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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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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.
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Louise’s Answer

Choose a topic that sparks your interest. For instance, if numbers aren't your thing, you may not find joy in being an accountant. Consider your strengths and what brings you happiness.
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Kelley’s Answer

Take your time and think about what you're good at and what you would love to do as a job. I'll be honest with you, if you're anything like me, your plans will change multiple times before you get to college. As far as finding a good career, that can be tougher. Even adults struggle here. Big name fortune 500 companies can be great to work for, but you can also land in an office with a horrible environment. A lot of what matters most is identifying what skills you have that can be applied to a career. You have time to explore options. Internships and work study can be helpful, also networking with people to learn about what their career is like.
Good luck to you!
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Jerome’s Answer

Truth is there are many adults who aren’t sure what they want to do. While having a declared major can be beneficial, you have time to complete General Ed and then decide a major as you attend.

By powering through electives, you might find that you connect with a certain discipline. Promise you have time.
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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.
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Agnes’s Answer

You can start by asking yourself, what problem you want to solve? Then, research small and large companies that allow people to solve these issues. Please take note of what job titles these people are using. See if you can connect with them to find out more about the courses they took or their degrees that will help you determine what courses to pursue as you progress.
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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.
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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.
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Stella’s Answer

Stay proactive in your pursuit of knowledge, especially in the sciences, but always maintain an openness to other fields. Never limit yourself when there's a world of opportunities waiting for you.

Take it from me, I began my college journey majoring in biology, only to make a significant switch to accounting. This shift was possible because I stayed receptive to learning about diverse subjects, which eventually led me to my present career as a tax accountant.

Make it a point to connect with professionals in the sciences, inquire about their passion for their careers. Your inquisitive nature and dedication will guide you to the right path in your journey.
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Deeshani’s Answer

Hi Aizen

Deciding on a major at 14 can feel overwhelming, but it's okay to take your time. Start by exploring different branches of science, like biology, chemistry, physics, or environmental science, to see what excites you the most. Try to gain practical experience through activities like science fairs, online courses, or internships to get a clearer picture of what you enjoy. Research different careers within science and talk to professionals to understand the work and lifestyle each one offers. Focus on finding a balance between your interests, strengths, and what will give you stability and fulfillment in the long term. Your interests may evolve, and that’s perfectly okay—what matters most is staying curious and adaptable.

Hope this helps!
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Yolanda’s Answer

Make a list of this that interest you and find out more about those jobs. Find a mentor in those fields and see if they are willing to let you shadow them or have a chat about what they do-pros and cons. You want to do what you are passionate about because that way it won't feel like work!!! I love my job as a regulatory pharmacist!! I get to work from home and utilize both my clinical skills as a pharmacist and my research skills with my PhD. Best of luck to you!
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