6 answers
Elea
Student
Aix-en-Provence, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France
1
Question
Asked
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How can I choose the right subjects when I'm still unsure about my future career?
I'm currently working on my International Diploma and have about two years before I head to college. As I review my curriculum, I’m realizing that my subject choices are starting to have a big impact on my future career options.
I’m interested in several areas — biotechnology, social entrepreneurship, international relations, and other life or social sciences. But because these fields are so different, I’m struggling to figure out which subjects will give me the most flexibility and leave the most open doors.
To anyone working in these or related fields:
Which subjects do you use the most in your career?
Are there any you thought would be important but rarely use now?
Are there any myths or assumptions people make about your profession that are simply untrue?
And most importantly — what part of your career gives you the most satisfaction?
Any advice or personal experiences would really help me as I try to find some direction. Thank you so much!
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6 answers
Kyla Remigio
CNA/ PCT/ PCA/ Nurse Extern
13
Answers
Converse, Texas
Updated
Kyla’s Answer
First of all, it's completely ok to feel unsure about your future career at this stage, you're asking all the right questions, and that's a great sign.
Honestly, one of the most helpful things you can do right now is speak with your Academic Advisor. They can often provide a detailed breakdown of the subject requirements or prerequisites for the different fields you're interested in. Once you have that information, you can look for overlaps or common foundational subjects (like biology, economics, or global studies) that keep multiple doors open for you.
You might consider choosing a mix of STEM and humanities subjects if you're interested in both scientific and social impact careers. For example, biology and economics could support both biotech and social entrepreneurship.
Looking into interdisciplinary programs or flexible diploma tracks, which might allow you to combine science and social science courses.
Exploring interships, summer programs, or online courses that let you "test out" different fields in a low-commitmeny way.
It's also worth connecting with professionals or university students in those areas (LinkedIn or school alumni networks can be great for this) to hear firsthand what subjects they found most useful and which ones they didn't.
Finally, don't stress about having it all figured out right now. Many people switch paths later, and the skills you build (like critical thinking, communication, or research) often transfer more than you'd expect. You're already setting yourself up for a meaningful and adaptable future.
Honestly, one of the most helpful things you can do right now is speak with your Academic Advisor. They can often provide a detailed breakdown of the subject requirements or prerequisites for the different fields you're interested in. Once you have that information, you can look for overlaps or common foundational subjects (like biology, economics, or global studies) that keep multiple doors open for you.
You might consider choosing a mix of STEM and humanities subjects if you're interested in both scientific and social impact careers. For example, biology and economics could support both biotech and social entrepreneurship.
Looking into interdisciplinary programs or flexible diploma tracks, which might allow you to combine science and social science courses.
Exploring interships, summer programs, or online courses that let you "test out" different fields in a low-commitmeny way.
It's also worth connecting with professionals or university students in those areas (LinkedIn or school alumni networks can be great for this) to hear firsthand what subjects they found most useful and which ones they didn't.
Finally, don't stress about having it all figured out right now. Many people switch paths later, and the skills you build (like critical thinking, communication, or research) often transfer more than you'd expect. You're already setting yourself up for a meaningful and adaptable future.
Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my question. Your advice gave me a lot to think about, and I really appreciate your perspective. I hadn't considered interdisciplinary programs or combining sciences and social sciences, which makes picking my subjects and classes a lot easier. Thank you again Mrs Remigio!
Elea
Andrea Domínguez
Marketing Specialist
2
Answers
Mexico City, Mexico
Updated
Andrea’s Answer
Hi Elea, it is completely normal to feel unsure and overwhelmed but the truth is, there is no right subjects. For people with so many different interests you will never be fully satisfied with a perfect career, but that's ok because you can do a lot of other things besides working. For example, you can pursue a career in biotech and volunteer for social work, there are many ways to include all your interests in your life, not just your career. And another thing no one tells you when you are deciding, as you learn and grow within you career, new interests come up, technology is advancing so fast that there are a lot of things that haven't being invented yet and it is totally okay to change careers at any time!
Focus on having clear what you don't like and enjoy learning about your many interests, life is not just about work, and as you grow professionally you can always be creative and find ways to use your skills in different areas.
Focus on having clear what you don't like and enjoy learning about your many interests, life is not just about work, and as you grow professionally you can always be creative and find ways to use your skills in different areas.
Tyler White
Account Executive - Tech Sales, Real Estate Investor, Coach
50
Answers
Springville, Utah
Updated
Tyler’s Answer
Great question, Elea!
Two thoughts to keep in mind as you are learning and figuring out what you want to do long term.
1. One of the best pieces of advice I received was to figure out as many things as you don't want to do. Make it clear. Have a list. The more jobs, internships, and subjects you study, help eliminate what you don't like. It sounds simple, but applying this in your stage of life provides more direction than finding a few things you are "okay" with doing.
2. When you embark in your career, keep in mind the following question: "Of what I'm doing right now, what are the tasks or daily things I deal with I want to be doing 5-10 years from now?" This has shaped career & job choices when I've been stuck as it helped me realize what I wanted to be most doing.
Hope this helps!
-Tyler
Two thoughts to keep in mind as you are learning and figuring out what you want to do long term.
1. One of the best pieces of advice I received was to figure out as many things as you don't want to do. Make it clear. Have a list. The more jobs, internships, and subjects you study, help eliminate what you don't like. It sounds simple, but applying this in your stage of life provides more direction than finding a few things you are "okay" with doing.
2. When you embark in your career, keep in mind the following question: "Of what I'm doing right now, what are the tasks or daily things I deal with I want to be doing 5-10 years from now?" This has shaped career & job choices when I've been stuck as it helped me realize what I wanted to be most doing.
Hope this helps!
-Tyler
Thank you so much Mr White for your thoughtful response! I hadn’t considered some jobs and skills might simply be things I'm "okay with doing", instead of something I'm really passionate about. I’m going to keep that in mind as I plan my next steps. Thank you!
Elea
Tony Panos
3
Answers
Romulus, New York
Updated
Tony’s Answer
Elea, as others have suggested, get rid of what you don't enjoy. This will help you focus on what you do like. Fields like biotechnology, social entrepreneurship, and international relations can all connect. If you like them all, you might find ways to combine them in your career. I've been working for over 40 years, and both my interests and the world keep changing. Start with what interests you and add more as you go. Stay curious, follow your passions, and look ahead. Everything will come together.
You never know where you'll end up. You might become the CEO of your own international company, using biotechnology to tackle social science challenges.
You never know where you'll end up. You might become the CEO of your own international company, using biotechnology to tackle social science challenges.
Thank you Mr Panos for taking the time to answer my question! I really appreciate the open-mindedness of both removing what I might not enjoy and adding more interests as I go. It really made me reflect on how different subjects and ideas could fit into my path. So thanks you again!
Elea
Jasmine Peterson
Sales Support Specialist
5
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Jasmine’s Answer
I changed my major four times in college, so I understand the journey. Starting as a Liberal Arts major or being Undecided can give you the space to explore your interests.
Take your time to discover what really excites you. Think about where you want to be in five years. What do you love doing now? If you adore animals, maybe look into Veterinary Medicine. If you enjoy drawing, consider Graphic Design. If math is your thing, Engineering could be a great fit. Love technology? IT careers can be rewarding and exciting!
You have time, and it's important to choose a path that makes you happy. Doing something you love means it won't feel like work; it'll feel like getting paid to do what you enjoy most.
I believe in you! Don't just dream about the life you want—start living it!
Take your time to discover what really excites you. Think about where you want to be in five years. What do you love doing now? If you adore animals, maybe look into Veterinary Medicine. If you enjoy drawing, consider Graphic Design. If math is your thing, Engineering could be a great fit. Love technology? IT careers can be rewarding and exciting!
You have time, and it's important to choose a path that makes you happy. Doing something you love means it won't feel like work; it'll feel like getting paid to do what you enjoy most.
I believe in you! Don't just dream about the life you want—start living it!
Thank you so much for taking the time to respond to my question! It really reassured me even the professionals took their time finding a career they love, and I especially liked your reminder jobs shouldn't feel like work, but feel like getting paid to do what you enjoy most. I'll definitely be reflecting more on what I'm passionate about. So thank you again Mrs Peterson for believing in students like me!
Elea
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2431
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. You better to identify the career ls you have interest before choosing the subjects.
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, school career counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges. Choose the subjects that are relevant to the entry criteria.
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
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, school career counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges. Choose the subjects that are relevant to the entry criteria.
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Thank you so much Mrs Tang for taking the time to answer my question. Your advice gave me a lot to think about, and I really appreciate your perspective. I will definitely be seeking guidance to those working in these careers, so thank you again!
Elea