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How do I pick what to major in, when I have multiple different interests?
I am interested in many different work forces, but I am unsure which will be the best for me. I really like cooking, fashion, and medical work, but I don't know which to pursue.
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9 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
751
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Updated
Paul’s Answer
I would look for something that you love to do so much, that if they did not pay you to do it, you would still do it anyway. One of these areas that you have outlines, probably fits this description.
Or, you can do what I have observed others doing. They pursue a Bachelors in General Studies, which has a variety of different subjects to pursue, which also enables students to take courses in multiple areas, and determine which one fits them best for their future occupation.
Or, you can do what I have observed others doing. They pursue a Bachelors in General Studies, which has a variety of different subjects to pursue, which also enables students to take courses in multiple areas, and determine which one fits them best for their future occupation.
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
Chloe
Updated
Sophia’s Answer
Hi Chloe! I had this exact same issue when I was applying to colleges because I wanted to pick my college based on what I wanted to major in but at the time I had no clue what to major in. For me, I looked through every possible major(seriously every single one) and narrowed it down to about 15 that I was interested in. From there, it is important to make a pros and cons list for each and figure out what qualities of a major are most important to you and what qualities you would be willing to get rid of. For example, how big of a factor is income straight after college, or if getting your masters if necessary for that specific major.
Those are some great tips, thanks so much Sophia!
Chloe
Updated
Jeff’s Answer
Hi Chloe,
I see a lot of good answers already, but I thought I would give some quick advice as well. When I entered college, I was pursuing an engineering degree, but because I was heavily involved in music, many peers tried to convince me to shift to a music major. I decided to not pursue music as a major from a practical standpoint; I felt that my job prospects and salary would be better staying with an engineering degree. However, I decided that I could still keep music as a hobby. In hindsight, I wouldn't change what I did. I think that if music became my livelihood, I might lose my passion for it, but keeping it as a hobby means that I can do as much or as little as I want at any time. This isn't meant to discourage you from pursuing any field, but perhaps evaluate the employment options available to you once you graduate and think about what it would mean for it to be a career.
I see a lot of good answers already, but I thought I would give some quick advice as well. When I entered college, I was pursuing an engineering degree, but because I was heavily involved in music, many peers tried to convince me to shift to a music major. I decided to not pursue music as a major from a practical standpoint; I felt that my job prospects and salary would be better staying with an engineering degree. However, I decided that I could still keep music as a hobby. In hindsight, I wouldn't change what I did. I think that if music became my livelihood, I might lose my passion for it, but keeping it as a hobby means that I can do as much or as little as I want at any time. This isn't meant to discourage you from pursuing any field, but perhaps evaluate the employment options available to you once you graduate and think about what it would mean for it to be a career.
Updated
Anne’s Answer
It's not always easy, or obvious, what anyone wants their career path to be when you are still in HS. That's okay! In fact, I consider it an advantage that you have so many topics that interest you!
It's okay to not be 100% at this stage. Time is on your side.
There are a few paths that you can take, which will help you narrow down which field would really be best for a career, and the others will just be hobbies!
1) You can enroll in a local community college and/or 4-year college and focus on your core classes. Core classes help you adjust to collegiate learning, but they also require you take a broad range of introductory classes. Here, you may find subjects that you didn't know you loved, or you may be able to weed out a subject that starts to hold less interest for you.
2) Gain experience! You can do this through volunteering, a PT job, or even just through research and networking, whether that's following and watching industry content on YouTube, or reaching out to businesses or people in your community whom you admire for advice!
3) Consider the academic requirements of the field of study/work that you are interested in. If you love animals and are considering being a veterinarian, but don't like the health sciences, it's not right career path for you.
4) Determine if the lifestyle of the potential career path is something to which you can commit! Some fields, like law and medicine, require a lengthy academic process. Other fields, like sales, could require extensive travel. Many other jobs are sedentary and require that you are at a desk nearly all of the time. If you are someone who needs to be on the move, a desk job won't suit you well.
Most of all, allow yourself some time to consider the right fit for you. This is not a race against anyone else! You are looking out for your future and your success and you deserve to take the time to find the best path for you and your skills and interests!
It's okay to not be 100% at this stage. Time is on your side.
There are a few paths that you can take, which will help you narrow down which field would really be best for a career, and the others will just be hobbies!
1) You can enroll in a local community college and/or 4-year college and focus on your core classes. Core classes help you adjust to collegiate learning, but they also require you take a broad range of introductory classes. Here, you may find subjects that you didn't know you loved, or you may be able to weed out a subject that starts to hold less interest for you.
2) Gain experience! You can do this through volunteering, a PT job, or even just through research and networking, whether that's following and watching industry content on YouTube, or reaching out to businesses or people in your community whom you admire for advice!
3) Consider the academic requirements of the field of study/work that you are interested in. If you love animals and are considering being a veterinarian, but don't like the health sciences, it's not right career path for you.
4) Determine if the lifestyle of the potential career path is something to which you can commit! Some fields, like law and medicine, require a lengthy academic process. Other fields, like sales, could require extensive travel. Many other jobs are sedentary and require that you are at a desk nearly all of the time. If you are someone who needs to be on the move, a desk job won't suit you well.
Most of all, allow yourself some time to consider the right fit for you. This is not a race against anyone else! You are looking out for your future and your success and you deserve to take the time to find the best path for you and your skills and interests!
This was very helpful, thank you for your time and advice!
Chloe
Updated
Enise’s Answer
Hello Chloe,
Interests/hobbies: As a starter, you may know how this works for the future. You may your interests - and had hobbies since your childhood. Ask your younger self what were your passion, which hobbies were your favourite, how X, Y, Z… hobbies and/or interests amaze you and how would like to work on (because you will choose each of them for your career), and which was the most enjoyable hobby in your prior life?
Volunteering: Once you decided which interest is for you, you may start with volunteering. You may prepare yourself how you can do if X person tells you that you must finish the A duty, and/or do B duty for posters, update the website etc. After volunteering, you should gain your both soft and hard skills, and emotional intelligence.
Internship: As you completed your volunteering, you may apply an internship that fits your soft and hard skills more than emotional intelligence. Due to the fact, you may highly expect what it looks like, what you can do if A duty has given to you - and how you can complete the duty, how you present your project or presentation to the co-workers, and how you will do your internship. It will be challenging at first, yet you will get used to it. If not, apply for another internship for your role. Just give it a try.
Part-time/Full-time job: This is where you may feel anxious when it comes to getting a job you wanted. Interviews are essential, yet you should not be stressed or depressed before and during the interviews; because you will be less interested by interviewers. Instead, you should apply for a job which you do not hesitate to say what you will see after 5 years in yourself, for instance. If you feel depressed during and after interviews, and you do not feel well, and you may think the worst scenarios in your head, well you are not ready yet, and you should apply for an internship that suits you, which you can develop yourself, and ease your stress and/or your depression.
I hope this helps
Interests/hobbies: As a starter, you may know how this works for the future. You may your interests - and had hobbies since your childhood. Ask your younger self what were your passion, which hobbies were your favourite, how X, Y, Z… hobbies and/or interests amaze you and how would like to work on (because you will choose each of them for your career), and which was the most enjoyable hobby in your prior life?
Volunteering: Once you decided which interest is for you, you may start with volunteering. You may prepare yourself how you can do if X person tells you that you must finish the A duty, and/or do B duty for posters, update the website etc. After volunteering, you should gain your both soft and hard skills, and emotional intelligence.
Internship: As you completed your volunteering, you may apply an internship that fits your soft and hard skills more than emotional intelligence. Due to the fact, you may highly expect what it looks like, what you can do if A duty has given to you - and how you can complete the duty, how you present your project or presentation to the co-workers, and how you will do your internship. It will be challenging at first, yet you will get used to it. If not, apply for another internship for your role. Just give it a try.
Part-time/Full-time job: This is where you may feel anxious when it comes to getting a job you wanted. Interviews are essential, yet you should not be stressed or depressed before and during the interviews; because you will be less interested by interviewers. Instead, you should apply for a job which you do not hesitate to say what you will see after 5 years in yourself, for instance. If you feel depressed during and after interviews, and you do not feel well, and you may think the worst scenarios in your head, well you are not ready yet, and you should apply for an internship that suits you, which you can develop yourself, and ease your stress and/or your depression.
I hope this helps
This advice was very helpful, I appreciate all the steps and chategories you included to think about.
Chloe
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6341
Answers
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hi there, Chloe!
Deciding on a major can indeed be a tough nut to crack, particularly when you're someone with a wide range of interests. It's crucial to take into account a variety of things when making this choice, such as what you love doing, your abilities, future job opportunities, and the potential for personal and career development. Here are some handy steps to guide you through this process:
1. Self-Reflection: Kick things off by taking a good look at your interests, strengths, and values. Think about what makes you happy and fulfilled in each of the areas you're keen on – cooking, fashion, and medical work. Take a moment to consider your skills and talents in each of these fields.
2. Do Your Homework: Carry out detailed research on each field to get a clearer picture of the career opportunities, job outlook, potential earnings, and education requirements. Explore the various roles within each industry and see how well they match with your skills and interests.
3. Internships or Job Shadowing: Think about getting involved in internships or job shadowing experiences in each field for some practical exposure. This can offer valuable insights into what professionals in these industries do on a day-to-day basis.
4. Networking: Make connections with professionals in the cooking, fashion, and medical fields. Try to arrange informational interviews to learn about their career journeys and get some tips on breaking into these industries.
5. Academic Advising: Plan to have chats with academic advisors at your college or university to talk about your interests and explore potential majors that resonate with your passions.
6. Be Flexible: Remember that many majors offer versatility and skills that can be applied in different areas. For instance, a degree in business or marketing could be useful in both fashion and culinary arts.
7. Career Counseling: Think about getting advice from a career counselor who can offer assessments and guidance based on your interests and strengths.
In the end, it's crucial to pick a major that resonates with your passions and strengths, while also considering practical aspects like job prospects and potential for growth. Don't forget, it's perfectly fine to have diverse interests, and you might discover ways to blend multiple passions into your career path through interdisciplinary studies or dual majors/minors.
Top 3 Reliable Reference Publications:
- The College Board (collegeboard.org)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov)
- National Association of Colleges and Employers (naceweb.org)
Take care and all the best on your journey!
James.
Deciding on a major can indeed be a tough nut to crack, particularly when you're someone with a wide range of interests. It's crucial to take into account a variety of things when making this choice, such as what you love doing, your abilities, future job opportunities, and the potential for personal and career development. Here are some handy steps to guide you through this process:
1. Self-Reflection: Kick things off by taking a good look at your interests, strengths, and values. Think about what makes you happy and fulfilled in each of the areas you're keen on – cooking, fashion, and medical work. Take a moment to consider your skills and talents in each of these fields.
2. Do Your Homework: Carry out detailed research on each field to get a clearer picture of the career opportunities, job outlook, potential earnings, and education requirements. Explore the various roles within each industry and see how well they match with your skills and interests.
3. Internships or Job Shadowing: Think about getting involved in internships or job shadowing experiences in each field for some practical exposure. This can offer valuable insights into what professionals in these industries do on a day-to-day basis.
4. Networking: Make connections with professionals in the cooking, fashion, and medical fields. Try to arrange informational interviews to learn about their career journeys and get some tips on breaking into these industries.
5. Academic Advising: Plan to have chats with academic advisors at your college or university to talk about your interests and explore potential majors that resonate with your passions.
6. Be Flexible: Remember that many majors offer versatility and skills that can be applied in different areas. For instance, a degree in business or marketing could be useful in both fashion and culinary arts.
7. Career Counseling: Think about getting advice from a career counselor who can offer assessments and guidance based on your interests and strengths.
In the end, it's crucial to pick a major that resonates with your passions and strengths, while also considering practical aspects like job prospects and potential for growth. Don't forget, it's perfectly fine to have diverse interests, and you might discover ways to blend multiple passions into your career path through interdisciplinary studies or dual majors/minors.
Top 3 Reliable Reference Publications:
- The College Board (collegeboard.org)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov)
- National Association of Colleges and Employers (naceweb.org)
Take care and all the best on your journey!
James.
Updated
Puru’s Answer
Choosing the perfect major can be a challenging and personal decision. There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer, but here are some steps and considerations to help you determine the right major for you:
1. **Self-Assessment**:
- **Interests**: Consider what subjects, topics, or activities genuinely interest and excite you. Think about what you enjoy learning about or discussing in your free time.
- **Skills and Strengths**: Reflect on your skills and strengths. What are you naturally good at? What subjects or tasks come easily to you?
- **Values and Goals**: Consider your values, principles, and long-term goals. What kind of impact do you want to make in your career and in the world?
2. **Research Majors**:
- Explore the majors offered by your college or university. Look into the course requirements, curriculum, and potential career paths associated with each major.
- Talk to academic advisors, professors, and students in various majors to gain insights into what each major entails.
3. **Take Introductory Courses**: Enroll in introductory courses in subjects that interest you but that you're uncertain about. This can give you a taste of what studying that subject is like and help you make a more informed decision.
4. **Consider Career Goals**:
- Think about your career aspirations. Some professions may require specific majors or degrees, so research the educational requirements for your desired career.
- Explore potential job opportunities and earning potential associated with different majors.
5. **Extracurricular Activities**:
- Join clubs, organizations, or internships related to your areas of interest. This hands-on experience can provide valuable insights and help you network with professionals in those fields.
6. **Talk to People**:
- Speak with professors, advisors, career counselors, and professionals in fields you're considering. They can offer guidance, share their experiences, and provide advice.
7. **Consider the Future**:
- Think about the long-term prospects of the field you're interested in. Will it still be relevant and in demand when you graduate?
- Consider how flexible the major is. Some majors open up a wide range of career opportunities, while others may be more specialized.
8. **Explore Dual Majors or Minors**: If you have multiple interests, explore the possibility of pursuing dual majors or adding a minor. This can allow you to combine different passions and skills.
9. **Follow Your Passion, But Be Practical**:
- It's important to choose a major that aligns with your passions and interests, but also consider the practical aspects like job prospects, salary potential, and work-life balance.
- Remember that many people don't end up working in a field directly related to their major, so transferable skills and adaptability are valuable.
10. **Trust Your Instincts**: Ultimately, trust your gut feeling. You should feel genuinely excited and motivated by your chosen major. It's okay to change your major if you discover it's not the right fit for you.
11. **Seek Guidance and Feedback**: Talk to friends and family members about your decision. They may offer valuable insights and perspectives.
12. **Stay Open to Change**: Keep in mind that it's okay to change your major if you find that your initial choice isn't the right fit. Many students switch majors during their college years.
Choosing the perfect major is a process of self-discovery and exploration. It's normal to have doubts and uncertainties along the way. Remember that your college experience is also a time to learn and grow, so embrace the opportunity to explore different subjects and discover your passions.
1. **Self-Assessment**:
- **Interests**: Consider what subjects, topics, or activities genuinely interest and excite you. Think about what you enjoy learning about or discussing in your free time.
- **Skills and Strengths**: Reflect on your skills and strengths. What are you naturally good at? What subjects or tasks come easily to you?
- **Values and Goals**: Consider your values, principles, and long-term goals. What kind of impact do you want to make in your career and in the world?
2. **Research Majors**:
- Explore the majors offered by your college or university. Look into the course requirements, curriculum, and potential career paths associated with each major.
- Talk to academic advisors, professors, and students in various majors to gain insights into what each major entails.
3. **Take Introductory Courses**: Enroll in introductory courses in subjects that interest you but that you're uncertain about. This can give you a taste of what studying that subject is like and help you make a more informed decision.
4. **Consider Career Goals**:
- Think about your career aspirations. Some professions may require specific majors or degrees, so research the educational requirements for your desired career.
- Explore potential job opportunities and earning potential associated with different majors.
5. **Extracurricular Activities**:
- Join clubs, organizations, or internships related to your areas of interest. This hands-on experience can provide valuable insights and help you network with professionals in those fields.
6. **Talk to People**:
- Speak with professors, advisors, career counselors, and professionals in fields you're considering. They can offer guidance, share their experiences, and provide advice.
7. **Consider the Future**:
- Think about the long-term prospects of the field you're interested in. Will it still be relevant and in demand when you graduate?
- Consider how flexible the major is. Some majors open up a wide range of career opportunities, while others may be more specialized.
8. **Explore Dual Majors or Minors**: If you have multiple interests, explore the possibility of pursuing dual majors or adding a minor. This can allow you to combine different passions and skills.
9. **Follow Your Passion, But Be Practical**:
- It's important to choose a major that aligns with your passions and interests, but also consider the practical aspects like job prospects, salary potential, and work-life balance.
- Remember that many people don't end up working in a field directly related to their major, so transferable skills and adaptability are valuable.
10. **Trust Your Instincts**: Ultimately, trust your gut feeling. You should feel genuinely excited and motivated by your chosen major. It's okay to change your major if you discover it's not the right fit for you.
11. **Seek Guidance and Feedback**: Talk to friends and family members about your decision. They may offer valuable insights and perspectives.
12. **Stay Open to Change**: Keep in mind that it's okay to change your major if you find that your initial choice isn't the right fit. Many students switch majors during their college years.
Choosing the perfect major is a process of self-discovery and exploration. It's normal to have doubts and uncertainties along the way. Remember that your college experience is also a time to learn and grow, so embrace the opportunity to explore different subjects and discover your passions.
Updated
Charly’s Answer
Hi good morning! Dig deep inside you, feel and think what you really love to do and what you're good to do (skill wise) base on that chose what you want to study. Be honest tu your self. Good luck!
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
Chloe
Alan Weber
writer and retired teacher, teacher educator and academic advisor
207
Answers
Updated
Alan’s Answer
Chloe, there's no reason at this point why you should be certain of your career path. You're way ahead of the game just by having narrowed down the possibilities as you have. College offers the opportunity to further explore such interests. But they do take very different paths. If you were to decide that fashion were your primary purpose, there are very good, specific schools for that. The same goes for cooking, although you could study cooking while pursuing one of the other careers. Medicine if, of course, the most demanding, but so important. You don't have to declare a major when you enter college, you can start in liberal arts/general studies and figure out what more specialized classes to take during your first year. But which way you find yourself leaning might well influence what college to go to. We can't do it all. Try exploring the careers that correspond to each of your interests, through researching online, visiting places, maybe taking workshops. We can't make this decision for you. But you have time to try things out and see if they fit.
I appreciate your advice and time, thank you so much.
Chloe