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How do I choose what major / career if I'm interested in everything and nothing really stands out?
I was going to pursue law, but then acupuncture sounded interesting, but also com sci. I don't have experience in any of these three categories, so who knows? Maybe I won't like all of them. I'm applying to college soon, but I don't really have an idea of what I want to do so I'm kind of stuck.
How did you guys choose your careers / majors?
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21 answers
Updated
Michel’s Answer
College is an important time to try different things out. If you are fully undecided it might be a good idea to start freshmen year undeclared and join clubs and see which classes you really like. The first year is mostly classes that allow you to be a rounded student so these will mostly be classes that all degrees will need. This will give you some time to figure out what you truly like and I think that is a good idea. Clubs will allow you to dig deeper into some of the things that you really enjoy so I would give them a chance to find your passion. Good luck keep an open mind and start honing in on what you like and dislike about different fields.
Thank you so much!
Andrea
Alan Weber
writer and retired teacher, teacher educator and academic advisor
207
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Alan’s Answer
It's wonderful that you find interest in everything. Possibly even more important than your career, you look to become a curious, well-rounded, knowledgeable person. There's no necessity in knowing what your major will be when you enter college. You can start in General Studies and use electives in the first couple of semesters to start clarifying your path. There are surveys you can take, such as those on MyPlan.com and those given by counselors, that might help you narrow down your interests. Eventually, you may have to roll the dice on one, but you can always read or practice others on the side. You might want to talk to practitioners in each field, along with field-specific academic advisors in the college you'll be attending. But a lot of it will come down to your gut and what feels right and inspirational inside, along with some trial (no pun intended re the law) and error. Don't feel that you have to have all of the answers yet. It takes some people a lifetime. That might not be the most practical, or even possible route, but you seem way ahead of the game.
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David’s Answer
Hi!,
First off, you are in a boat with about 70 percent of all incoming college students. In fact, most college students change their major at least once throughout their college experience. Go in undeclared as a Freshman and explore some. This will give you the opportunity to see what stimulates you mentally. Plus, most of your freshman and sophomore classes are general classes and prerequisites anyways so they are usually needed no matter what you major in. Be patient and open-minded and it will come to you. Most of all enjoy your college experience. It is a once in a lifetime period in your life so make the most of it.
All the best!
David
First off, you are in a boat with about 70 percent of all incoming college students. In fact, most college students change their major at least once throughout their college experience. Go in undeclared as a Freshman and explore some. This will give you the opportunity to see what stimulates you mentally. Plus, most of your freshman and sophomore classes are general classes and prerequisites anyways so they are usually needed no matter what you major in. Be patient and open-minded and it will come to you. Most of all enjoy your college experience. It is a once in a lifetime period in your life so make the most of it.
All the best!
David
Thank you for the advice!
Andrea
Alan Weber
writer and retired teacher, teacher educator and academic advisor
207
Answers
Updated
Alan’s Answer
It's wonderful that you find interest in everything. Possibly even more important than your career, you look to become a curious, well-rounded, knowledgeable person. There's no necessity in knowing what your major will be when you enter college. You can start in General Studies and use electives in the first couple of semesters to start clarifying your path. There are surveys you can take, such as those on MyPlans.com and those given by counselors, that might help you narrow down your interests. Eventually, you may have to roll the dice on one, but you can always read or practice others on the side. You might want to talk to practitioners in each field, along with field-specific academic advisors in the college you'll be attending. But a lot of it will come down to your gut and what feels right and inspirational inside, along with some trial (no pun intended re the law) and error. Don't feel that you have to have all of the answers yet. It takes some people a lifetime. That might not be the most practical, or even possible route, but you seem way ahead of the game.
Thank you for the advice!
Andrea
Updated
Jawwad’s Answer
If you're uncertain about which major to choose initially, here are some practical steps you can take:
1. Explore and study the undergraduate programs listed on your favorite universities' websites. (Take a closer look at the type of classes in that major as well)
2. When you find a major that interests you, delve deeper by researching the potential job opportunities, daily responsibilities, and expected salary.
3. Organize your choices in a preferred sequence and take some time to reflect on them.
4. Seek advice from peers, adults, or anyone already working in that specific field.
5. After going through this process, select the major that resonates with you the most.
1. Explore and study the undergraduate programs listed on your favorite universities' websites. (Take a closer look at the type of classes in that major as well)
2. When you find a major that interests you, delve deeper by researching the potential job opportunities, daily responsibilities, and expected salary.
3. Organize your choices in a preferred sequence and take some time to reflect on them.
4. Seek advice from peers, adults, or anyone already working in that specific field.
5. After going through this process, select the major that resonates with you the most.
Thank you so much for the advice.
Andrea
Updated
PwC’s Answer
It’s okay to not know what you want to do with your life at 18. Just breathe you will figure it out as you progress through college. Keep working hard!
Updated
PwC’s Answer
Try not to think about it too much. I was undecided until halfway through my freshman year of college. You will figure it out and be grateful that you didn’t spend too much time stressing.
Updated
PwC’s Answer
There are lots of people around you who care about you with lots of wisdom. Rely on them and don’t be afraid to say yes in life
Thank you for giving me advice.
Andrea
Updated
Tammy’s Answer
As others have said it’s a wise idea to enter college with an undeclared major. Most colleges have a general studies degree which will pair you with an academic advisor who will help you to pick multiple electives in a variety of different career paths which will give you an opportunity to earn credits in college but also to explore a variety of options for an eventual major. In the meantime, since you still have a few years of high school left it would be wise to explore some of your career pass through summer internships or shadow days at local businesses. Perhaps you can do an internship in a law firm while also spending a few days shadowing an acupuncturist. Many high schools offer courses in computer science and if so be sure to sign up to take those courses so you can explore that topic as well. You have lots of time to figure out what you want to do with your life so don’t stress too much about having it all figured out at this point! Take a little time to enjoy the journey.
Thank you for the advice!
Andrea
Updated
Eileen’s Answer
Hi Andrea,
Your question resonates very strongly with me. Something I discovered long into my working career that I wished I'd known earlier is that there are ways you can *combine* multiple interests. For example, a software developer who loves to build/repair cars could seek to work at companies related to car manufacturing and engineering. A lawyer with an engineering background is invaluable to companies defending their technological inventions from patent suits--imagine the difference it makes having an attorney that actually *understands* the technology he or she is defending, versus having one that does not! Medical and technological professions can be combined to create robotic assistance solutions for the impaired or discovering ways to use technology to facilitate healing. The amazing thing about our world is that careers can be much more interesting than simply "pick one."
Take your list of interests and see what combinations of 2 or more you can come up with that would make sense in the real world. Some of these will sound much more interesting to you than others. If many of the interesting ones seem to revolve around one central career type, like medicine or law, then consider pursuing that as your main focus in education. If you need help deciding between multiple candidates, see if you can find a professional to "shadow" for a day to see what their work is like--getting a glimpse does not have to require a whole internship. Explore your other interests through electives and additional course work.
Resist the feeling that you *have* to decide immediately which other area(s) of interest you would like to combine with your main focus. If you minor in one thing, you are not necessarily "stuck" with using that particular interest in your career. An advantage of having multiple interests is these create multiple interesting paths you can choose from, once you are ready to begin your career. Then if the job market is dry in the area you'd initially planned, there are likely still other areas you're interested in that you could pursue instead. That being said, it is helpful to gradually narrow your range of interests over time so that you can put more time and effort into those that remain.
Your question resonates very strongly with me. Something I discovered long into my working career that I wished I'd known earlier is that there are ways you can *combine* multiple interests. For example, a software developer who loves to build/repair cars could seek to work at companies related to car manufacturing and engineering. A lawyer with an engineering background is invaluable to companies defending their technological inventions from patent suits--imagine the difference it makes having an attorney that actually *understands* the technology he or she is defending, versus having one that does not! Medical and technological professions can be combined to create robotic assistance solutions for the impaired or discovering ways to use technology to facilitate healing. The amazing thing about our world is that careers can be much more interesting than simply "pick one."
Take your list of interests and see what combinations of 2 or more you can come up with that would make sense in the real world. Some of these will sound much more interesting to you than others. If many of the interesting ones seem to revolve around one central career type, like medicine or law, then consider pursuing that as your main focus in education. If you need help deciding between multiple candidates, see if you can find a professional to "shadow" for a day to see what their work is like--getting a glimpse does not have to require a whole internship. Explore your other interests through electives and additional course work.
Resist the feeling that you *have* to decide immediately which other area(s) of interest you would like to combine with your main focus. If you minor in one thing, you are not necessarily "stuck" with using that particular interest in your career. An advantage of having multiple interests is these create multiple interesting paths you can choose from, once you are ready to begin your career. Then if the job market is dry in the area you'd initially planned, there are likely still other areas you're interested in that you could pursue instead. That being said, it is helpful to gradually narrow your range of interests over time so that you can put more time and effort into those that remain.
Updated
Molly’s Answer
Hello Andrea!
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!
Dimply put, you do not have to settle on the first major that you decide. You never know what you'll find until you step your foot out there and test the waters!
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!
Dimply put, you do not have to settle on the first major that you decide. You never know what you'll find until you step your foot out there and test the waters!
I hope this helped, and good luck in your endeavors!
Thank You
Molly H.
Thank you for the advice!
Andrea
Updated
PwC’s Answer
Don't be too hard on yourself. Try out new things and see where it takes you!
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Simona’s Answer
Being curious or good in many fields can be really challenging when it comes to making a decision which career path to choose. My advice would be to explore as early and as much as possible. Taking opportunities to volunteer or internship is a great way to meet people who are experienced in some particular field. The inspiration can come by surprise. Keep yourself curious and self-reflect to see what inspires you. This could be a right hint where to begin.
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PwC’s Answer
Go into school with an open mindset. Take a variety of classes your freshman year and see what speaks to you! You still have a lot of time. If all else fails - go into consulting!
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PwC’s Answer
I would recommend looking into business. I am a business IT major and it touches on elements of computer science. Business is useful in most career paths, and gives you a good amount of flexibility !
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PwC’s Answer
There are universities that offer interdisciplinary majors if you already have a general idea what you like. They allow you to build your degree plan from different fields. Coming into college undeclared is also a good way to take entry level coursework without committing to a major.
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PwC’s Answer
Don't follow what others do/want you to do, and if you don't know what to do, go in undecided. If you try to force a career you'll end up switching later on anyways.
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Doctorate Student’s Answer
Kudos to you for bravely making that first move! Plunge wholeheartedly into what truly ignites your passion, and everything else will seamlessly align. Embark on an enlightening journey with General Education courses at a Community College. These classes, typically available for free, offer a remarkable chance to delve into subjects that genuinely captivate your interest. Remember, college or career advisors are always ready to assist. Their expert guidance could be the golden ticket to discovering your untapped talents. So, here's to a future that's radiant and thriving! May your thrilling journey be brimming with countless triumphs and happiness!
Thank you for the advice!
Andrea
Updated
PwC’s Answer
Don’t be afraid to try a bunch of things. The average college student changes their major 2-3 times before they graduate, you’re not stuck in a box.
Updated
PwC’s Answer
Keep asking others. The best way to learn is from friends, family, teachers and others around you with more first hand experience of what "a day in the life" might be like. If you don't know someone to ask, chances are your teachers or parents can help you find them. People are surprisingly happy to share both the positives and negatives when you're asking for sincere advice.
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Jerome’s Answer
I was in the same position when I graduated from High School. I ended up doing a Letters, Arts and Sciences Degree. It was a general studies degree that let me do all of my general Ed while exploring different areas I might be interested in.
The cool thing about dong a general studies AA was that my last two years of college were all Psychology & Philosophy classes.
It’s ok to not have it all figured out, part of going to college is to explore possibilities.
The cool thing about dong a general studies AA was that my last two years of college were all Psychology & Philosophy classes.
It’s ok to not have it all figured out, part of going to college is to explore possibilities.
Thank you!
Andrea