8 answers
Noah
Student
Asheboro, North Carolina
1
Question
Asked
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How should I go about choosing a major, I don’t mean to spit cocky or rude but I haven’t found anything particularly difficult and am at a loss for a future?
I am a tenth grader in high school in the North Carolina school system, and all my classes are a grade above my age level
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8 answers
Michele Buchner
Director of Recruiting
16
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Michele’s Answer
You've got a good chunk of time ahead of you before you need to pick a major. Over the next few years, dive into activities that bring you joy. Discover what truly lights up your world. Keep an eye on people around you who are already in their careers - don't hesitate to ask them questions. Try out a mix of different classes. Do some online research. Above all, remember that as a high school sophomore, you're already a step ahead simply by thinking about this. The world is brimming with opportunities and sooner or later, something will resonate with you.
James Kirkpatrick
Systems Engineering
4
Answers
Sanford, Florida
Updated
James’s Answer
As a sophomore, you might feel overwhelmed with the need to decide on a college and a career path. It's definitely important to consider these things, but remember, you have ample time to make these decisions, and they should primarily revolve around what brings you joy, rather than what presents a challenge. For instance, I found trigonometry to be quite difficult, but that doesn't mean I'd want to build a career around it.
Aim for a career that not only challenges you but also captivates your interest. To illustrate, I've always enjoyed solving puzzles and strategic games, and constantly strive to be the best version of myself, regardless of whether I'm the best in the field or not. Consequently, I discovered that corporate finance and information systems were the perfect fit for me. Crafting the perfect code or architecture often feels like creating a masterpiece, providing me with a sense of fulfillment. This satisfaction is crucial when envisioning what you want from your professional life.
Aim for a career that not only challenges you but also captivates your interest. To illustrate, I've always enjoyed solving puzzles and strategic games, and constantly strive to be the best version of myself, regardless of whether I'm the best in the field or not. Consequently, I discovered that corporate finance and information systems were the perfect fit for me. Crafting the perfect code or architecture often feels like creating a masterpiece, providing me with a sense of fulfillment. This satisfaction is crucial when envisioning what you want from your professional life.
Jacob Taylor
Production Manager
521
Answers
Stafford, Virginia
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
It's perfectly normal to feel uncertain about choosing a major or career path, especially in high school. You're not alone in experiencing this uncertainty, and you don't sound cocky or rude at all. Here are some thoughtful steps to help you navigate this important decision:
1. **Self-Exploration**: Take the time to explore your interests, passions, and values. Reflect on the subjects or activities that genuinely excite you. Consider what you enjoy doing in your free time or what topics you find intriguing.
2. **Talk to People**: Engage in conversations with adults, teachers, family members, and professionals in various fields. Hearing about their career journeys and experiences can provide valuable insights and ideas.
3. **Assess Your Strengths**: Identify your strengths and skills. What are you naturally good at? These talents can guide you toward fields where you're likely to excel.
4. **Online Assessments**: Some online career assessment tools can help you discover potential career paths based on your interests and personality. Websites like MyNextMove.org or the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) can offer insights.
5. **Internships and Volunteering**: Seek opportunities to intern or volunteer in areas that interest you. Hands-on experience can help you gauge whether a particular field aligns with your expectations.
6. **Explore College Majors**: Look into college majors that align with your interests. You don't need to choose one immediately, but researching potential majors can give you a sense of what's available.
7. **Keep an Open Mind**: Remember that it's okay not to have everything figured out at this stage. Many students enter college as undeclared majors and explore their options during their first year.
8. **Seek Guidance**: Talk to your school counselor or career counselor. They can provide guidance, resources, and information about different career paths and majors.
9. **Consider Your Future Goals**: Think about your long-term goals and aspirations. What kind of lifestyle do you envision for yourself? Some careers may align better with your desired lifestyle.
10. **Networking**: Building a professional network, even in high school, can be valuable. Attend career fairs, workshops, or seminars to connect with professionals in various fields.
11. **Balance Passion and Practicality**: While pursuing your passions is important, also consider the practical aspects, such as job market demand and earning potential, when choosing a major.
12. **Stay Informed**: Keep up with industry trends and evolving job markets. What might be a lucrative field today might look different in a few years.
Remember that it's entirely normal for high school students to feel uncertain about their future careers. The path to discovering your ideal major or career is often a journey filled with exploration and self-discovery. Be patient with yourself, stay open to new experiences, and trust that you'll find a path that's right for you as you continue to grow and learn.
1. **Self-Exploration**: Take the time to explore your interests, passions, and values. Reflect on the subjects or activities that genuinely excite you. Consider what you enjoy doing in your free time or what topics you find intriguing.
2. **Talk to People**: Engage in conversations with adults, teachers, family members, and professionals in various fields. Hearing about their career journeys and experiences can provide valuable insights and ideas.
3. **Assess Your Strengths**: Identify your strengths and skills. What are you naturally good at? These talents can guide you toward fields where you're likely to excel.
4. **Online Assessments**: Some online career assessment tools can help you discover potential career paths based on your interests and personality. Websites like MyNextMove.org or the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) can offer insights.
5. **Internships and Volunteering**: Seek opportunities to intern or volunteer in areas that interest you. Hands-on experience can help you gauge whether a particular field aligns with your expectations.
6. **Explore College Majors**: Look into college majors that align with your interests. You don't need to choose one immediately, but researching potential majors can give you a sense of what's available.
7. **Keep an Open Mind**: Remember that it's okay not to have everything figured out at this stage. Many students enter college as undeclared majors and explore their options during their first year.
8. **Seek Guidance**: Talk to your school counselor or career counselor. They can provide guidance, resources, and information about different career paths and majors.
9. **Consider Your Future Goals**: Think about your long-term goals and aspirations. What kind of lifestyle do you envision for yourself? Some careers may align better with your desired lifestyle.
10. **Networking**: Building a professional network, even in high school, can be valuable. Attend career fairs, workshops, or seminars to connect with professionals in various fields.
11. **Balance Passion and Practicality**: While pursuing your passions is important, also consider the practical aspects, such as job market demand and earning potential, when choosing a major.
12. **Stay Informed**: Keep up with industry trends and evolving job markets. What might be a lucrative field today might look different in a few years.
Remember that it's entirely normal for high school students to feel uncertain about their future careers. The path to discovering your ideal major or career is often a journey filled with exploration and self-discovery. Be patient with yourself, stay open to new experiences, and trust that you'll find a path that's right for you as you continue to grow and learn.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6183
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Noah, Bright Future Ahead!
Deciding on a major can indeed seem like a daunting task, but remember, it's a pivotal step that will mold your academic journey and your professional life. It's absolutely okay to feel a bit uncertain about which direction to choose, especially when you're still young. Here's a roadmap to guide you towards making a well-informed decision:
Self-Reflection: Begin by taking a deep dive into your interests, passions, and strengths. Think about the subjects or activities that you find most enjoyable and where you shine the most. What drives you? What could you see yourself doing in the long run? Create a list of your skills, values, and goals to get a clearer picture of who you are.
Research: After pinpointing your interests, delve into the various majors that resonate with them. Investigate the curriculum, courses, and career opportunities that each major presents. Consider connecting with professionals in fields that pique your curiosity to gain firsthand knowledge about their experiences and the skills needed for those careers.
Explore Academic Options: Seize every chance to delve into different subjects or majors. This could mean opting for elective courses in high school or getting involved in extracurricular activities related to diverse fields. Consider visiting college campuses or attending career fairs to learn more about various majors and engage with professors or advisors.
Seek Guidance: Engage in conversations with your high school guidance counselor or academic advisor about your interests and concerns. They can offer invaluable advice and resources to aid you in making an educated decision. They might also be able to link you with alumni or professionals who can share their experiences and insights.
Consider Your Long-Term Goals: Reflect on your ambitions beyond college. Think about how different majors could align with your career goals and the job prospects they could offer. While it's crucial to choose a major you're passionate about, it's equally important to consider its practical aspects in terms of job opportunities.
Keep an Open Mind: Bear in mind that choosing a major doesn't lock you into a specific career for life. Many people find themselves working in fields unrelated to their majors, and career changes are a common occurrence. Concentrate on acquiring a wide array of skills and knowledge that can be applied across various industries.
Take Your Time: Don't rush this decision. Explore various options, converse with people, and gather as much information as you can before making a final choice. It's perfectly normal to feel unsure, and it's better to take the time to make a well-informed decision rather than hastily choosing something that might not be the best fit for you.
In a nutshell, selecting a major involves self-reflection, research, exploration, seeking advice, and maintaining an open mind. It's crucial to consider your interests, strengths, long-term aspirations, and practicality when making this decision. Remember, this decision isn't set in stone and can be modified or adapted as you grow and gain new experiences.
Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications or Domain Names Used:
College Board - www.collegeboard.org
U.S. News & World Report - www.usnews.com
The Princeton Review - www.princetonreview.com
May God Shower His Abundant Blessings Upon You!
James Constantine.
Deciding on a major can indeed seem like a daunting task, but remember, it's a pivotal step that will mold your academic journey and your professional life. It's absolutely okay to feel a bit uncertain about which direction to choose, especially when you're still young. Here's a roadmap to guide you towards making a well-informed decision:
Self-Reflection: Begin by taking a deep dive into your interests, passions, and strengths. Think about the subjects or activities that you find most enjoyable and where you shine the most. What drives you? What could you see yourself doing in the long run? Create a list of your skills, values, and goals to get a clearer picture of who you are.
Research: After pinpointing your interests, delve into the various majors that resonate with them. Investigate the curriculum, courses, and career opportunities that each major presents. Consider connecting with professionals in fields that pique your curiosity to gain firsthand knowledge about their experiences and the skills needed for those careers.
Explore Academic Options: Seize every chance to delve into different subjects or majors. This could mean opting for elective courses in high school or getting involved in extracurricular activities related to diverse fields. Consider visiting college campuses or attending career fairs to learn more about various majors and engage with professors or advisors.
Seek Guidance: Engage in conversations with your high school guidance counselor or academic advisor about your interests and concerns. They can offer invaluable advice and resources to aid you in making an educated decision. They might also be able to link you with alumni or professionals who can share their experiences and insights.
Consider Your Long-Term Goals: Reflect on your ambitions beyond college. Think about how different majors could align with your career goals and the job prospects they could offer. While it's crucial to choose a major you're passionate about, it's equally important to consider its practical aspects in terms of job opportunities.
Keep an Open Mind: Bear in mind that choosing a major doesn't lock you into a specific career for life. Many people find themselves working in fields unrelated to their majors, and career changes are a common occurrence. Concentrate on acquiring a wide array of skills and knowledge that can be applied across various industries.
Take Your Time: Don't rush this decision. Explore various options, converse with people, and gather as much information as you can before making a final choice. It's perfectly normal to feel unsure, and it's better to take the time to make a well-informed decision rather than hastily choosing something that might not be the best fit for you.
In a nutshell, selecting a major involves self-reflection, research, exploration, seeking advice, and maintaining an open mind. It's crucial to consider your interests, strengths, long-term aspirations, and practicality when making this decision. Remember, this decision isn't set in stone and can be modified or adapted as you grow and gain new experiences.
Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications or Domain Names Used:
College Board - www.collegeboard.org
U.S. News & World Report - www.usnews.com
The Princeton Review - www.princetonreview.com
May God Shower His Abundant Blessings Upon You!
James Constantine.
Julia Aas
Copywriter
4
Answers
Northampton, Massachusetts
Updated
Julia’s Answer
As others have said - you've got plenty of time before you need to worry about picking a major. ou've got tons of time, and you don’t have to have it all figured out right now. Seriously, a bunch of people head into college not super sure about what they want to do, and that’s okay - I was one of them.
Here’s what I'd recommend for the next couple of years...
- Dip Your Toes in Different Ponds: Take a mix of classes in high school. Who knows, you might find a passion you never knew you had!
- Jump into Some Clubs or Teams: You'll not only make new friends, but you'll also get a taste of different things you might like.
- Chat with People Who Do Cool Stuff: Ever wondered what it's like being a graphic designer, engineer, or chef? Why not reach out and ask someone? Real-life insights can be gold.
- Hit Up College Fairs: You'll get a feel for what's out there, and you might even stumble upon a major or career you hadn’t considered.
- Think About What Makes You Lose Track of Time: Is there something you could do all day and not even notice? That might be a big clue!
- Stay Curious: Sometimes the coolest opportunities come from the most unexpected places. So, keep an open mind and see where it takes you.
Bottom line? It’s okay to not have all the answers right now. Dive into different things, see what feels right, and remember, there’s no rush.
Here’s what I'd recommend for the next couple of years...
- Dip Your Toes in Different Ponds: Take a mix of classes in high school. Who knows, you might find a passion you never knew you had!
- Jump into Some Clubs or Teams: You'll not only make new friends, but you'll also get a taste of different things you might like.
- Chat with People Who Do Cool Stuff: Ever wondered what it's like being a graphic designer, engineer, or chef? Why not reach out and ask someone? Real-life insights can be gold.
- Hit Up College Fairs: You'll get a feel for what's out there, and you might even stumble upon a major or career you hadn’t considered.
- Think About What Makes You Lose Track of Time: Is there something you could do all day and not even notice? That might be a big clue!
- Stay Curious: Sometimes the coolest opportunities come from the most unexpected places. So, keep an open mind and see where it takes you.
Bottom line? It’s okay to not have all the answers right now. Dive into different things, see what feels right, and remember, there’s no rush.
Tony Scott
Product Management
1
Answer
Plano, Texas
Updated
Tony’s Answer
The most fulfilling career path is often one that feels less like work and more like a hobby. It's about finding something you love to do. Imagine spending 8 to 10 hours each day doing something you truly enjoy - that's the secret to happiness in life. At your stage, it's perfectly okay to be unsure about your interests. The best way to discover them is through different experiences.
High school might feel a bit restrictive as it only offers a glimpse of what's out there. My advice? Dive into the world of universities. Explore 4 to 5 diverse universities that provide a range of unique programs. This will give you a broader perspective on what's available. For instance, if healthcare piques your interest, consider looking into John Hopkins. If you're drawn to engineering, Stanford might be a good fit. If technology is your thing, MIT could be your calling. Each program is tailored to different interests, helping you understand what pursuing a particular career entails.
Remember, it's okay if you don't find your calling right away. Sometimes, it might take a couple of years into college or university before you discover your true passion. But when you do, it's going to be an amazing revelation. So, don't rush into settling for something. Your perfect career is out there, waiting for you to find it.
High school might feel a bit restrictive as it only offers a glimpse of what's out there. My advice? Dive into the world of universities. Explore 4 to 5 diverse universities that provide a range of unique programs. This will give you a broader perspective on what's available. For instance, if healthcare piques your interest, consider looking into John Hopkins. If you're drawn to engineering, Stanford might be a good fit. If technology is your thing, MIT could be your calling. Each program is tailored to different interests, helping you understand what pursuing a particular career entails.
Remember, it's okay if you don't find your calling right away. Sometimes, it might take a couple of years into college or university before you discover your true passion. But when you do, it's going to be an amazing revelation. So, don't rush into settling for something. Your perfect career is out there, waiting for you to find it.
Adrienne Barron
Interior design
11
Answers
Merrillville, Indiana
Updated
Adrienne’s Answer
There are career and interest assessment that are free to take online. Collegeboard.com
Marlyce Campbell
Respiratory Therapist
42
Answers
WaKeeney, Kansas
Updated
Marlyce’s Answer
Noah, it's commendable that you're already considering your future. Have you thought about consulting with your school counselor? They can provide assessments to identify your strengths and suggest potential career paths. Have you ever considered job shadowing? Many schools offer this opportunity now. If your school hosts a career day, that could also be a valuable experience. The world is full of diverse opportunities, so it's understandable if you find it challenging to choose. Remember, it's perfectly normal for people to change their minds during their studies and pursue a different path. Wishing you the best of luck on your journey!