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What major should i pursue and What to do if i am totally confused about doing two things at one time ?

I’m a 19-year-old international student in the U.S., currently in my first semester. My major is Business with a concentration in Finance. While I like certain aspects of it, I’m not entirely sure if I want to pursue it long-term. I often feel confused about whether it’s truly the right path for me.

My parents, like many traditional and conservative ones, would prefer I pursue a field like medicine. They don’t force me, but I know they hope I’ll follow a path that leads to a stable and respected career. I do like biology, and sometimes I consider nursing, but I’m not sure that it’s the right fit for me either.

Right now, I feel passionate about earning a business degree and doing pilot training alongside it. Still, I often question whether that’s the best choice for me or not.

I really want to make a clear decision soon so I can plan my next steps without wasting more time. I already feel like I’ve lost some time being unsure, and I don’t want that to continue.

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Trinh’s Answer

I understand how it feels to be uncertain and under pressure—I was once in your shoes. I want to reassure you that things will work out, even if the path ahead seems unclear right now. Remember, making a decision doesn’t mean you’re locked into it forever; you can always change direction as you learn more about yourself and your interests.
If you’re drawn to business, pursue it because it genuinely interests you. Along the way, you’ll discover whether it’s the right fit for you. What matters most is that you’re following your own path, not someone else’s expectations. Ultimately, you’ll figure out what’s best for you through your own experiences and growth. Trust yourself and stay open to new possibilities.
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Hayden’s Answer

It's normal to feel unsure about these things at your age; I felt the same way. It might be tough now, but in the long run, it's important to follow your own desires. Sometimes it can be difficult to choose a path that might not align with what your parents want. However, this is your life, and you're the one who will live with these choices. It's always best to find something you truly enjoy, rather than doing something just because you think it's what your parents want.
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MaryAnne’s Answer

Hi Vish,

Thanks for opening up and sharing your thoughts. I agree with what others have shared, you don't need to have everything sorted out right now. When I was in school, I switched from Political Science to Finance and then to Accounting. I also tried different internships and jobs, each quite different from the other.

I believe you should follow what excites you and be willing to try new things. This will help you understand what you truly enjoy. Talking to people in various fields taught me a lot about the industries and myself. Consider looking for internships or part-time jobs to gain experience and learn about the skills you need.

What has helped me succeed is staying open to new opportunities, being adaptable, staying curious, and keeping a positive mindset in whatever I do.

Wishing you the very best!
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Kelly’s Answer

Hi Vish! Not knowing exactly what you want to do at 19 is completely normal. In fact, it's better you don't! Then you get to explore all of the possibilities of what you may want to do. My advice would be to try as much as you can. You may discover your ultimate passion by trying a new hobby. The best thing you can do is try it all and stick with your favorite. But don't stress- you have your whole life to figure it out! In fact- Julia Child published her first cookbook at age 49 and became a television star in her 50s.
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Lewis’s Answer

Hi Vish,
If you're unsure, consider taking courses that let you easily transfer credits between the majors you're interested in.
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Jamie’s Answer

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. You're not alone in feeling this way, and you're in a great spot right now—the start of your journey. It's normal and good to question things at this stage.

Remember, you don't need to have everything figured out right now. Many people choose one major, graduate, and then discover their true passion in a completely different area. Career paths are rarely straightforward, especially today, and that's perfectly fine. Your degree is just the beginning, not the end.

Take some time to reflect on what matters to you. What are your core values? What activities bring you joy and energy?

Here are a few suggestions:
- Talk to people in various fields like business, healthcare, or aviation to learn about their daily work. These chats can be very insightful.
- Try internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work to gain hands-on experience. This is often the best way to find out what you enjoy.
- Don't feel pressured to choose just one thing right now. It's okay to study business while exploring interests in pilot training or healthcare. You can refine your path along the way.

Remember, no time is wasted if you're learning what excites you and what doesn't.

You're doing great—stay curious and take it one step at a time. You don't have to sort everything out today.
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Dr’s Answer

I remember feeling the pressure of choosing a major when starting college. The truth is, your interests will likely change over time, so try not to stress too much right now. Pick something that sounds good to you and that you enjoy learning about. Stay open to the idea of changing careers later based on new opportunities and interests that you can't predict right now. It's okay if you're not sure if you're on the right path. Just focus on what feels right for you at the moment. Unless you have a Magic 8-Ball that actually works, following your current interests is all you can do at this point. Diversifying is definitely more valuable than studying in just one narrow field. Don't worry about what's marketable on paper. By expanding your training and opening your mind, you become much more valuable than if you only focus on one narrow area. You'll be able to connect different ideas and make breakthroughs that can benefit many fields. By exploring various interests, you make the most of your education. Plus, you get to taste a wide range in the "great buffet of knowledge" before choosing what you want to focus on and regular have for "food for thought". Best of luck on your journey! So, even if you decide to pick one path "on paper" for the degree, that shouldn't stop you from continuing to learn and study other topics in your free time. You sounds like you're an awesome work-in-progress!
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Cesar’s Answer

Hi Vish,

Stay curious and open to new opportunities.

Just because you feel drawn to finance now doesn't mean it has to be your final choice.

It's also important to understand yourself better and compare your skills to what's needed in the fields you're interested in. Explore how appealing these opportunities are, not just in terms of salary, but also how easy it is to get a job and whether they offer the growth and development you want.

The more you learn, the more doors will open for you.

Most importantly, trust yourself. We've all been through this journey, so you're not alone.
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Chiquria’s Answer

Your feelings are perfectly normal—many students, especially international ones, feel unsure and torn between choices at the start of their college journey. You’re not behind at all, and exploring your options is a crucial step in discovering what suits you best!

Here’s some helpful advice for making your decision and handling “doing two things at once”:

1. Self-Reflection
Write down what you like and dislike about each field (finance/business, biology/medicine/nursing, pilot training).
Think about your daily preferences: do you enjoy teamwork, solving puzzles, helping people directly, analytical tasks, or hands-on activities?
Consider the lifestyle and work environment each path offers.

2. Experience Matters
Try to take introductory classes in different areas if possible—many universities allow this in your first year.
Shadow a nurse, chat with a pilot, or intern in a business to get a real-life feel of the work.
Join or observe student clubs related to your interests.

3. Planning for Flexibility
Many careers are not “either-or”—for example, a business degree plus pilot training keeps both doors open.
Consider minors, certificates, or electives if you’re curious about both business and healthcare.
You can always change majors in your early years (it’s very common). Credits often transfer.

4. Family Expectations vs. Personal Goals
It’s normal to want to honor your parents’ hopes, but your happiness is key for long-term success.
Having a conversation to share your interests and long-term plans might help bridge understanding.

5. Dealing with Uncertainty
Explore now, decide later. Most students “find their path” after some exploring.
Exploring isn’t wasting time; you’re building foundational skills that will help you in any field.

6. Managing Multiple Pursuits
If you want to work on pilot training while in college, plan your schedule carefully and be realistic about your workload and time.
Seek support from advisors, and don’t hesitate to adjust your plan if it gets overwhelming.

Final Thought:
You’re on the right track by reflecting and exploring. Keep an open mind, seek experiences in both areas, and talk to professionals. Over time, your interests and strengths will guide you to make a confident choice—and you’ll be ready for multiple paths if needed!
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Hung’s Answer

Hello!

I totally get how you feel! I could not relate more to this myself. It's normal not to know your exact path when starting college. Most freshmen feel the same. Here are some tips to help you:

1. Identify your broad interests. You mentioned biology and nursing. Think about how much you've enjoyed subjects like biology, medicine, or healthcare. This is a good starting point. Also, consider what you enjoy now and how practical that path is, which you're already doing.

2. Stay flexible. You don't need to stick to one interest. You could major in biology and minor in business, or the other way around, while pursuing nursing. Many jobs combine different fields, and your school might offer interdisciplinary programs. Attend events and join clubs to learn more about careers and make connections.

3. Take it step by step. You won't know your exact path right away, and that's okay. Be proactive and use college opportunities like volunteering or internships to see what jobs are like. This will help you decide and adjust your path.

Don't stress about making a clear decision now. Explore general fields that interest you and narrow them down as you learn more and gain experience.

Good luck!
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Xin’s Answer

Hi Vish,
Good Day!

Feeling confused about your major and career path at 19 is completely normal. Many students (even older adults) struggle with the same uncertainty. The key is approaching this systematically to make an informed decision without rushing into panic mode.

1. Clarify Your Priorities & Motivations
2. Short-Term Action Plan
3. If you had to pick one path to try for the next year, which excites you more:
- The idea of analyzing markets and helping businesses grow?
- The thrill of flying a plane?
- The hands-on care of patients in healthcare?

Go with the one that feels least like "work" to you. You can always pivot later, many do!
Wishing you all the best!
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Christopher’s Answer

Hi Vish,

I totally get where you're coming from—I have two kids in college, so I know it's not easy to choose a career path. Here are some friendly tips to help you out:

1. **Know Yourself:**
- **Interests:** Think about what you love doing and what activities keep you excited.
- **Skills:** Consider what you're good at and what tasks you handle well.
- **Values:** Decide what's important to you in a job, like creativity or helping others.
- **Personality:** Are you more of a solo worker or do you enjoy being part of a team?

2. **Explore Careers:**
- **Research:** Look into different fields, job roles, and what qualifications you need.
- **Networking:** Talk to people already in the careers you're interested in.
- **Informational Interviews:** Chat with professionals to learn about their jobs.
- **Shadowing/Internships:** Get some hands-on experience to see what suits you.

3. **Make Decisions:**
- **Set Goals:** Think about what you want to achieve in the short and long term.
- **Create a Shortlist:** Pick a few career options based on what you've learned about yourself.
- **Make a Plan:** Write down the steps you need to take to reach your chosen career.

4. **Keep Learning:**
- **Stay Informed:** Keep up with what's new in your field.
- **Seek Feedback:** Ask for advice and feedback from mentors and professionals.
- **Be Open to Change:** Remember, your career path can change, so be ready to adapt.

I hope this helps you find a path that feels right for you!
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Breanna’s Answer

Hi Vish,

Choosing a major can be confusing. If you are interested in business, I would recommend taking a handful of introductory business courses to see if it piques your interest. This is how I discovered that I wanted to study accounting. I had no idea what it was to begin with, but I took an entry-level course and the content just clicked. Further, the professor became one of my college mentors. Business is a respectable career and will take you far in life. From what I have learned, it is important to pursue a career that will keep you interested and engaged. This will make going to work each day something you look forward to!

Best,
Breanna
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Breanna’s Answer

Hi Vish,

Choosing a major can be confusing. If you are interested in business, I would recommend taking a handful of introductory business courses to see if it piques your interest. This is how I discovered that I wanted to study accounting. I had no idea what it was to begin with, but I took an entry-level course and the content just clicked. Further, the professor became one of my college mentors. Business is a respectable career and will take you far in life. From what I have learned, it is important to pursue a career that will keep you interested and engaged. This will make going to work each day something you look forward to! Hope this helps!

Best,
Breanna
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Cameryn’s Answer

It's a very common to be unsure of your career path and wondering if you're wasting time debating fields of study. Sometimes the best thing is to go with your gut. Explore Business and perhaps take on another major. I majored in Finance as well and I too at first thought I was limiting myself, however, I found that within Consulting, I can apply my degree and develop additional skills/certs to serve my clients. You're just at the start, and you can always pivot. Obtain a business degree is always worthwhile no matter what field or industry you end up working within.
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Kassy’s Answer

Hi Vish,

Great question! It's very normal to not be 100% confident in the direction you want to go. Welcome to the club!

Here are some ideas that can help you confirm your decision:
1. Reach out to a guidance counselor at school. Share your interests and things you are good at. Schools have so many resources at their fingerprints that they may not always market widely.
2. Apply for different internships or part-time jobs that would give you hands-on experiences. Even just a little bit of experience in the fields you are interested in can help you determine what you would enjoy or not.
3. Tap into your network and try to land a few folks who would be wiling to mentor you for a period of time. You could set up recurring meetings with them and get the opportunity to ask them questions one-on-one. Do they like their jobs? What is the toughest parts of their day? What is the most rewarding part of their role? Do they have any advice or points of contacts they could connect you with?

With these few steps, you may get more insight that could help you narrow down your decision. Best of luck!
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Rebecca’s Answer

Thank you for your question. Appreciate you have a wide range of interest. However, your may need to focus on what careers you have interest.
Below are my suggestions:
1. If you have interest in biology, nursing, etc., would you have interest to be zoologist, park rangers, vet, doctor nurse psychologist,etc. in the future? You can find more related careers online
2. Find out more in 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 and consider to change major if necessary
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
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