4 answers
Aizen
Student
Lexington, South Carolina
1
Question
Asked
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How do you decide what major to focus on when you are only in your teens?
I am only 14 and while I know I am interested in sciences, how do I decide what career will be right for me and provide me with a quality life?
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4 answers
Christy Szanti
Technical Recruiter
3
Answers
Dacula, Georgia
Updated
Christy’s Answer
Now's the perfect moment to discover what truly matters to you, especially in the realm of science. What sets your heart ablaze? I urge you to seize every chance to intern or shadow professionals in the field. This hands-on experience often helps eliminate careers that just aren't the right fit for you. Stay open-minded in your quest to unearth your passion.
John Hand
User Experience Designer
4
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
John’s Answer
Hi Aizen,
Great question! You're already ahead by knowing that you want to focus on sciences. In my humble opinion, you shouldn't decide what major to focus on until you've had more exposure to a variety of topics and potential career paths. I know society pressures students to choose a major right after high school, but I don't think that's realistic or fair. Here are some ideas to help you explore the right direction for you:
Find Role Models - seek out people and learn what they do, why, what they like about it, what their skills are, and what their life looks like outside of work. Consider if their values align with your own & why or why not.
Shadow People - Find out what their day-to-day job looks like. Consider if you would want to do something similar.
Reverse Engineer - Take a look at actual job postings and read about the skills and experience required & recommended. Consider if you would be interested in taking the steps to move into that career path.
Get Exposure - explore different places, people, ways of life, areas of science. Gather experiences, take a variety of classes, and remain open to possibilities.
Draw if Out - Make a Venn Diagram of 3 partially overlapping circles. In one circle, list your passions. In another circle list your skills. In the third circle, list career paths, jobs, roles, or areas of industry that the world values and needs (IE, what people will pay you for). Where those circles overlap is the sweet spot where you may want to investigate further.
Explore, stay curious, and don't be afraid to create your own path. There are tons of different areas within "Science" that look very different from each other: Social sciences, soft science, biology, chemistry, physics, technology, anatomy, environmental, etc... Keep in mind that "Science" is simply an approach. Through the approach of science, you can really study and work on whatever you want.
Great question! You're already ahead by knowing that you want to focus on sciences. In my humble opinion, you shouldn't decide what major to focus on until you've had more exposure to a variety of topics and potential career paths. I know society pressures students to choose a major right after high school, but I don't think that's realistic or fair. Here are some ideas to help you explore the right direction for you:
Find Role Models - seek out people and learn what they do, why, what they like about it, what their skills are, and what their life looks like outside of work. Consider if their values align with your own & why or why not.
Shadow People - Find out what their day-to-day job looks like. Consider if you would want to do something similar.
Reverse Engineer - Take a look at actual job postings and read about the skills and experience required & recommended. Consider if you would be interested in taking the steps to move into that career path.
Get Exposure - explore different places, people, ways of life, areas of science. Gather experiences, take a variety of classes, and remain open to possibilities.
Draw if Out - Make a Venn Diagram of 3 partially overlapping circles. In one circle, list your passions. In another circle list your skills. In the third circle, list career paths, jobs, roles, or areas of industry that the world values and needs (IE, what people will pay you for). Where those circles overlap is the sweet spot where you may want to investigate further.
Explore, stay curious, and don't be afraid to create your own path. There are tons of different areas within "Science" that look very different from each other: Social sciences, soft science, biology, chemistry, physics, technology, anatomy, environmental, etc... Keep in mind that "Science" is simply an approach. Through the approach of science, you can really study and work on whatever you want.
Avery Valenta
Artist
2
Answers
Kent, Ohio
Updated
Avery’s Answer
Here's a friendly nudge to remind you that it's okay not to have all the answers. Why not explore online generators? Just type in your interests and see what pops up. Remember, keeping an open mind is key - you've got plenty of time to explore. If you're keen on boosting your resume, consider diving into internships related to science topics. It's a great way to learn and grow.
Angel S
UI/UX Design Aspirant
123
Answers
India
Updated
Angel’s Answer
Choosing a career at a young age can feel overwhelming, but it’s okay to take your time exploring different paths. Since you're interested in science, start by exploring various fields—such as biology, chemistry, or computer science. Participate in science clubs, online courses, or internships to gain hands-on experience.
Also, think about your strengths and what excites you most. A "quality life" means different things to different people. Some may value financial stability, while others prioritize work-life balance or personal fulfillment. Research different careers, talk to professionals in those fields, and ask about their experiences. Lastly, remember that your interests and goals may evolve—it's okay to change directions as you learn more about yourself.
Also, think about your strengths and what excites you most. A "quality life" means different things to different people. Some may value financial stability, while others prioritize work-life balance or personal fulfillment. Research different careers, talk to professionals in those fields, and ask about their experiences. Lastly, remember that your interests and goals may evolve—it's okay to change directions as you learn more about yourself.