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How to decide on a career path when you have multiple passions? #Spring25

I completed my undergraduate degree in May 2024 in Equine Therapeutic Horsemanship and Facility Management. I have always loved horses and helping others. While in college I realized how much I enjoy educating about the things I'm passionate about. I have also always been passionate about animals and the environment. I am planning to go back to school earn by masters in environmental education. I'm torn between the two degrees. I would love to combine the two but I don't know how to make that a reality.

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Nija’s Answer

I totally get how it feels to have so many interests and not know which path to take. It’s exciting but can also be overwhelming and confusing. I’ve been there too, where everything seems important and you want to dive into it all.

What really helped me was understanding that you don’t have to stick with just one passion forever. Start by asking yourself:

1) What makes me feel energized, even on tough days?

2) What kind of lifestyle do I want—structured, flexible, creative, or stable?

3) Which passion can I explore right now, and which ones can I keep as hobbies or develop later?

Sometimes, it’s best to choose the path that matches your values and current life stage, knowing it can change over time. A career doesn’t have to define you completely, and you can always shift, grow, and include your other interests in different ways.

Give yourself the freedom to explore, make mistakes, and change your mind. That’s all part of the journey. What’s most important is moving forward with curiosity, not stress. You’re not behind; you’re just figuring things out like everyone else. 💛

If you need help narrowing things down, I’d love to chat about it!
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for the advice! I definitely forget that it's okay to just be figuring things out. I would love to chat to help narrow things down. Thank you!! Ellie
Thank you comment icon You're very welcome! It’s completely okay to explore different options before deciding what you truly want to do. You don’t have to have everything figured out right now , it takes time. The more you explore and gain experience in the areas you're passionate about, the clearer things will become. Trust the process, and give yourself the space to grow and learn along the way. Tell me about some of the passions you’re interested in exploring, I’d love to help you start narrowing things down. Let me ask you this: have you had a chance to try out or get some experience in any of those areas yet? Sometimes even a small experience can help you figure out what feels like the right fit. Nija Jackson, LCSW
Thank you comment icon I have always been passionate about helping others, working with horses, educating, and I really enjoy using animals to help people. During my undergrad studies I was able to have multiple experiences (different ways of working with people and horses) in the field of therapeutic horsemanship. I was able to narrow it down a little bit and know which direction I don't want to go in. I just recently started volunteering at a local Nature Center and so far I really enjoy it. I actually start working there on Monday. I'll get more experience and opportunities to actually teach (which aligns more with my plan to go to grad school). If I don't actually enjoy it then I'll at least have a better idea that my grad school major isn't the right one. Ellie
Thank you comment icon Hi Ellie, that's awesome that you’re starting a volunteer role at a Nature Center, such a great first step! Here’s a quick summary of career paths and grad majors that align with your passion for animals, education, and helping others: Nija Jackson, LCSW
Thank you comment icon Career Paths & Matching Grad Majors: Equine-Assisted Therapist: Uses horses in mental/physical therapy. Majors: Counseling, Social Work, Psych, OT + Equine Therapy certification. Therapeutic Riding Instructor: Teaches individuals with disabilities to ride. Majors: Recreational Therapy, Special Ed, PATH Intl. programs. Environmental Educator: Teaches nature and conservation. Majors: Environmental or Outdoor Ed, Conservation Biology. Nija Jackson, LCSW
Thank you comment icon Animal-Assisted Activities Specialist: Uses animals in schools/hospitals for wellness. Majors: Psych, Social Work, Human-Animal Interaction. Special Ed Teacher: Supports students with disabilities, may use animals in teaching. Majors: Special Education, Educational Psych. Child Life Specialist: Helps children cope in hospitals, sometimes with animals. Majors: Child Life, Family Studies, Human Development (with AAT focus). Nija Jackson, LCSW
Thank you comment icon Majors to Consider: Human-Animal Interaction / Anthrozoology Counseling or Clinical Psychology Occupational Therapy Recreational Therapy Social Work (MSW) Environmental or Outdoor Education Special Education Child and Family Studies Nonprofit Management Nija Jackson, LCSW
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for your help and showing me all the options that I have when choosing a job/major. Thank you!! Ellie
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Gishan’s Answer

Hi Ellie,

First of all congrats on obtaining your degree, what a lifetime milestone and best of success on your future endeavors. I can totally relate to your question, I have 2 degrees myself. The best thing to do is to choose which degree will land you a good job, and the other you can use as a side hustle. That way you enjoy both field's you studied and make extra income post-graduation. Its not easy what to choose but you should always have a plan before graduation. All the best, and it works out.

Best,
Gishan
Thank you comment icon Thank you very much for your advice! Ellie
Thank you comment icon ofc. We all deserve success! Gishan Ali
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