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How to choose the right major when you don't know your passion?

Hello everyone!

I am currently a high school student and am trying to learn about majors to prepare for the future. The problem is that I don't really know what I am passionate about. I like many things but there is no field that makes me feel "this is what I want to do for the rest of my".

So how to choose the right major in this case? Does everyone need to have a clear passion from the beginning, or just choose a major that suits their strengths? Can you share your experiences when choosing a major?

Thank you very much everyone!

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Dr’s Answer

Hey Dorothy!

First of all—breathe girl, inhale, exhale, breathe! You’re not alone in this, and you definitely don’t need to have it all figured out from day one. 🤗

Step 1: Flip the Question
Instead of asking, "What am I passionate about?" try asking, "What problems do I like solving?" or "What kind of work excites me, even when it’s hard?" Passion isn’t always a lightning bolt moment—it’s often something that grows as you explore.

Step 2: Follow Your Curiosity, Not Just Your Strengths
Your strengths can guide you, but don’t ignore what genuinely intrigues you. If you find yourself Googling random science experiments, business strategies, or how films are made—there’s a clue.

Step 3: Test-Drive Careers (Before Committing)
Take diverse classes. College is meant for exploration.
Shadow professionals, volunteer, or do internships in different fields.
Talk to people in different careers. What do they love? What do they wish they knew earlier?

Step 4: Choose a Flexible Major

If you’re unsure, pick a major that keeps your doors open. Options like business, biology, psychology, or computer science can pivot into multiple careers.

Step 5: Accept That It’s Okay to Change

Most people don’t stick with the first thing they pick. Growth is part of the process. The key is to keep moving, stay open-minded, and learn as you go.

So don’t stress—just take the next best step forward. You’ve got this, good luck and believe because I totally believe in you!
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Rebecca’s Answer

Thank you for your question. Many students have similar question. Firstly, you need to find out what careers you have interest. The relevant subjects is the major you can consider.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what you have interest, eg your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc and identify the related careers
Eg if you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst , maths teacher, etc
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 counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
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Linda’s Answer

It's very common to take time to find your path. I pursued multiple majors, worked in the corporate world for a while, and then completely changed my course for graduate school. It's usually only in technical or pre-professional fields that your degree determines your job; typically, if you choose based on your strengths, you are going to be going in the right direction. I would think broadly: do you enjoy helping (if so, directly or by creating indirect policy), creating, studying/analyzing, or absolutes like math? You can narrow it down from there, so your degree keeps you closer to a future passion. I also recommend self-testing or meeting with a counselor to better understand your core values. I recommended the VIA strengths survey to another poster because it was valuable to me. The traits you feel most strongly about can get you closer to a career you will find meaningful and enjoyable. Many people are content to follow their passions outside of work, but it is better to have a career where you enjoy the fundamentals of your work. Many, probably most, do not discover their passion in college.
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