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How can I figure out what I truly enjoy and find the right career direction?

Hello, I'm a 22-year-old university student currently living in South Korea. I'm in my second year studying mechanical engineering, but I've been feeling more and more disconnected from my major. I don't think it fits my interests or strengths, and that’s made me start seriously questioning my current career path.

I'm considering taking a break from school next semester to reflect and explore other options, but the biggest challenge is—I don’t know what I truly enjoy or what I’m passionate about yet. That uncertainty is making it even harder to figure out a direction.

I really want to explore different career paths, meet people from diverse fields, and hear about their experiences. I'd love any recommendations for ways I can do this—whether it's programs, platforms, internships, travel opportunities, volunteering, or anything else that could help me better understand what might be a good fit for me. I'm open to going abroad too.

If you've been in a similar situation or have any ideas, I’d really appreciate your insights!

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Hanieh’s Answer

Hi Seoungjun, I know this can be really tough, and I understand how you feel! When I was in college, I was unsure of my path too. What helped me was making a list of things I might enjoy or what others thought I’d be good at. For example, as a marketing major, my list included sports marketing, event planning, recruiting, sales, and even software engineering. I started exploring each option by reaching out to people at school or on LinkedIn who were in those roles and asking if I could learn from them. I would ask what they love about their jobs and what they don’t enjoy. I even tried a software engineering bootcamp to see what it was like and worked in my school’s sports marketing department for a few months. Starting with a list gives you a good starting point. You can then talk to people, try things out, and gradually figure out what doesn't interest you. Sometimes, it's more about finding out what you don’t want to do and being open to new experiences. Remember, you don’t have to figure it all out at once. Take small steps, and you’re doing great by just asking the question!
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much! Seoungjun
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Kurt’s Answer

I would say that figuring out what you truly enjoy and finding the right career direction for you is simply to try out new things. Don't be afraid to speak out to people and ask about their current role and how they are enjoying things overall. I would start by researching all sorts of roles to see what piques your interests, and then I would go on career pages/LinkedIn pages to see if there are any job openings. Lastly, connecting with people is very important, and you can do this by going on LinkedIn and searching for employees within the company to potentially reach out to and see if they are open to having a conversation. People change their career path direction all of the time, so don't worry if you feel stuck, because I promise you are not!
Thank you comment icon You rock! This advice is very helpful. Seoungjun
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Jennifer’s Answer

Bottom line: go do lots of things. Find the work, people, passions, hobbies, and interests you enjoy the most.

I took a very weird path to where I am now, an Aerospace Engineer at Kennedy Space Center. I started in Industrial at Auburn, Mechanical at Iowa, Artificial Intelligence for a Masters, did consulting engineering which bounced between agriculture, automotive, aerospace, refrigeration, electrical, hydraulics, design, tooling, hardware-in-the-loop, welding, patent law, all before quitting engineering to become a circus artist. I the circus I did fire eating, whip cracking, magic, aerials, rope dart, trapeze, and a ton of other arts. Then through happenstance, I ended up here at Kennedy Space Center.

The best advice I received related to this was enjoy the time you have but be postured to take on any opportunity.
Get a degree. Mechanical is great as it's so varied.
Go work places and do things. This gets you a ton of experience.
Eventually lots of opportunities will come up. You will just have to have the experience to be able to capitalize on it.
If you don't find the opportunity you want, make it happen. Network with people and reach out to find the field you want to be in.
If you never find the "ONE thing", don't worry. There are many of us that just want to bounce around from topic to topic.
If you do find your "Ikigai", amazing. Dive deep, pour your love into it, be proud of your devotion to it.

You can make a plan, but life will take you on a journey you would have been able to predict. Go have fun enjoy it.
Thank you comment icon Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it. Seoungjun
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Minigrace’s Answer

To find a career that aligns with your interests and skills, start by reflecting on your personal strengths, values, and interests.Here's a more detailed approach:
1. 1. Self-Assessment:
• Identify your strengths and weaknesses: What tasks do you excel at? What do you find challenging?
• Reflect on your values: What's most important to you in a career? Do you value creativity, independence, helping others, or a high salary?
• Consider your interests: What activities do you enjoy in your free time? What subjects or topics do you find fascinating?
2. 2. Explore Career Options:
• Research different careers: Use online resources, career guides, and job boards to learn about different industries and roles.
• Conduct informational interviews: Talk to people working in careers that interest you to learn more about their experiences and responsibilities.
3. 3. Networking and Mentorship:
• Connect with professionals in your field: Attend career fairs, join industry associations, or network online to build relationships and gain insights.
• Seek guidance from mentors: Mentors can provide valuable advice, support, and encouragement as you navigate your career journey.
4. 4. Experiment and Learn:
• Take on new challenges: Don't be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and try new things.
• Stay open to different opportunities: Your career path may evolve over time, so be willing to adjust your goals and explore new avenues.
5. 5. Seek feedback and refine your approach:
• Ask for feedback on your skills and performance: This can help you identify areas where you can improve and refine your skills.
• Continuously evaluate your progress and make adjustments as needed: Your career journey is a continuous process of learning and growth.
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Tanaka’s Answer

Hi Seoungjun,
I think you should try new things and experiment with different activities that interest you.
Or
You could try to do volunteering work in order to gain experience in different fields during your gap year.
Thank you comment icon Tanaka, thank you! Seoungjun
Thank you comment icon My pleasure! Tanaka Ndoro
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Molly’s Answer

Hi Seoungjun,

Ask yourself why you got into mechanical engineering in the first place. If you cannot answer with anything beyond "it's supposed to be a good career.." it's your sign to reassess. However, if you have a good reason why you chose that major, does that reason still feel accurate/true to you?

People are often very happy to give up 15 min of their day to talk to someone. Why not reach out to people through your university's alumni network - or through LinkedIn - or through any connections you have! See if anyone would be open to discuss what they do from day-to-day.

There are a lot of "tests" out there that can help show compatibility with types of careers. Some assess your strengths, some assess your interests. I would try to assess both of those things and pick something that fits both.

Also, this is something that a lot of people do struggle with figuring out, but you don't have to get it exactly right at the start of your career. That's why it's called a career journey for many people. I'm about 7 years in the working world, and I have gone through many phases of wanting to interview as many people as possible to learn about what their jobs are - simply because I'm curious if there's a perfect job out there for me that I haven't found yet.

It's really hard to know what you're passionate about if all your life is consumed by is obligations and distractions... I say this from experience!

Try experimenting with going "offline" - just immerse yourself in real life. Try it for 1 day - or even part of a day... and don't distract yourself with things on your phone. Notice the little things you wouldn't pay attention to - both in your outside world and in your head. Thoughts will start to come back to you and you'll hear your inner voice speaking. That inner voice is the one that will quietly nudge you towards what calls to you. It is very quiet though, so it requires stillness to hear it most times.

Also, time offline will allow you to explore new hobbies, meet people, spend time in nature, be creative, be spiritual, etc. - that's where more of "the meaning of life" comes from... not from work (for most people). "work to live, don't live to work" - a lot of people view their career as a means to an end. basically, a way to pay for everything they love about life.

I hope this helps!
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much! Your advice is just what i was thinking. I am now searching for the offline things to do in my gap year. Can you recommend me anything that might be a good way to meet new kind of people abroad? Seoungjun
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Cameron’s Answer

For my journey it was a bit of trial and error. I wasn't one of those students in school who had a very clear sense of what I wanted to do or who I wanted to be. I changed my major/career path multiple times from marketing to finance to accounting. I settled on accounting purely because of the environment I graduated in; during the Great Recession and I was told CPA's could get jobs. That being said, I didn't find the initial work fulfilling and I have made multiple career moves since my early days of tax preparation. I now specialize on consulting & advisory services on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for finance & accounting professionals. So in that regard my journey has led me to build upon experiences I had earlier in life auditing professionals I now provide AI consulting services to. If you are like me and don't have a strong sense of knowing exactly what you want to be when you "grow up" my best advice is trial and error. You don't have to pick the perfect job straight out of college, you don't have to stay at that job for 30+ years. I have moved around between multiple companies, tried multiple jobs including marketing, legal clerks, food bank drivers, etc. until I eventually found a path that got me excited to get out of bed in the morning. That's the ultimate goal, don't chase money, I know it sounds cliché but I truly turned down multiple higher paying job offers to pursue goals that I was passionate about and believe me when I say that if you approach in this manner, the money will catch up. It's rare to be extremely passionate about a topic and not excel in it. The passion will set you apart from other colleagues and then it's win-win, you love what you are doing in live, and you'll be rewarded because that passion will likely allow you to excel in your career.
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Georgeta’s Answer

Hi Seoungjun! I can understand your questions and searching. And it is so normal. I would say, try to volunteer in domains you think you like what they are doing...Ask yourself questions like, do I like to work in groups, do I like to help other people or animals, or nature, do I like to drive long time, do I like to party more etc. Understanding yourself would lead you to some paths to explore....be bold and explore, life is about exploring and learning!
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Victoria’s Answer

Hi Seoungjun! It's wonderful that you're asking this question. You're in a great position because college is the perfect time to explore different career paths and interests. If you're feeling disconnected from your major, consider looking into other fields. Start by listing your current interests and strengths. Then, think about why they don't seem to fit with mechanical engineering anymore. Do some research to see where your interests and strengths might lead you now. This could be a new career path, hobby, or major. Reflecting on what truly excites you is important, so take your time with this step.

Once you have some ideas, explore them! Join a club or organization on campus, connect with experts in those areas, or look for internships that sound exciting. You might also consider studying abroad to experience new cultures and gain fresh perspectives. This exploration can help you discover your passions even more. Try a bit of everything—now is the perfect time to do that! You're already on the right path by asking this question. Keep going!
Thank you comment icon I will use this advice as I prepare for my career. Seoungjun
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Chris’s Answer

Hello! What a great question, and many people feel this same way throughout different parts of their life. I live in the United States, so I acknowledge that college, business, and cultural norms may vary a bit, but I can give some general advice based on my experience.

First, know that your college major does not determine the rest of your life or career trajectory. I was in a similar situation while going through college, where I wasn't excited about my major, or traditional career paths in general, and contemplated leaving school to pursue becoming a chef. I eventually did finish college with a general business degree, and then actually was a chef for 10 years, before making a career transition into Tech and Software sales. I am extremely happy that I completed college and attained a degree, as it made this transition a bit easier.

Another thing to realize is that college is not solely about getting a degree - you'll learn so much about yourself, make new friends and connections that will last a life-time, and grow and mature in ways that can't be easily replicated elsewhere.

You can't predict the future. Studying a field, and actually doing it as a career, are two completely different things. You may find that you like being a mechanical engineer, but simply don't like school or studying. There's also nothing to say you can't make a career pivot later in life.

Lastly, I went through a mindset shift in my own perception of what a career is, and how to be happy in life. You can see a career as a way to enable you to pursue what you're truly passionate about, or you can pursue a career in your passion area; this is a subtle but distinct difference. Now, I see my career as a way to make a stable living, which enables me to pursue my passions, hobbies, and friend relationships.

To sum up, don't worry too much about what the future looks like (easier said than done, I know). You're young and you have your whole life ahead! I would encourage you to stick it out and attain a degree, as this would make your future career prospects much better. You want to explore other things? Great - get a part time job in a passion field - volunteer when you're not in class - join interest groups on campus.

Good luck!
Thank you comment icon Thank you for giving me advice. Seoungjun
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Randi Sue’s Answer

It’s completely normal to feel uncertain about your career direction, especially while you’re still discovering your interests and strengths. Taking a break to reflect can be a valuable step. To figure out what you truly enjoy, try exploring a variety of experiences—such as internships, volunteering, online courses, or part-time jobs in different fields. Platforms like LinkedIn, Meetup, and local university career centers can help you connect with professionals and alumni from diverse backgrounds. Attending networking events, informational interviews, or even joining student clubs can also give you insight into different industries. If you’re open to going abroad, consider exchange programs, working holidays, or international volunteer opportunities, which can broaden your perspective and help you learn more about yourself. The key is to stay curious, try new things, and give yourself space to discover what excites you.

Randi Sue recommends the following next steps:

Self-Assessment: Take some time to reflect on your strengths, values, and what activities energize you. Online tools like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), CliftonStrengths, or free career quizzes can provide useful insights.
Informational Interviews: Reach out to professionals, alumni, or professors in fields you’re curious about. Ask them about their career paths, what they enjoy, and what challenges they face.
Try Short-Term Experiences: Look for internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer roles in different industries—even if they’re unrelated to your current major. These experiences can help you learn what you like (and don’t like).
Explore Online Learning: Take free or low-cost online courses (on platforms like Coursera, edX, or Udemy) in subjects that interest you. This can help you test out new areas without a big commitment.
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Tyler’s Answer

Great question--I too was in a similar boat earlier on in my career.

Two pieces of advice that helped me the most:

1. Figure out what you don't want to do. It's difficult to say "this is the type of career I was made for the rest of my life". Not everyone has that figured out. What can be easier to figure out, however, is narrowing down what you don't like to do. One of the best ways to do this is to get an internship or part time job for 3-6 months at a time and weed things out.

2. When you get a job, ask the question "in 10 years from now, can I see myself doing this/do I want to be doing this?". This question has helped me get to where I am today as it directed me in the things I love doing.

Hope this helps, and best of luck to you!
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Jenisha’s Answer

To figure our what you want to study at university, think and reflect on your interests, strengths, and current subjects you enjoy the most. Then, you can also talk to professionals or folks in a specific career field to get to know what their day-to-day looks like, this will help you understand if that is something you want to pursue. Additionally, you can do research online to understand different majors and what career paths are available post-graduation, and see if those align with your long-term goals. Many universities also offer career path quizzes which can also help you understand what you should study.
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Wonkeun’s Answer

Gain new experiences and discover more about yourself by exploring work abroad and volunteering opportunities. Attend networking events in areas that excite you. Look for conferences in fields you are curious about to help guide your career choices. Consider your hobbies, as they might point you in the right direction. Online courses can also help you find your interests. I recommend reading "Do What You Are" by Paul D. Tieger, Barbara Barron, and Kelly Tieger. This book can inspire you to find your path.
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Steven’s Answer

Reflect on activities and experiences that energize and engage you, and notice patterns in what you consistently enjoy or find fulfilling. Experiment with internships, volunteer work, or side projects in different fields to gain firsthand insight and clarify what feels most meaningful and motivating.
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David’s Answer

Finding what you truly enjoy and choosing the right career direction is an ongoing journey. What feels fun and fulfilling now may not be the same forever—and that’s completely normal. Both you and the world of work are always changing, so it’s important to stay open and adaptable.

Here are some key ideas to guide you:

Focus on what motivates you now: Take time to reflect on your current interests, values, and strengths. Think about what excites you and what you want to learn next. Your motivations will naturally shift over time, and that’s okay.

Accept that change is part of growth: Your passions and motivations will evolve. When something no longer excites you, it’s perfectly normal to seek out new challenges or directions. Regularly check in with yourself and update your goals as you grow.

Keep evolving your skills: Continuously developing both your technical and soft skills will help you find enjoyment and fulfillment in whatever you do. This also keeps you adaptable as opportunities and interests change.

Enjoy the journey, not just the destination: Career satisfaction often comes from the process of learning, growing, and overcoming challenges—not just reaching a specific role or title.

Seek feedback and support: Talk with mentors, managers, or peers about your aspirations and be open to their insights. They can help you see new possibilities and support your growth.

Ultimately, the “right” career is one that fits who you are right now—and you have the power to change direction as you change. Stay curious, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to reinvent yourself to find new sources of motivation and fulfillment.
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Annika’s Answer

Notice what energizes you vs. what drains you. Try different roles, reflect often, and talk to people doing work you admire. It’s a process, not a one-time decision!
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Sierra’s Answer

The best way to figure out what you truly enjoy is by trying it out. Internships or shadowing opportunities are the best way to get a feel for what life really looks like outside of school. Keep in mind, nothing is ever perfect, but what is something that generally you find exciting and will make the things you don’t enjoy less painful. Internships/shadowing opportunities are one of the most valuable things you can do early on. Think of it as you are shopping around for careers, instead of committing to a full-time job you get to "try-on" a career for 6-8 weeks. This is great for you because you get to network and live a day in the life of what a full-time career would be and you don’t have to get a whole new job if you don't like the job. Internships are also a great way to identify what type of company you want to work for, do you like the culture, size, industry that it is focused on.
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Yashasvi’s Answer

Finding the right career direction is a personal journey, but there are practical steps you can take to discover what you truly enjoy:
1. Reflect on Your Interests and Strengths
• Make a list of activities, subjects, or hobbies you genuinely enjoy.
• Think about when you feel most energized or proud—what were you doing?
2. Try New Experiences
• Take on internships, part-time jobs, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities in different fields.
• Explore online courses or workshops to sample new skills and industries.
3. Pay Attention to What Feels Rewarding
• Notice which tasks make time fly by or leave you feeling satisfied.
• Keep a journal of your experiences and how you felt about them.
4. Seek Feedback
• Ask friends, family, teachers, or mentors what strengths they see in you.
• Sometimes others notice your talents or passions before you do.
5. Research Careers
• Read about different jobs and industries—what do people actually do day-to-day?
• Use career assessment tools (like O*NET, My Next Move, or your school’s career center) to match your interests with possible careers.
6. Informational Interviews
• Talk to professionals in fields you’re curious about.
• Ask about their career paths, what they enjoy, and what challenges they face.
7. Be Patient and Flexible
• It’s normal for interests to change over time.
• Stay open to new possibilities and don’t be afraid to adjust your path as you learn more about yourself.
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Nicole’s Answer

What a great question! I think this is something so many people encounter and it can be a tough one to follow because there isn't a perfect formula to solve this dilemma. That being siad, there are so many things you can do to help narrow your scope of interest! The great news is, you're open to a variety of new topics and potential careers. You mention "programs, platforms, internships, travel opportunities, volunteering," and I think those are great starts to help you hone in on what you truly enjoy. I've found that for myself (and others) a big factor that shapes our future jobs/careers are the people around us. You never know who is going to inspire you, help you, hire you, or point you in the right direction. Meeting new people in whatever way you feel comfortable will surely be a big help. And when you meet people who have jobs that interest you, ask them about their roles and what they like/dislike. 99% of the time, if you ask someone for 30 minutes of their time to help you (and have some specific questions prepared) people are generally very willing to help. In addition to the items you mention above, you could also explore contract work. Contract work might help you narrow your interests as these jobs are set for a finite amount of time and it might give you chance to explore multiple roles in a shorter timeframe. You may also want to join a local or virtual community of like-minded people who are going through a similar experience. Lastly, I'd suggest thinking about your personal hobbies and interests. Is there any common theme that could relate to a job? Or anything you can do to generate income through your passions. I hope this is helpful and know you're not alone in this thinking!
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the advice, Nicole. Seoungjun
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Rebecca’s Answer

Thank you for your question.
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, college career counselor, professors, your e, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Think about mechanical engineering is still your interest or you would like to switch to another major. If later case, you would need to explore with the college the change procedure.
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Thank you comment icon Thank you, Rebecca! Seoungjun
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Kelly’s Answer

Hi Seoungjun,

I am a University Recruiting Manager at Atlassian! Our team helps students like yourself explore opportunities with the company and discover, through trial and error, what they enjoy and what they don't enjoy! First off, it is ok to question your major and if you truly are passionate about the work. The average person has between 12 and 16 different jobs in their lifetime! Many of those individuals are complete career pivoters and that is ok! Growth is not always linear and discovering your passions takes time. My advice to you is to think through the courses you are taking and make a list of any classes that get you excited - do you really enjoy mathematical modeling? Perhaps you liked an Engineering Design course. Have you thought about exploring an internship? The internship experience is intended to give you a "taste" of the work - it is an opportunity for you to try different roles with different industries! Sometimes stepping away from a program allows you to try out new passions - traveling is a great example - you also get an opportunity to learn about different cultures and different people which may lead you down a completely different path. Just remember that there is no right answer and that if you keep on the path you are on or choose to pivot and try something new - you can always make adjustments along the way. Cheering you on.

Kelly
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the advice. Seoungjun
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Jacky’s Answer

Hi Seoungjun, this is a common question we all have. Networking/internships are great ways to get more insight into different fields/roles.
But I also think many of us here "chase your passion", but there's a good chance you might just become passionate at anything you get good at. You might just get passionate about making money. I find it easier to move towards things you enjoy rather than feeling like you need to know exactly what you need to be/do. But I totally get where you're coming from, college is stressful because there's so much uncertainty.
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