10 answers
Nancy
Student
Arlington, Texas
1
Question
Updated
2220 views
How do I go about deciding my major?
I'm currently a high school senior who is taking dual enrollment. I have already completed 62 credit hours towards my business management major, but have been considering switching out to nursing/engineering mainly for pay and job security. How should I go about this decision? Is it worth it sticking with business? Is it worth it doing nursing/engineering for the pay and job security?
Growing up, I've always had an interest in business and entrepreneurship, but the amount of people I've heard having a hard time finding a job concerns me since the degree is so broad. So I've been considering nursing (because of the fact that I'll get to talk to people and won't be at a desk all day, and i'll be able to help people in some type of way) or engineering (I'm good at math and I've heard that engineering degrees can look appealing and can be a way to let employers know about your technical skills or critical thinking abilities due to what you studied)
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9 answers
Yisel Andujar
Healthcare/Pharmaceutical
74
Answers
Vineland, New Jersey
Updated
Yisel’s Answer
Hi Nancy,
It's wonderful that you've completed 62 credit hours in your business management major. It sounds like you're really passionate about business and entrepreneurship, which is fantastic. Having a job while you're building your business can be a smart move, much like an actor who works a day job while going to auditions.
If nursing interests you, you might consider a 12-month program to become an LPN, depending on your state. Don't let anyone discourage you from following your dreams, even if they say it's tough. Remember, every challenge is a chance to do something amazing.
Take some time to write down your options. Just like Rome wasn't built in a day, businesses start small and grow. Many entrepreneurs had jobs on the side as they worked toward their dreams. Your vision is yours alone, and it's okay if others don't understand it. It's your journey to create.
It's wonderful that you've completed 62 credit hours in your business management major. It sounds like you're really passionate about business and entrepreneurship, which is fantastic. Having a job while you're building your business can be a smart move, much like an actor who works a day job while going to auditions.
If nursing interests you, you might consider a 12-month program to become an LPN, depending on your state. Don't let anyone discourage you from following your dreams, even if they say it's tough. Remember, every challenge is a chance to do something amazing.
Take some time to write down your options. Just like Rome wasn't built in a day, businesses start small and grow. Many entrepreneurs had jobs on the side as they worked toward their dreams. Your vision is yours alone, and it's okay if others don't understand it. It's your journey to create.
Wala'a B
Healthcare and Student Succeses Advocate
10
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Wala'a’s Answer
Peace, Nancy,
I hope you're doing well!
It sounds like you’ve already made amazing progress with your business management credits and that’s no small feat! I really admire how you're thinking ahead about job security, salary, and also what kind of work will feel meaningful day to day.
Here’s one way to look at it: if you're drawn to business and entrepreneurship but are worried about the job market, why not find a path that blends both passion and practicality? Why not mix both worlds? There are actually several majors and career tracks that combine business, nursing, and engineering, offering both stability as well as room for innovation.
For example, consider majors like:
Biomedical Engineering
Clinical Engineering
Medical Device Engineering
Biomechanical Engineering
Human Factors / Ergonomics
Health Systems Engineering
Nursing Informatics
Health Informatics & IT
These fields can lead you into areas such as:
Medical Device Design
Smart Hospital Systems
Surgical Robotics
Healthcare AI / Machine Learning
Nursing Tech Entrepreneurship
You could also look into combined or dual degree options like:
BSN + BS in Biomedical Engineering
RN + MS in Engineering or Informatics
DNP + PhD in Engineering, Innovation, or Healthcare Tech
This way, you could keep your love for business and problem-solving alive—while gaining the technical or clinical edge that gives you more options and security.
That said, no path is one-size-fits-all. Since you’re still early in your journey, maybe start by reflecting on what energizes you most. What makes you look forward to the next day?:
* Do you light up when helping others face to face (like in nursing)?
* Do you enjoy designing or solving problems in systems (like engineering)?
* Or do you thrive when thinking creatively and leading your own projects (like entrepreneurship)?
Whichever direction you take, you’re not locked in. Your early college experience gives you flexibility to build a unique path that’s true to who you are. You are still at the beginning of your journey. Don't sacrifice your dreams on the pretext of "what-ifs".
Let me know if you want help finding programs that match your interests. I’d be happy help, anytime!
Take a dive into each degree or speacility you find - research it throughly. You're still starting out, take it one step at a time.
Talk to others in those fields, shadow them, and ask all the questions - people are here to help
Talk to your career offices, friends, and teachers/professors you TRUST - see what they say, and take it with a grain of salt. You are the one who is going to live with the choices you make in the future.
Breathe - you got this! Take it one day at a time.
Let me know if there is anything I can help with!
I hope you're doing well!
It sounds like you’ve already made amazing progress with your business management credits and that’s no small feat! I really admire how you're thinking ahead about job security, salary, and also what kind of work will feel meaningful day to day.
Here’s one way to look at it: if you're drawn to business and entrepreneurship but are worried about the job market, why not find a path that blends both passion and practicality? Why not mix both worlds? There are actually several majors and career tracks that combine business, nursing, and engineering, offering both stability as well as room for innovation.
For example, consider majors like:
Biomedical Engineering
Clinical Engineering
Medical Device Engineering
Biomechanical Engineering
Human Factors / Ergonomics
Health Systems Engineering
Nursing Informatics
Health Informatics & IT
These fields can lead you into areas such as:
Medical Device Design
Smart Hospital Systems
Surgical Robotics
Healthcare AI / Machine Learning
Nursing Tech Entrepreneurship
You could also look into combined or dual degree options like:
BSN + BS in Biomedical Engineering
RN + MS in Engineering or Informatics
DNP + PhD in Engineering, Innovation, or Healthcare Tech
This way, you could keep your love for business and problem-solving alive—while gaining the technical or clinical edge that gives you more options and security.
That said, no path is one-size-fits-all. Since you’re still early in your journey, maybe start by reflecting on what energizes you most. What makes you look forward to the next day?:
* Do you light up when helping others face to face (like in nursing)?
* Do you enjoy designing or solving problems in systems (like engineering)?
* Or do you thrive when thinking creatively and leading your own projects (like entrepreneurship)?
Whichever direction you take, you’re not locked in. Your early college experience gives you flexibility to build a unique path that’s true to who you are. You are still at the beginning of your journey. Don't sacrifice your dreams on the pretext of "what-ifs".
Let me know if you want help finding programs that match your interests. I’d be happy help, anytime!
Wala'a recommends the following next steps:
Jane Doe
20
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jane’s Answer
Hi, Nancy! Choosing a major is a big decision, and it’s great to see you balancing your interests with practical concerns like pay and job security.
Since you’ve already made significant progress with your business management credits, you have a strong foundation to build on. At the same time, your interest in nursing and engineering shows you’re thinking broadly about where your strengths and passions might lead.
One helpful approach is to imagine what a typical day might look like in each field. Nursing often involves hands-on patient care and quick decision-making in dynamic environments. Engineering can focus on designing solutions, working on technical projects, and applying math and critical thinking. Business roles typically center on leadership, strategy, and problem-solving across various settings. Reflecting on which daily activities energize you can offer important clues.
Talking directly to people working in these fields can also be very valuable. Informational interviews—whether through your school, family, or platforms like LinkedIn—allow you to learn what their work is really like, the challenges they face, and what skills helped them succeed. These conversations often reveal insights you won’t find in brochures or websites.
If possible, seek out hands-on experiences like internships, volunteering, or job shadowing. Volunteering at a hospital, interning with an engineering firm, or working with a business startup can give you real insight into what these careers involve day-to-day, helping you see what fits your personality and goals.
It’s also worth exploring programs that blend your interests, such as healthcare management, biomedical engineering, or health informatics. These interdisciplinary fields can open doors to a variety of roles, combining your business knowledge with technical or clinical skills.
Consider your long-term lifestyle preferences too. Nursing can involve shift work and patient interaction, engineering often requires focused problem-solving on projects, and business careers may include networking and leadership responsibilities. Knowing what kind of work environment suits you will help guide your choice.
Look closely at the academic and licensing requirements as well. Nursing usually involves clinical hours and certification exams, engineering demands strong math and science skills, and business offers a wide range of electives and specializations. Understanding these expectations can help you plan realistically.
Finally, be honest with yourself about your strengths and what you want to develop. Do you enjoy analytical thinking, creative leadership, or working directly with people? Your answers can guide you toward a path that feels rewarding.
Remember, this decision isn’t set in stone. Many people change directions as they learn more about themselves and the working world. Your curiosity and openness to explore are valuable assets. Best of luck!
Since you’ve already made significant progress with your business management credits, you have a strong foundation to build on. At the same time, your interest in nursing and engineering shows you’re thinking broadly about where your strengths and passions might lead.
One helpful approach is to imagine what a typical day might look like in each field. Nursing often involves hands-on patient care and quick decision-making in dynamic environments. Engineering can focus on designing solutions, working on technical projects, and applying math and critical thinking. Business roles typically center on leadership, strategy, and problem-solving across various settings. Reflecting on which daily activities energize you can offer important clues.
Talking directly to people working in these fields can also be very valuable. Informational interviews—whether through your school, family, or platforms like LinkedIn—allow you to learn what their work is really like, the challenges they face, and what skills helped them succeed. These conversations often reveal insights you won’t find in brochures or websites.
If possible, seek out hands-on experiences like internships, volunteering, or job shadowing. Volunteering at a hospital, interning with an engineering firm, or working with a business startup can give you real insight into what these careers involve day-to-day, helping you see what fits your personality and goals.
It’s also worth exploring programs that blend your interests, such as healthcare management, biomedical engineering, or health informatics. These interdisciplinary fields can open doors to a variety of roles, combining your business knowledge with technical or clinical skills.
Consider your long-term lifestyle preferences too. Nursing can involve shift work and patient interaction, engineering often requires focused problem-solving on projects, and business careers may include networking and leadership responsibilities. Knowing what kind of work environment suits you will help guide your choice.
Look closely at the academic and licensing requirements as well. Nursing usually involves clinical hours and certification exams, engineering demands strong math and science skills, and business offers a wide range of electives and specializations. Understanding these expectations can help you plan realistically.
Finally, be honest with yourself about your strengths and what you want to develop. Do you enjoy analytical thinking, creative leadership, or working directly with people? Your answers can guide you toward a path that feels rewarding.
Remember, this decision isn’t set in stone. Many people change directions as they learn more about themselves and the working world. Your curiosity and openness to explore are valuable assets. Best of luck!
Gail Creamer
Client Associate
3
Answers
Syracuse, New York
Updated
Gail’s Answer
Hi Nancy!
Thanks for your great question. It's so important to do what you love. When you follow your heart and passions, success and happiness naturally follow. Nursing is a field that will always need dedicated people. You can focus on areas like ER, Med/Surg, or NICU/PICU, and there are opportunities to combine your business skills with nursing in management roles. If you enjoy traveling, becoming a traveling nurse lets you help others while exploring new places. I wish you lots of love, luck, and success in whatever path you choose.
Thanks for your great question. It's so important to do what you love. When you follow your heart and passions, success and happiness naturally follow. Nursing is a field that will always need dedicated people. You can focus on areas like ER, Med/Surg, or NICU/PICU, and there are opportunities to combine your business skills with nursing in management roles. If you enjoy traveling, becoming a traveling nurse lets you help others while exploring new places. I wish you lots of love, luck, and success in whatever path you choose.
Diane Karn
Procurement and Sales Support
4
Answers
Columbus, Ohio
Updated
Diane’s Answer
Any science-based degree coupled with a business degree (if you can sustain the dual major) opens endless doors for management careers. A nurse who gains expertise while practicing can transition to managing scores of different business' such as traveling nurses, advanced home care companies, assisted living facilities and managing a hospitals hero workforce. Engineering coupled with business offers the same limitless options from working as an engineer to managing a group or an entire company specializing in services to everything from logistics, power, and architectural assistance during design. Pick something that gives you options not just from a career standpoint but sustainability. Medicine will always be needed and so will engineering so you are on the right path. Ultimately, something has to spark inside you when you decide to take a path. Talk to the advisors in the college of nursing and the college of engineering at your university. They might give you a perspective you can make a decision on. Good Luck!
Estelle Adler
Risk Management
2
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Estelle’s Answer
If you do what you love, it won't feel like work at all. While being practical is important, remember that you have many years ahead to study and work. It's perfectly fine to change your mind about what interests you, even after starting a career. Trying out different roles through volunteering or internships can help you discover what you truly enjoy. The world is changing fast, and what was once a guaranteed job might not be anymore. It's great that you're dedicated to your studies, but don't forget to enjoy some extracurricular activities to keep life balanced.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2139
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to know you have a wide range of business.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Firstly, you need to find out what careers you have interest. If you have interest, would you like to be a accountant, finance manager, backer, human resources, marketing, administration, etc.
On the other hand, there are many disciplines in engineering, eg electrical & electronic engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, computer engineering, etc. Each have specific knowledge domain.
You can find out more relevant careers online
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
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Firstly, you need to find out what careers you have interest. If you have interest, would you like to be a accountant, finance manager, backer, human resources, marketing, administration, etc.
On the other hand, there are many disciplines in engineering, eg electrical & electronic engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, computer engineering, etc. Each have specific knowledge domain.
You can find out more relevant careers online
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
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Prema Sequeira
Engineering Manager
6
Answers
Allentown, Pennsylvania
Updated
Prema’s Answer
Hi Nancy,
First, take a deep breath—you’re already doing so much right. You’re taking dual enrollment courses, you’ve earned 62 credits, and you’re thinking critically about your future. That alone sets you apart.
I remember my daughter going through this exact phase. She was overwhelmed, unsure, and felt the pressure to pick the “right” major. The truth is, nearly 80% of college students change their major at least once. So don’t stress about having everything figured out right now.
You mentioned being interested in business and entrepreneurship—that’s meaningful. But you’re also thinking practically about job security, which is smart. If you’re good at math and like people-facing roles, combining STEM and business might give you flexibility and stability. My daughter went in undecided, focused on STEM courses at first, and eventually double-majored in two very different areas—STEM and Political Science. That combination opened up unexpected career paths for her, and helped her narrow down a niche area for her master’s.
You don’t have to make a hard decision today. You can take business and STEM courses your first year, then evaluate where your strengths and passions align. I know someone who started in chemical engineering, then studied law, and now handles patent work for a tech company. Another friend started in nursing and eventually became Head of Nursing and later a hospital consultant—all supported by her business background.
What matters most is finding a path that fits you—your skills, your interests, and the life you want to lead. You’re off to a strong start, and there are many ways to blend purpose and practicality.
First, take a deep breath—you’re already doing so much right. You’re taking dual enrollment courses, you’ve earned 62 credits, and you’re thinking critically about your future. That alone sets you apart.
I remember my daughter going through this exact phase. She was overwhelmed, unsure, and felt the pressure to pick the “right” major. The truth is, nearly 80% of college students change their major at least once. So don’t stress about having everything figured out right now.
You mentioned being interested in business and entrepreneurship—that’s meaningful. But you’re also thinking practically about job security, which is smart. If you’re good at math and like people-facing roles, combining STEM and business might give you flexibility and stability. My daughter went in undecided, focused on STEM courses at first, and eventually double-majored in two very different areas—STEM and Political Science. That combination opened up unexpected career paths for her, and helped her narrow down a niche area for her master’s.
You don’t have to make a hard decision today. You can take business and STEM courses your first year, then evaluate where your strengths and passions align. I know someone who started in chemical engineering, then studied law, and now handles patent work for a tech company. Another friend started in nursing and eventually became Head of Nursing and later a hospital consultant—all supported by her business background.
What matters most is finding a path that fits you—your skills, your interests, and the life you want to lead. You’re off to a strong start, and there are many ways to blend purpose and practicality.
Laura Morgan
Direct Mail Marketing
10
Answers
Cleveland, Ohio
Updated
Laura’s Answer
I remember feeling the pressure of choosing a major and career path when starting college, and it's something many people experience. You've already made great progress by earning college credits toward a business major, so congratulations! While no one can tell you exactly which major is best for you, here are a few things to think about:
You mentioned concerns about job prospects and pay with a business degree. It's clear you're a motivated and focused student, which will help you succeed in any field. This means you'll likely find chances to advance and increase your earnings quickly, even if you start at an entry-level position.
Your diverse skills and interests make you a strong candidate in any industry. Skills like math, technical abilities, critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication are valuable in most jobs. As you progress in your career, you can apply for roles that match your passions. Doing work that matters to you often leads to a more fulfilling career.
Remember, you're still early in the process, so give yourself time to figure things out. If you can, try interning or shadowing in roles you're considering before deciding on a major or career path. Consider if the work culture, schedule, and daily tasks fit you. Keep asking questions, talking to advisors and mentors, and use the resources your school offers.
You mentioned concerns about job prospects and pay with a business degree. It's clear you're a motivated and focused student, which will help you succeed in any field. This means you'll likely find chances to advance and increase your earnings quickly, even if you start at an entry-level position.
Your diverse skills and interests make you a strong candidate in any industry. Skills like math, technical abilities, critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication are valuable in most jobs. As you progress in your career, you can apply for roles that match your passions. Doing work that matters to you often leads to a more fulfilling career.
Remember, you're still early in the process, so give yourself time to figure things out. If you can, try interning or shadowing in roles you're considering before deciding on a major or career path. Consider if the work culture, schedule, and daily tasks fit you. Keep asking questions, talking to advisors and mentors, and use the resources your school offers.