider pursuing one as a career and the other as a side venture.
Lastly, it's important to remember that our desires can change over time. What you want most right now might not be what you want in the future. So, keep an open mind about all possibilities and don't hesitate to change course if you feel the need.
Thank you so much for the advice, I appreciate it.
maria