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How do I decide what Major or career path I want to follow?
I'm currently a sophomore in high school and I have to start thinking about college since Junior year is coming up. Throughout high school my original plan was to pursue accounting and major in finance because I always thought that accounting would ensure me a stable job; however, I'm having my doubts and now I'm considering science. I love science and would love to pursue it as a career but I was always unsure because of how science degrees are known for being notoriously hard. Additionally, I'm not sure what jobs I can get with a science degree that isn't within the medical field. (I don't want to be in medical) I'm currently feeling overwhelmed and unsure because I also don't know what my strengths and weaknesses are.
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Dr’s Answer
Hey Kayla!
Ah, honeslty— we've all been there! Now, First off, can I just say how amazing it is that you're already thinking so deeply about your future? That curiosity alone is half the battle won.
Okay, so you've got accounting on one side and science whispering sweet nothings on the other — totally get why you're feeling a little torn. Both paths have their perks, but I can tell there's a little spark in you when you talk about science, even if you're doubting whether you're cut out for it.
Let me spill the tea real quick — science degrees are tough, but so is literally ANY degree if you're not into it. The secret sauce? Passion. If you genuinely love learning how the world works, that excitement will carry you through all the late-night study sessions and confusing lab reports. The hard stuff only feels harder when you're forcing yourself to like it.
Now, about your whole "I don't want to go into the medical field" thing — that's such a common misconception! Science is this massive universe, and medicine is just one little galaxy inside it. There are so many non-medical science careers out there that can literally shape the future:
Environmental Science — Saving the planet, one ecosystem at a time🤔.
Biotechnology — Creating new materials, biofuels, or even artificial organs (yeah, that's a thing).
Forensic Science — CSI vibes, minus the crime scene trauma.
Data Science in Conservation — Tracking animal populations and predicting climate change impacts through numbers.
Astrobiology — Studying life on other planets (because why limit yourself to Earth, right?).
Food Science — Making snacks tastier AND healthier — true hero energy.
Science Communication — If you're more of a storyteller, you could literally make a career out of explaining cool science stuff to the world.
If you're still unsure about what you're good at or what sparks your brain cells, here's a little trick — pay attention to what makes time fly for you. Is it watching nature documentaries? Reading random science facts online? Organizing your closet by color (lowkey a sign of a future data scientist, not gonna lie)? Those little hints will guide you.
You could also try out career quizzes like 16Personalities, MyNextMove, or even the O*NET Interest Profiler to get a clearer picture of your strengths. Most students do it and they end up deciding so it's nothing much to lose to give a shot aye! 👀
Oh, and don't stress too much about choosing the perfect major. Most people don't figure out their exact path until way later — some even switch careers multiple times. College isn't about having your whole life figured out — it's about testing the waters, messing up, and finding what makes you feel alive.
Wanna know a little hack? Because I wanna tell you ofcourse.... 😏
You can totally double major or minor in both science and finance if you want the best of both worlds. There's this whole field called Quantitative Biology where you literally use math and finance skills to solve biological mysteries. Or you could become a Science Policy Analyst — basically making sure governments fund the right science projects.
End Time! 🚨You don't need to have everything figured out right now. The whole point of your journey is to explore, stumble, and eventually find what feels like home. You're not just picking a major — you're shaping the kind of life you want to live.
Whether you end up saving animals, crunching data, or creating the next breakthrough in renewable energy — the world needs more curious, kind-hearted brains like yours.
You've totally got this, Kayla! If you need help narrowing down your options or anything you know where to hit me up anytime. I'm cheering you on from the sidelines — science squad, You got his, good luck! 💪✨
Start watching YouTube channels like SciShow, Veritasium, or CrashCourse Science — see what topics light you up.
Try out some beginner-friendly science projects online (Kaggle has data science projects, or Zooniverse lets you help scientists classify wildlife photos for fun).
Reach out to your school counselor or science teachers and ask if they know any internship programs or summer science camps. If you don't have a counselor and so, you cna totally reach out here and I will be sure to toss in whatever I can. Plus, eveyy tone will diffenetely and you cna get them ready!
If you're into hands-on experiments, check out Amgen Scholars or Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program.
Try free beginner courses in biology, coding, or environmental science on Coursera or EdX.
Ah, honeslty— we've all been there! Now, First off, can I just say how amazing it is that you're already thinking so deeply about your future? That curiosity alone is half the battle won.
Okay, so you've got accounting on one side and science whispering sweet nothings on the other — totally get why you're feeling a little torn. Both paths have their perks, but I can tell there's a little spark in you when you talk about science, even if you're doubting whether you're cut out for it.
Let me spill the tea real quick — science degrees are tough, but so is literally ANY degree if you're not into it. The secret sauce? Passion. If you genuinely love learning how the world works, that excitement will carry you through all the late-night study sessions and confusing lab reports. The hard stuff only feels harder when you're forcing yourself to like it.
Now, about your whole "I don't want to go into the medical field" thing — that's such a common misconception! Science is this massive universe, and medicine is just one little galaxy inside it. There are so many non-medical science careers out there that can literally shape the future:
Environmental Science — Saving the planet, one ecosystem at a time🤔.
Biotechnology — Creating new materials, biofuels, or even artificial organs (yeah, that's a thing).
Forensic Science — CSI vibes, minus the crime scene trauma.
Data Science in Conservation — Tracking animal populations and predicting climate change impacts through numbers.
Astrobiology — Studying life on other planets (because why limit yourself to Earth, right?).
Food Science — Making snacks tastier AND healthier — true hero energy.
Science Communication — If you're more of a storyteller, you could literally make a career out of explaining cool science stuff to the world.
If you're still unsure about what you're good at or what sparks your brain cells, here's a little trick — pay attention to what makes time fly for you. Is it watching nature documentaries? Reading random science facts online? Organizing your closet by color (lowkey a sign of a future data scientist, not gonna lie)? Those little hints will guide you.
You could also try out career quizzes like 16Personalities, MyNextMove, or even the O*NET Interest Profiler to get a clearer picture of your strengths. Most students do it and they end up deciding so it's nothing much to lose to give a shot aye! 👀
Oh, and don't stress too much about choosing the perfect major. Most people don't figure out their exact path until way later — some even switch careers multiple times. College isn't about having your whole life figured out — it's about testing the waters, messing up, and finding what makes you feel alive.
Wanna know a little hack? Because I wanna tell you ofcourse.... 😏
You can totally double major or minor in both science and finance if you want the best of both worlds. There's this whole field called Quantitative Biology where you literally use math and finance skills to solve biological mysteries. Or you could become a Science Policy Analyst — basically making sure governments fund the right science projects.
End Time! 🚨You don't need to have everything figured out right now. The whole point of your journey is to explore, stumble, and eventually find what feels like home. You're not just picking a major — you're shaping the kind of life you want to live.
Whether you end up saving animals, crunching data, or creating the next breakthrough in renewable energy — the world needs more curious, kind-hearted brains like yours.
You've totally got this, Kayla! If you need help narrowing down your options or anything you know where to hit me up anytime. I'm cheering you on from the sidelines — science squad, You got his, good luck! 💪✨
Dr recommends the following next steps:
Syuk Chang, your support is always a guiding light! Much appreciated!
Dr H
Updated
Bright’s Answer
A pharmaceutical physician's role necessitates a strong foundation in medicine and scientific research. Key majors for a pharmaceutical physician include biology, biochemistry, and chemistry. Biology, focusing on molecular/cellular biology or physiology, provides a comprehensive understanding of living organisms and biological processes, essential for drug interactions. Biochemistry, on the other hand, focuses on the chemical processes within living organisms and drug interactions. Chemistry, particularly organic or medicinal chemistry, is crucial for drug design and development.
Pharmacology/Toxicology programs may offer undergraduate programs focusing on drug action and effects, neuroscience for drugs affecting the nervous system, and biomedical engineering for engineering and biology. Choosing a major should be based on interests, research prerequisites, research opportunities, and professional advice. Changing majors during the first year of college is acceptable, and a strong GPA is crucial for competitive medical schools. In summary, a strong science-based major in biology, biochemistry, or chemistry will provide an excellent foundation for a pharmaceutical physician career.
Pharmacology/Toxicology programs may offer undergraduate programs focusing on drug action and effects, neuroscience for drugs affecting the nervous system, and biomedical engineering for engineering and biology. Choosing a major should be based on interests, research prerequisites, research opportunities, and professional advice. Changing majors during the first year of college is acceptable, and a strong GPA is crucial for competitive medical schools. In summary, a strong science-based major in biology, biochemistry, or chemistry will provide an excellent foundation for a pharmaceutical physician career.
Updated
bill’s Answer
That's a common question, and my answer might be a bit different. It doesn't directly relate to accounting or science. Feeling overwhelmed is normal at your age. It's surprising to hear you're unsure of your strengths and weaknesses, especially since you've been in school long enough to know how you perform in different subjects. If math isn't your strong suit, accounting might not be the best path. If science isn't your thing, then maybe those fields aren't for you either. So, what should you do?
There are two main paths: money or passion. If earning money is your goal, then a college education is important. However, if you're driven by passion, there are many career options available! Most people think they have to choose a major when they start college, and that's true if you already know what you want. If not, explore what interests you. For example, if you like sports, there are many careers in that area. If you love music, there are paths there too.
Back to basics: if money is your focus, look into careers that pay well. If passion drives you, money will come second. There are many good-paying jobs that don't require a college degree. Many young people feel pressured to go to college because of parents or peers. So, my advice is to find something you enjoy and see if you need college for it or not. It's really up to you—don't let others decide for you. Find something that excites you, something you dream about. That's a good start. As they say, "sleep on it," and maybe your dreams will give you a hint. Sometimes, dreams have the answer!
There are two main paths: money or passion. If earning money is your goal, then a college education is important. However, if you're driven by passion, there are many career options available! Most people think they have to choose a major when they start college, and that's true if you already know what you want. If not, explore what interests you. For example, if you like sports, there are many careers in that area. If you love music, there are paths there too.
Back to basics: if money is your focus, look into careers that pay well. If passion drives you, money will come second. There are many good-paying jobs that don't require a college degree. Many young people feel pressured to go to college because of parents or peers. So, my advice is to find something you enjoy and see if you need college for it or not. It's really up to you—don't let others decide for you. Find something that excites you, something you dream about. That's a good start. As they say, "sleep on it," and maybe your dreams will give you a hint. Sometimes, dreams have the answer!
Updated
Marian’s Answer
Totally get where you're coming from—choosing a career path can feel overwhelming, especially when you have multiple interests. Everyone says "you've got time" and that is 100%, absolutely true. College is about exploration, learning about who you are, what you like/ dislike, what type of lifestyle and career you want.
I'll just speak from my experience - I graduated a year ago with an undergrad in business, information systems and am working at a large consulting firm. There is every type of person under the sun here - including amazing co-workers that have studied accounting, industrial engineering, biochemistry, bioengineering, computer science, philosophy, and communications. Our whole job, as consultants, is to help other companies with complicated issues in every field. To do that, we need experts in every field.
I was also super unsure of what to major in uni, and ended up choosing business, which opened the door of consulting for me. I'm honestly still trying to figure out what kind of career I want, what industry I want to focus on, what type of technology consulting I want to work on, and that's completely normal. For now, I enjoy the constant change and traveling around the country (and maybe one day around the world) to solve problems that my job offers. That might not be the lifestyle for everyone, but it suits me right now.
All in all, there are a lot more non-traditional, career opportunities that you'll get to explore during and after college. Don't worry too much about finding and sticking to a right answer, because it'll most likely change. Talk to more people and consider the lifestyle you want.
I'll just speak from my experience - I graduated a year ago with an undergrad in business, information systems and am working at a large consulting firm. There is every type of person under the sun here - including amazing co-workers that have studied accounting, industrial engineering, biochemistry, bioengineering, computer science, philosophy, and communications. Our whole job, as consultants, is to help other companies with complicated issues in every field. To do that, we need experts in every field.
I was also super unsure of what to major in uni, and ended up choosing business, which opened the door of consulting for me. I'm honestly still trying to figure out what kind of career I want, what industry I want to focus on, what type of technology consulting I want to work on, and that's completely normal. For now, I enjoy the constant change and traveling around the country (and maybe one day around the world) to solve problems that my job offers. That might not be the lifestyle for everyone, but it suits me right now.
All in all, there are a lot more non-traditional, career opportunities that you'll get to explore during and after college. Don't worry too much about finding and sticking to a right answer, because it'll most likely change. Talk to more people and consider the lifestyle you want.
Updated
Lead’s Answer
It's completely normal to feel overwhelmed when thinking about your future, especially when you're in high school and trying to decide between different paths. You’ve done well by exploring both accounting and science!
If you love science but don't want a career in medicine, there are many exciting options. Fields like environmental science, biotechnology, chemistry, and even research positions could be great fits. Some roles, like environmental consultant, lab technician, or data analyst, can also be found in the science field outside of medical jobs. The benefit of science degrees is that they often lead to positions in research, development, or even technology, which are all growing sectors.
You’re also right that science degrees can be challenging, but it’s all about finding the right balance. If you're passionate about a subject, the challenges become more manageable. The key is to identify what specific areas in science you enjoy most. Do you prefer working in labs, solving problems, or exploring environmental issues?
As for your strengths and weaknesses, it can help to start by exploring subjects you enjoy more or find yourself excelling at—whether it’s chemistry, biology, or physics—and note where you feel most comfortable. You could also take career exploration quizzes, talk to a guidance counselor, or shadow professionals in different fields to get a clearer idea.
Since you're unsure about the complexity of certain career paths, you could also look into Phlebotomy Training https://lead-academy.org/phlebotomy-training as an option. While it's related to healthcare, it’s not as demanding as traditional medical fields, and it opens up potential roles in diagnostic labs and hospitals without requiring a full medical degree.
Don’t worry—it's okay to take time to figure it out. The most important thing is pursuing something that excites you.
If you love science but don't want a career in medicine, there are many exciting options. Fields like environmental science, biotechnology, chemistry, and even research positions could be great fits. Some roles, like environmental consultant, lab technician, or data analyst, can also be found in the science field outside of medical jobs. The benefit of science degrees is that they often lead to positions in research, development, or even technology, which are all growing sectors.
You’re also right that science degrees can be challenging, but it’s all about finding the right balance. If you're passionate about a subject, the challenges become more manageable. The key is to identify what specific areas in science you enjoy most. Do you prefer working in labs, solving problems, or exploring environmental issues?
As for your strengths and weaknesses, it can help to start by exploring subjects you enjoy more or find yourself excelling at—whether it’s chemistry, biology, or physics—and note where you feel most comfortable. You could also take career exploration quizzes, talk to a guidance counselor, or shadow professionals in different fields to get a clearer idea.
Since you're unsure about the complexity of certain career paths, you could also look into Phlebotomy Training https://lead-academy.org/phlebotomy-training as an option. While it's related to healthcare, it’s not as demanding as traditional medical fields, and it opens up potential roles in diagnostic labs and hospitals without requiring a full medical degree.
Don’t worry—it's okay to take time to figure it out. The most important thing is pursuing something that excites you.
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Many students have similar question. Firstly, you need to find our what careers you have interest first.
Below are my suggestions :
1. If you have interest in Science, would you like to be pharmacist, zoologist, doctor, nurse, park ranger, biochemical engineer, mechanical engineer, civil engineer, etc. You can find our more science related careers or any careers you have interest.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 career you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry career of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions :
1. If you have interest in Science, would you like to be pharmacist, zoologist, doctor, nurse, park ranger, biochemical engineer, mechanical engineer, civil engineer, etc. You can find our more science related careers or any careers you have interest.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 career you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry career of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Updated
Islam’s Answer
Field you had the talent for it. Field is available in market too