2 answers
Caleb
Student
Mesquite, Texas
2
Questions
Asked
258 views
What personal challenges did you face while pursuing your degree and establishing your career, and how did you overcome them?
I have posted before and found that any advice is helpful. I am a 17 year old graduating high school senior, and I would like to prepare for college as best as I can. #collegelife #senior #classof2025 #spring25.
Login to comment
2 answers
Claire Mahaffey
Management Consultant
9
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Claire’s Answer
I've been in my career for just over a year, having graduated from college less than two years ago. I started college as a neurobiology major, determined to go to medical school and become a doctor. But halfway through my junior year, I realized I didn't want to go to med school, and I wasn't even sure if I liked my major. It was too late for me to change majors if I wanted to graduate in four years. So, here's my first piece of advice: explore your interests early in college. Take different classes, try internships, join clubs, and look for shadowing opportunities. It is just as important to know what you don't like as it is to know what you do!
Another important lesson I learned was that I wasn't sure what I could do with a neurobiology degree outside of the medical field. Therefore, my next tip is to choose a major that offers a few different career paths besides the one you're currently interested in. Keep your options open! I ended up adding a business minor at the last minute and loved it. If I could do it again, I would choose a major with broad applications and a minor in something I was passionate about.
Finally, when you get to college, focus on building your network. Talk to your professors, attend company recruiting events, and get to know the recruiters on your campus. Find a mentor or two in areas that interest you and learn from them. Your network can teach you as much as your degree, and they might help you land an internship or two!
Another important lesson I learned was that I wasn't sure what I could do with a neurobiology degree outside of the medical field. Therefore, my next tip is to choose a major that offers a few different career paths besides the one you're currently interested in. Keep your options open! I ended up adding a business minor at the last minute and loved it. If I could do it again, I would choose a major with broad applications and a minor in something I was passionate about.
Finally, when you get to college, focus on building your network. Talk to your professors, attend company recruiting events, and get to know the recruiters on your campus. Find a mentor or two in areas that interest you and learn from them. Your network can teach you as much as your degree, and they might help you land an internship or two!
Nancy Uthke
Programmer
17
Answers
Rochester, Minnesota
Updated
Nancy’s Answer
Great question! Here are a few things that influenced me, which I'd like to share with you:
1. I started college as a General Science major in a special program. But I quickly realized I was missing a year of Calculus, so I had to leave that path. I felt a bit lost and had to pick new classes fast. One of them was an intro computer class, which I found easy, even though others struggled with it. That's when I knew I had found my passion. I ended up graduating with a dual major in computers and math. Funny enough, after not having enough math for the science program, I took as many math courses as I could and discovered I was pretty good at it!
2. Sometimes, college classes felt really tough. I learned early on to take advantage of free tutoring and visit professors and Teaching Assistants during their office hours. Even if it doesn't always seem like it, professors are there to help you learn. Talking to them one-on-one can really help make sense of the class material.
3. Location played a big role in my career. I wanted to stay close to my Midwest home but ended up working on the East Coast. I made friends who became like family by joining sports teams, church, and community activities. My heart was still in the Midwest, and I was able to move back a few years later when an unexpected opportunity came up. I don't regret my time on the East Coast—I became more independent and outgoing—but it made me appreciate the Midwest even more when I returned.
1. I started college as a General Science major in a special program. But I quickly realized I was missing a year of Calculus, so I had to leave that path. I felt a bit lost and had to pick new classes fast. One of them was an intro computer class, which I found easy, even though others struggled with it. That's when I knew I had found my passion. I ended up graduating with a dual major in computers and math. Funny enough, after not having enough math for the science program, I took as many math courses as I could and discovered I was pretty good at it!
2. Sometimes, college classes felt really tough. I learned early on to take advantage of free tutoring and visit professors and Teaching Assistants during their office hours. Even if it doesn't always seem like it, professors are there to help you learn. Talking to them one-on-one can really help make sense of the class material.
3. Location played a big role in my career. I wanted to stay close to my Midwest home but ended up working on the East Coast. I made friends who became like family by joining sports teams, church, and community activities. My heart was still in the Midwest, and I was able to move back a few years later when an unexpected opportunity came up. I don't regret my time on the East Coast—I became more independent and outgoing—but it made me appreciate the Midwest even more when I returned.