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How do we balance having so many different dreams about our future when we live in a society that pushes us to choose one path and stick with it forever?
I am a high school senior that is constantly being asked the question of: "What do you want to do with your life?". When asked this question, I can see so many different paths that I could take and so many dreams of my future that I have. Currently, I am planning on majoring in Media Communications, which I am excited about. But I know that there's still so much out there and I dont want to be 'locked in' to a job or career path. #Spring25
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Matt’s Answer
Great question! The important thing to remember is that, at this stage, you definitely do not need to know what you want to do with your life. I went to school for strategic communications (with a business minor) and never would have guessed I would end up where I have. With that in mind, I recommend staying general/broad in your studies/pursuits until you find something that speaks to you. I enjoyed my communications major because it gave me access to a variety of general education courses to see what I was interested, while also giving me a strong foundation in critical communications skills which will be important regardless of the field you land in. Beyond that, just know that you can absolutely change your major after you start college. I started as a business economics major, then switched to a sports management program, then finally landed on communications/business. College is the time to expose yourself to many different studies and to find out what interests you the most. From there, you can use your broad experiences/studies when starting your career and can leverage your range of studies as a more dynamic candidate.
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Roujean’s Answer
I completely get this feeling—because I’ve lived it.
When I was in high school, I thought I wanted to be a journalist. Then it shifted—I wanted to be a magazine editor. Then a marketing professional. Then I thought maybe real estate.
And here’s what actually happened:
Magazine Editorial Assistant (industry: lifestyle)
PR Assistant (industry: interior design)
Marketing Specialist (industry: real estate)
Education Manager (industry: real estate)
Account Executive (Sales) (industry: real estate)
Customer Success Manager (industry: learning & development)
Director of Sales Enablement (industry: real estate)
Every time I changed paths, I wasn’t "starting over"—I was building on the skills I had gained from the role before.
At first, my decisions were based on what I thought I would enjoy. Then I tried it. Sometimes I liked it, sometimes I didn’t. Other times, my next step was driven by a practical need, like wanting a better salary or craving more challenge and growth. What I learned is that just because you're good at something—or even passionate about it at one point—doesn’t mean it has to be your path forever.
Skills are transferable. Growth is normal. Dreams can change.
You’re not supposed to have it all figured out right now. You're supposed to try, learn, adjust, and keep building. That's how you create a career that actually fits who you are, not just who you thought you were supposed to be.
When I was in high school, I thought I wanted to be a journalist. Then it shifted—I wanted to be a magazine editor. Then a marketing professional. Then I thought maybe real estate.
And here’s what actually happened:
Magazine Editorial Assistant (industry: lifestyle)
PR Assistant (industry: interior design)
Marketing Specialist (industry: real estate)
Education Manager (industry: real estate)
Account Executive (Sales) (industry: real estate)
Customer Success Manager (industry: learning & development)
Director of Sales Enablement (industry: real estate)
Every time I changed paths, I wasn’t "starting over"—I was building on the skills I had gained from the role before.
At first, my decisions were based on what I thought I would enjoy. Then I tried it. Sometimes I liked it, sometimes I didn’t. Other times, my next step was driven by a practical need, like wanting a better salary or craving more challenge and growth. What I learned is that just because you're good at something—or even passionate about it at one point—doesn’t mean it has to be your path forever.
Skills are transferable. Growth is normal. Dreams can change.
You’re not supposed to have it all figured out right now. You're supposed to try, learn, adjust, and keep building. That's how you create a career that actually fits who you are, not just who you thought you were supposed to be.
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Amanda’s Answer
Hi, Kahri! I know when you're in high school and trying to determine your next step - which college, which major, etc. - it can feel very overwhelming and like you might be stuck. The great news is that you never really are! I majored in Criminal Justice and spent the first several years of my career working in private security in the automotive industry, and I completed shifted and am now in Communications! My major had nothing to do with my current career path, but I was able to pull from all my previous experiences and lean on my network to make a career change. Trust that you can create your own path and keep looking for what drives your passion!
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Paula’s Answer
Hi Kahri,
Thank you for reaching out with such an important question. Balancing future planning with staying open to unexpected opportunities is essential. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
1. Explore career paths - If you’re passionate about different careers, connect with people in those fields. Ask them about their work and see if you can shadow them for a day to gain insight. Look into professional organizations related to those careers and stay updated on the latest news. Check the occupational outlook handbook to understand job prospects in your areas of interest. Dive into the research and empower yourself with knowledge.
2. Leverage your network - When discussing your life goals, share what excites you the most. Talk about the careers you’re curious about. Ask people in your community how they chose their majors, careers, and life paths. Be curious and tap into their wisdom and experiences. They might introduce you to careers you haven’t even considered!
3. Embrace uncertainty - While we can’t predict the future, we can make educated guesses based on our research, experience, and beliefs. Change is constant. Being ready to adapt and adjust your course with new knowledge and experiences is a vital life skill.
Wishing you great success on your journey ahead.
Paula
Thank you for reaching out with such an important question. Balancing future planning with staying open to unexpected opportunities is essential. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
1. Explore career paths - If you’re passionate about different careers, connect with people in those fields. Ask them about their work and see if you can shadow them for a day to gain insight. Look into professional organizations related to those careers and stay updated on the latest news. Check the occupational outlook handbook to understand job prospects in your areas of interest. Dive into the research and empower yourself with knowledge.
2. Leverage your network - When discussing your life goals, share what excites you the most. Talk about the careers you’re curious about. Ask people in your community how they chose their majors, careers, and life paths. Be curious and tap into their wisdom and experiences. They might introduce you to careers you haven’t even considered!
3. Embrace uncertainty - While we can’t predict the future, we can make educated guesses based on our research, experience, and beliefs. Change is constant. Being ready to adapt and adjust your course with new knowledge and experiences is a vital life skill.
Wishing you great success on your journey ahead.
Paula
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Flo’s Answer
Hello Kari,
Thinking about the many choices you have or may have can definitely feel overwhelming. It may even evoke fear about making the wrong choice. In that case, give yourself permission to take a break from thinking about all the other opportunities until you feel just as excited to explore them.
In the meantime, it may help to pursue Media Communications since you are excited about it. Excitement is a great feeling to have when starting something new.
Over time, as you take a class or two, you may gain more insight into whether you want to continue with that major. You might also discover another major that excites you even more later on.
It may not seem like it now, but you do have plenty of time to change your mind, explore, and experiment. Personally, I took a few classes after high school because I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. I also took a break when I felt it wasn’t worth the investment without a clear direction.
I have no regrets about my choices. Things have worked out for me, even though I didn’t follow a traditional path.
In the end, everything came together, and I am truly grateful. Follow what feels most exciting and supportive to you, while considering the investment of your time, money, and energy.
Thinking about the many choices you have or may have can definitely feel overwhelming. It may even evoke fear about making the wrong choice. In that case, give yourself permission to take a break from thinking about all the other opportunities until you feel just as excited to explore them.
In the meantime, it may help to pursue Media Communications since you are excited about it. Excitement is a great feeling to have when starting something new.
Over time, as you take a class or two, you may gain more insight into whether you want to continue with that major. You might also discover another major that excites you even more later on.
It may not seem like it now, but you do have plenty of time to change your mind, explore, and experiment. Personally, I took a few classes after high school because I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. I also took a break when I felt it wasn’t worth the investment without a clear direction.
I have no regrets about my choices. Things have worked out for me, even though I didn’t follow a traditional path.
In the end, everything came together, and I am truly grateful. Follow what feels most exciting and supportive to you, while considering the investment of your time, money, and energy.
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Jonathan’s Answer
Always keep a backup plan for any path you choose. I majored in aeronautics and aviation meteorology, but when I entered the job market in 2008, the best job I could find was as a landscaper. I applied everywhere for jobs that fit my background, but the recession hit hard. Skills in essential services like plumbing, carpentry, electrical work, HVAC, and automotive were in demand then. So, I adapted and went where the opportunities led me. This shift taught me to appreciate the many opportunities that exist every day.
You'd be surprised how many adults don't know basic electrical work, plumbing, or even how to change a tire. Our society often pushes us to be the best at one thing but doesn't always prepare us for life's essential tasks.
If you decide to explore a blue-collar trade alongside your professional goals, do it with an open mind. Ignore any comments from classmates suggesting you don't belong because you're "too smart" or "not a good fit." Embrace the challenge, and you'll find it rewarding.
You'd be surprised how many adults don't know basic electrical work, plumbing, or even how to change a tire. Our society often pushes us to be the best at one thing but doesn't always prepare us for life's essential tasks.
If you decide to explore a blue-collar trade alongside your professional goals, do it with an open mind. Ignore any comments from classmates suggesting you don't belong because you're "too smart" or "not a good fit." Embrace the challenge, and you'll find it rewarding.
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Heather’s Answer
As someone in her 40s who still doesn't know what she wants to be when she grows up, I can tell you that you do not have to feel like you need to pick and stick with one thing right now. I grew up thinking I'd be a physical therapist (no idea why given I never when to PT as a child), then went to school to be a radiologist. Saw the level of math you needed for med school and proceeded to try courses in all sorts of majors from criminal justice to econ to psych. At some point I had so much student loan debt and I'd been working the whole time so I just kept working and figured I could go back to school later if I wanted. Since I started working I've gone from custodial > restaurant > retail > call center > construction > non-profit > banking > tech. In some of these industries I've had different types of jobs too. Early on I had so much self doubt that I hadn't just picked one thing and stuck to it but looking back I realize my adaptability, the way I gained skills in each job and built on them in the next, and my exposure to lots of different types of work now is exactly what makes me really good at the work I do today. I actually think any degree in something that is broadly applicable like marketing, communications, business, or even any of the social sciences can teach you a lot about people that will stay applicable no matter what role you're in or the company you work for. There are so many ways to transition roles that you don't have to lock in anywhere unless something ends up being a good fit and you choose to. Best of luck to you on your journey!
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Shannon’s Answer
This is a great question, and one I think many people—at every stage of life—struggle with. I’ll start by saying that I actually love asking people what they want to do when they “grow up.” I’m nearly two decades into my career and still know there’s more ahead of me, possibly across different roles or even different industries. Curiosity doesn’t disappear once you choose a path—it evolves.
One thing I’ve learned over time is that society often makes it feel like you have to pick one dream and stick with it forever, but real careers don’t usually work that way. They change as you learn more about yourself, your strengths, and what truly energizes you. What feels exciting now may shift as you gain exposure—and that doesn’t mean you made the wrong choice.
I also don’t think your dreams have to be separate. There are often ways to combine interests in unexpected ways. For example, my own career allows me to work across different industries and situations, even though it may not have been obvious at the start. I used to say my “second career” would be teaching—something very different from what I do today—but elements of that dream show up in my work through mentoring, coaching, and guiding others.
Majoring in Media Communications is a great example of this flexibility. It builds skills—like communication, storytelling, and critical thinking—that can apply across many paths. You’re not locking yourself into one job; you’re building a foundation that can support many futures.
Instead of asking, “What do I want to do forever?” try asking:
- What do I want to learn right now?
- What skills do I want to build?
- What kinds of problems or stories am I interested in?
Careers are built through exploration, not certainty. It’s okay to have many dreams. Over time, you’ll find that some naturally connect, some fade, and others evolve into something even better than you imagined. Stay curious, give yourself permission to change, and trust that your path doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s to be meaningful.
One thing I’ve learned over time is that society often makes it feel like you have to pick one dream and stick with it forever, but real careers don’t usually work that way. They change as you learn more about yourself, your strengths, and what truly energizes you. What feels exciting now may shift as you gain exposure—and that doesn’t mean you made the wrong choice.
I also don’t think your dreams have to be separate. There are often ways to combine interests in unexpected ways. For example, my own career allows me to work across different industries and situations, even though it may not have been obvious at the start. I used to say my “second career” would be teaching—something very different from what I do today—but elements of that dream show up in my work through mentoring, coaching, and guiding others.
Majoring in Media Communications is a great example of this flexibility. It builds skills—like communication, storytelling, and critical thinking—that can apply across many paths. You’re not locking yourself into one job; you’re building a foundation that can support many futures.
Instead of asking, “What do I want to do forever?” try asking:
- What do I want to learn right now?
- What skills do I want to build?
- What kinds of problems or stories am I interested in?
Careers are built through exploration, not certainty. It’s okay to have many dreams. Over time, you’ll find that some naturally connect, some fade, and others evolve into something even better than you imagined. Stay curious, give yourself permission to change, and trust that your path doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s to be meaningful.
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Liz’s Answer
Your career is like a journey. You probably won't end up where you started. Each job you have will teach you new things and help you move to the next one. It's important to show your strengths to every employer. People often say, "It's not what you know, it's who you know." You should aim to be seen as a reliable and skilled person who employers would recommend to others, whether inside or outside the company.
Adriana Ellis (Strack), SHRM-SCP
Human Resources Business Partner
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Answers
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Adriana’s Answer
Hi Kahri! Great question! I also had no idea what I wanted to do with my life until well after college. In college I took time to explore the various majors and subject areas. I had a broad array of interests and ended up studying a major that combined some of the main disciplines in the humanities, including communication. Subjects in humanities, such as Media Communication in your case, have a huge amount of potential to be applied in so many ways.
Choosing a subject or industry to start your career doesn't mean you're confined to that area forever. Each step in your career is part of a broader journey. Most careers are not linear; they often span multiple industries. The skills and knowledge you acquire daily contribute to your growth and are transferable between occupations and industries, even if applied differently. With my college degree in-hand, I began my career in the arts in a foreign country, then moved back to the USA where I held a role in communication, became a teacher in recreational education, a program manager at a non-profit, and finally landed in a career in human resources. Even in my time in human resources, I've held a few different roles to really find my passion.
Choosing a subject or industry to start your career doesn't mean you're confined to that area forever. Each step in your career is part of a broader journey. Most careers are not linear; they often span multiple industries. The skills and knowledge you acquire daily contribute to your growth and are transferable between occupations and industries, even if applied differently. With my college degree in-hand, I began my career in the arts in a foreign country, then moved back to the USA where I held a role in communication, became a teacher in recreational education, a program manager at a non-profit, and finally landed in a career in human resources. Even in my time in human resources, I've held a few different roles to really find my passion.
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Michele’s Answer
Hi Kahri! I was also a communications major way back in the day and it turned out to be the best decision I ever made!
Focus on transferable skills such as critical thinking, discernment, negotiation, communicating across functions and levels. Using what I learned in my communications degree allowed me to remain industry agnostic - I work in learning and development, but I’ve done it across many different industries: consulting, banking, accounting, and technology.
Focus on transferable skills such as critical thinking, discernment, negotiation, communicating across functions and levels. Using what I learned in my communications degree allowed me to remain industry agnostic - I work in learning and development, but I’ve done it across many different industries: consulting, banking, accounting, and technology.
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Lindsey’s Answer
Hi Kahri, you're never really stuck in one thing! I've changed directions a few times myself. I began college planning to study exercise science, but then got involved in a presidential campaign that fall. This led me to major in political science, and I used what I learned to start a career in political journalism. After 10 years, I moved into corporate communications. Every step you take helps you prepare for the next one. Use the resources around you—mentors, friends, new classes, and experiences—to create your own unique path.
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Valerie’s Answer
Hi Kahri,
I remember feeling exactly the same way! The good news is that a foundation in Media Communications opens the door to many different career paths. And as others have mentioned, the direction you choose today may not be where you end up in 3, 10, or even 15 years—and that’s perfectly okay.
If you have interests in multiple areas, try connecting with people in those fields. Ask them how they got started, what they enjoy about their work, and what challenges they face. Learning from others’ experiences has been incredibly valuable to me over the years. Also, take full advantage of internships and summer jobs—they’re great opportunities to explore and learn.
Most importantly, make sure you find meaning in what you do. That doesn’t mean every day will be perfect, but it’s important to believe in your work and the impact you’re making. We spend a lot of time working—it's worth doing something you truly value.
Finally, don’t be afraid to take risks. Sometimes a lateral move can offer the most growth, especially if it pushes you to develop new skills. Choose paths that challenge you—you’ll be better for it.
Wishing you the best on your journey!
I remember feeling exactly the same way! The good news is that a foundation in Media Communications opens the door to many different career paths. And as others have mentioned, the direction you choose today may not be where you end up in 3, 10, or even 15 years—and that’s perfectly okay.
If you have interests in multiple areas, try connecting with people in those fields. Ask them how they got started, what they enjoy about their work, and what challenges they face. Learning from others’ experiences has been incredibly valuable to me over the years. Also, take full advantage of internships and summer jobs—they’re great opportunities to explore and learn.
Most importantly, make sure you find meaning in what you do. That doesn’t mean every day will be perfect, but it’s important to believe in your work and the impact you’re making. We spend a lot of time working—it's worth doing something you truly value.
Finally, don’t be afraid to take risks. Sometimes a lateral move can offer the most growth, especially if it pushes you to develop new skills. Choose paths that challenge you—you’ll be better for it.
Wishing you the best on your journey!
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Sammi’s Answer
Hi Kahri! I understand how you feel; I had the same worries when I was an undergraduate. It can be tough to decide your path when you're still figuring things out. Remember, even if you pick one or two majors in college, you’re not locked into them forever. I began my career in Public Relations at a traditional PR agency, and now I work in Program Management at a Fortune 500 Enterprise Software company. Back in college, I couldn't have imagined this path, but I discovered that my communication skills opened doors to many different careers. Keep an open mind and say yes to new opportunities! Your career journey is long, and you will have plenty of chances to explore and grow.
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Riana’s Answer
Hi Kahri! This is truly such a great question and on everyone's mind. When I was in college I had NO IDEA what I wanted to do or even where I wanted to start. The most important piece of advice I can offer is to trust your gut. Try things out, pick up a part-time job, watch TikToks or YouTube videos about the field, get an internship etc if it's of interest to you! Test the waters before you feel like you need to decide on one career choice for life.
I started off in the Finance field and knew that wasn't me. I went to the CEO one day because I noticed a lack of networking events, social media presence, and overall marketing and asked if I could give it a go...and they said yes! 11 years later and I am still in events, branding and communications. Trust your gut and follow what makes you feel most fulfilled!
I started off in the Finance field and knew that wasn't me. I went to the CEO one day because I noticed a lack of networking events, social media presence, and overall marketing and asked if I could give it a go...and they said yes! 11 years later and I am still in events, branding and communications. Trust your gut and follow what makes you feel most fulfilled!
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