How did you go about choosing the career you did? Do you regret your decision?

Aalayah,

Having recently graduated from college, I can offer a few other tips on how to choose your major. I definitely agree with both Katelyn and Jenn that you should ultimately choose what you want to do and what will make you happy. People often excel in areas that they are most passionate about so if you feel naturally drawn towards one industry then you should consider listening to your gut.

Choosing a major in college can be daunting, but once you get to college and take a few classes in different areas, it is often easier to figure out what types of classes you enjoy and why. For example, some people like quantitative and lab-based classes while others enjoy more writing and theory-based classes. One thing to keep in mind is that your major does not declare what your career path will be after college. If you want to finish college and go straight to med school, then it would make sense to major in Biology or a related field. However, if you want to major in English and aren't sure what you want to do after college, then that is totally ok. Many employers seek out English majors because of their strong writing skills and their ability to tell a story.

If there are areas that you are passionate about, I would start by researching colleges that have strong majors in that area. If possible, I would try to talk with students in the major you're interested in to get a better sense of what the major entails and how it sets students up for success.

Aalayah,

Outside influences can be very influential in the decisions you make. Deciding on a major is one of first steps into the college world. You may need to take the time to sit your parents down and ask what characteristics they want out a major or occupation for you. Then, you are able to defend your choice by highlighting the similarities and benefits/opportunities that can come out of your major. Most parents want their children to be successful and happy! If you show that you are being proactive in your major and future occupation ideas, they may feel more comfortable and supportive of your decision. A tip for you would be volunteer/shadow/intern in a setting you are interested in and that may help influence your major/occupation decision. You will be able to ask professionals in that setting about their own experiences and typical work day too! Hope that helps get you started!!

I'd add that you should wait to have that conversation with your parents until you have and can state a clear idea of the things you want in a major and future career. It's great to want your parents to be happy, but ultimately it's your life and you need to make a decision that works for you. Hopefully you can find some area of agreement between you and your parents, but remember that you are in charge of your life and you deserve to be happy and try to achieve your own definition of success.

I agree that what your parents likely want is not a specific career per se, but a happy and successful child. Show them you've researched your options and have a plan for success that is exciting to you, and they will likely support you. If they don't, try to get a sense of why, so that you can develop strategies to address those underlying concerns.

Hi,
Good question. I will offer a different perspective, sometimes your career chooses you...sounds weird but it is true. I started off researching careers in 10th grade, what I found after a long search is that I enjoyed careers and how people make a living, choose their careers, etc. I also had a passion for the military, being in JROTC for 3 years so I joined the Army Reserves while still in high school - I do not regret serving in the military at all, I was in the reserves then on activey duty for 6 years...it was a great experience and led me to my current career in Sales Operations/Training.
Good luck! :)