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How do I find out what I truly want to study in college?
I have interests but I'm worried it won't work out. How do I make sure I know I'm going to enjoy what I study in college?
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Phill’s Answer
Hey Ansel,
It’s great to hear that you are considering you major around something that interests you. Even with interests, it can still be difficult to decide what to study. There are a few ways you can go about deciding what major to study, if any at all.
If there are some things that you are interested in, try finding colleges that have programs that are similar or related. See if anything sticks out or draws your interest. If so, get in touch with the staff and students. Ask them what the school is like, what they learn, etc. This will help you get a sense of the university and program from first hand experience.
You can also look into trade school. There are many different options that will get you working quicker than college. You can also look into becoming an apprentice to a specific trade or industry. Also, if nothing truly feels right and you are not sure if college is for you, know that graduating is not a race and you can always take a few semesters or even a year off to decide what you might want to do.
Best of luck on your journey!
It’s great to hear that you are considering you major around something that interests you. Even with interests, it can still be difficult to decide what to study. There are a few ways you can go about deciding what major to study, if any at all.
If there are some things that you are interested in, try finding colleges that have programs that are similar or related. See if anything sticks out or draws your interest. If so, get in touch with the staff and students. Ask them what the school is like, what they learn, etc. This will help you get a sense of the university and program from first hand experience.
You can also look into trade school. There are many different options that will get you working quicker than college. You can also look into becoming an apprentice to a specific trade or industry. Also, if nothing truly feels right and you are not sure if college is for you, know that graduating is not a race and you can always take a few semesters or even a year off to decide what you might want to do.
Best of luck on your journey!
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Advisor | Freelance Writer | TRIO Program Director
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Paul’s Answer
There are several things that you can do in order to determine what you want to major in when you attend college.
Remember, you will have two years to make a final determination, of what you want to do. So, definitely take advantage of this time and complete your General University Requirements (during your first two years), so you can eventually progress into a major.
You might start out by exploring your personal interests and strengths through activities like career assessments and the courses that you will be taking in your first two years. There will be a variety of things, that you will be taking. This includes Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Math, and other courses. So definitely use these classes to determine where your strongest interests are.
Next, research different majors, their course content, and potential career paths by conducting informational interviews with professors and people at the college career center, and investigating job market trends.
Finally, consider your long-term goals and values, and remember that it is okay to start as an undecided student and change your major as you learn more about yourself and different fields.
Remember, you will have two years to make a final determination, of what you want to do. So, definitely take advantage of this time and complete your General University Requirements (during your first two years), so you can eventually progress into a major.
You might start out by exploring your personal interests and strengths through activities like career assessments and the courses that you will be taking in your first two years. There will be a variety of things, that you will be taking. This includes Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Math, and other courses. So definitely use these classes to determine where your strongest interests are.
Next, research different majors, their course content, and potential career paths by conducting informational interviews with professors and people at the college career center, and investigating job market trends.
Finally, consider your long-term goals and values, and remember that it is okay to start as an undecided student and change your major as you learn more about yourself and different fields.
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Many students have similar questions. Firstly, you need to find out what careers you have interest.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what you have interest, eg your hobbies and favourite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
Eg if you like music, would you like to be a singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer,, musician, 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
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what you have interest, eg your hobbies and favourite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
Eg if you like music, would you like to be a singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer,, musician, 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
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Updated
Selina Marie’s Answer
Thanks for reaching out! Here are some tips to help you figure out what you might want to do in college:
1. Check out different programs: Your school might have career guidance or electives that let you try out different fields. Some cities also have career fairs where you can learn about various industries. That's how I found my path!
2. Think about what you love and what you're good at: What activities make you excited? What subjects or tasks feel easy for you?
3. Consider what’s important to you: Do you want financial stability, a chance to travel, or a creative and collaborative environment? Maybe you like focused work with analysis and numbers. These priorities can help guide your choices.
4. Try volunteering or internships: These are great ways to get real-world experience and see what different jobs are like. Visiting universities and talking to students or professors can also give you a better idea of specific degrees.
5. Be patient with yourself: It's okay not to have everything figured out right away. Many people find what they love over time, and it's normal to change direction.
I hope these tips help you on your journey!
1. Check out different programs: Your school might have career guidance or electives that let you try out different fields. Some cities also have career fairs where you can learn about various industries. That's how I found my path!
2. Think about what you love and what you're good at: What activities make you excited? What subjects or tasks feel easy for you?
3. Consider what’s important to you: Do you want financial stability, a chance to travel, or a creative and collaborative environment? Maybe you like focused work with analysis and numbers. These priorities can help guide your choices.
4. Try volunteering or internships: These are great ways to get real-world experience and see what different jobs are like. Visiting universities and talking to students or professors can also give you a better idea of specific degrees.
5. Be patient with yourself: It's okay not to have everything figured out right away. Many people find what they love over time, and it's normal to change direction.
I hope these tips help you on your journey!
Updated
N’s Answer
Ansel, this is pretty standard confusion many students go through.
Here are a couple of the tips from my side.
(1) Top-3 exercise
Identify potential courses you are interested in and then write down top 3 reasons why you want to purse, top 3 skills you have to become successful, top 3 resources you have to become successful, top 3 challenges you may face while studying/finding job opportunities. Then start comparing among all the courses. This exercise will help you to stay focused on what you want to do and why?
(2) Volunteering / internship
Try to find some small opportunity / project in the relevant course and try-it-out. See how it goes, what you feel
All the best!
Here are a couple of the tips from my side.
(1) Top-3 exercise
Identify potential courses you are interested in and then write down top 3 reasons why you want to purse, top 3 skills you have to become successful, top 3 resources you have to become successful, top 3 challenges you may face while studying/finding job opportunities. Then start comparing among all the courses. This exercise will help you to stay focused on what you want to do and why?
(2) Volunteering / internship
Try to find some small opportunity / project in the relevant course and try-it-out. See how it goes, what you feel
All the best!
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
Discovering what you truly want to study in college begins with thinking about what excites you. Consider the subjects or activities that make time fly by or the problems you love solving. It's also important to think about your values and long-term goals. Do you want a job that helps others, sparks creativity, involves research, or offers stability? Try exploring different fields by shadowing professionals, volunteering, or taking online courses to get a sense of what each path is like. Researching majors and their related careers can help you picture your future, and talking to people in those fields can provide valuable insights. Ultimately, the decision becomes clearer when you combine self-awareness with exploration and allow yourself to grow as you learn more.
Updated
Yesh’s Answer
It’s normal to feel unsure about what to study in college! Start by exploring what genuinely interests you—take different classes, try free online courses, and notice what excites you. Talking to people in those fields is huge; I found a mentor early on who gave me great advice about college and careers, and it really helped me see what fit. Remember, your major doesn’t lock you into one path forever—focus on what sparks your curiosity now, and stay open to learning along the way.
Updated
Florian’s Answer
I agree with the earlier answer, just let me add my thoughts as well:
I would really take time to reflect on yourself, probably ask friends and family for a true 360 view on what you are good at and what you actually love doing.
Keep in mind, you might be doing this for quite some time, not only during study
AT the same time, even during or after study, you might change the direction slightly as you will develop further as a person and that't sometimes even more important than the actual subject you are taking
I would really take time to reflect on yourself, probably ask friends and family for a true 360 view on what you are good at and what you actually love doing.
Keep in mind, you might be doing this for quite some time, not only during study
AT the same time, even during or after study, you might change the direction slightly as you will develop further as a person and that't sometimes even more important than the actual subject you are taking
Updated
Tas’s Answer
I was in your shoes Ansel! Are you a current high school student? If so, I would reach out to your counselor or advisor at your school to see if they can help you decide on what majors you may like based on your interests. Sometimes, they have online career tests that can give you a list of occupations based on your interests. Ask if they can connect you with people in the field you're interested in or alums from the majors you’re thinking about for college.
You can also find people who studied the major you’re thinking about on Linkedin and reach out to them to see if they can share their experience. You would start by introducing yourself, explain what your plans are, and ask if they have a few minutes to share their experience in the majors you’re interested in.
Almost no one has it figured out 18. You can try out different classes the first two years and change majors once if you don’t like your major (many people do). There are many career exploration opportunities as well in college so I would recommend going to those events. Additionally, most colleges have a career centers that help students find the path that suits them based on their interests and future plans.
Remember, don’t be afraid to ask questions when you see something that intrigues you and make a change if you don’t like what you decide to study. Good luck!
You can also find people who studied the major you’re thinking about on Linkedin and reach out to them to see if they can share their experience. You would start by introducing yourself, explain what your plans are, and ask if they have a few minutes to share their experience in the majors you’re interested in.
Almost no one has it figured out 18. You can try out different classes the first two years and change majors once if you don’t like your major (many people do). There are many career exploration opportunities as well in college so I would recommend going to those events. Additionally, most colleges have a career centers that help students find the path that suits them based on their interests and future plans.
Remember, don’t be afraid to ask questions when you see something that intrigues you and make a change if you don’t like what you decide to study. Good luck!
Updated
Aleksandra’s Answer
It’s normal to feel unsure. Start by reflecting on what classes or activities you’ve enjoyed most and why, and explore different subjects through courses, clubs, or talking with students. You don’t have to get it perfect right away—college gives you space to try things out. The key is choosing something that excites your curiosity and builds useful skills. And remember, life is a journey—you can always make changes along the way.