6 answers
Ashfi
Student
Dhaka, Dhaka Division, Bangladesh
3
Questions
Updated
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As a high school student from Bangladesh, how do I know what is the right major for me when I've barely been exposed to any?
I'm a 10th grader, highly interested in Computer Science and technology. I was interested in creating sustainable and environment friendly tech. But, I can't seem to figure out if it's the right choice for me, especially in the current world where automation is threatening to replace many jobs related to this major. And looking at my other academic interests, which mostly includes STEM(minus medicine), I'm having a hard time understanding what I should choose. Engineering? But what type of engineering? Biology? Both my parents graduated from biology background so it has always fascinated but then again, what exactly? My parents do jobs that are totally different from their field of study now, so I've never really known what it's like to be STEM major or a STEM professional. I thought CS was it for me, but dreams aren't enough. As someone with a middle class background, I have to take into consideration scope, jobs, and pay too.
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6 answers
Taruna Juneja
Client Lead at Microsoft
2
Answers
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Updated
Taruna’s Answer
That's a thrilling choice to make! There's no need to worry about automation taking over jobs. Skills in Computer Science, especially in AI, Machine Learning, and Data Science, are the ones that drive automation. These fields offer strong job security and excellent pay.
Your passion for sustainable technology is fantastic! You can merge Computer Science with Environmental or Electrical Engineering, working on smart grids and renewable energy. Concentrate on excelling in Math and Physics now, as they are the foundation of all successful STEM careers, promising great opportunities and salaries.
You can also dive into projects: try starting small, self-directed ones like:
build a small program that tracks local pollution data
Read about environmental problems and write a paper on how technology or AI could solve it.
Be curious to learn about solar panels, Electric vehicles. and physics behind it.
Your passion for sustainable technology is fantastic! You can merge Computer Science with Environmental or Electrical Engineering, working on smart grids and renewable energy. Concentrate on excelling in Math and Physics now, as they are the foundation of all successful STEM careers, promising great opportunities and salaries.
You can also dive into projects: try starting small, self-directed ones like:
Taruna recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much Ms Taruna for taking the time to advice me. I'll be sure to follow your guidance
Ashfi
Jaclyn Deveau
2
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Jaclyn’s Answer
Many people have already shared great advice, but I want to add that changing careers, even multiple times, is completely normal. It's understandable to feel pressure when choosing a major because it seems like a big decision for your future. However, it's helpful to think about what interests you now and find a job that feels fulfilling and meets practical needs, like paying bills and being in demand. Consider if you could be happy in a field for five years, if the major could open different opportunities later, and if you will learn skills that apply to various jobs. You don't have to choose one major or job forever.
I changed my major several times, from high school through graduate school, and even switched careers four years after graduating. Changing careers can have benefits, like gaining a broader perspective, learning diverse skills, and expanding your professional network. Keep an open mind and trust your instincts.
I changed my major several times, from high school through graduate school, and even switched careers four years after graduating. Changing careers can have benefits, like gaining a broader perspective, learning diverse skills, and expanding your professional network. Keep an open mind and trust your instincts.
Thank you for the reassuring advice, I'll be sure to keep this in mind.
Ashfi
Godfred Arhinful
Software Engineering
21
Answers
Grambling, Louisiana
Updated
Godfred’s Answer
Ashfi, I totally get the pressure you're feeling, especially when you have to think about job security and money on top of just figuring out what you like. Here's the thing, though: you don't have to have it all figured out right now in 10th grade.
Computer Science is still a solid choice, even with automation. The people building the automation are CS professionals. AI and machine learning aren't replacing CS jobs; they're creating different ones. If you're interested in sustainable tech, that's actually a growing field. Companies need people who understand both technology and environmental problems.
I would say pick something broad first, like Computer Science or Engineering, that keeps your options open. You can specialize later once you're actually in college and get exposed to different areas. Most people change their minds anyway once they see what the actual work looks like. Your parents are proof of that.
Focus on building skills now that work across fields. Get good at math and physics. Learn basic coding through free resources online. Try small projects related to sustainability or whatever interests you. That hands-on experience will help you figure out what you actually enjoy doing versus what just sounds cool in theory.
And honestly, the "right major" isn't as permanent as it feels. Your first job won't be your last job. You can pivot. What matters more is picking something with decent opportunities that you're genuinely curious about, not just something that pays well but makes you miserable.
Computer Science is still a solid choice, even with automation. The people building the automation are CS professionals. AI and machine learning aren't replacing CS jobs; they're creating different ones. If you're interested in sustainable tech, that's actually a growing field. Companies need people who understand both technology and environmental problems.
I would say pick something broad first, like Computer Science or Engineering, that keeps your options open. You can specialize later once you're actually in college and get exposed to different areas. Most people change their minds anyway once they see what the actual work looks like. Your parents are proof of that.
Focus on building skills now that work across fields. Get good at math and physics. Learn basic coding through free resources online. Try small projects related to sustainability or whatever interests you. That hands-on experience will help you figure out what you actually enjoy doing versus what just sounds cool in theory.
And honestly, the "right major" isn't as permanent as it feels. Your first job won't be your last job. You can pivot. What matters more is picking something with decent opportunities that you're genuinely curious about, not just something that pays well but makes you miserable.
Thank you so much for your answer! I've actually been really worried regarding this but your guidance and assurance are a relief.
Ashfi
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Ashfi. You might be highly interested in Computer Science and technology. The idea of creating sustainable and eco-friendly tech that could help the environment may excite you. Building things that make a difference sounds meaningful. But it's normal to worry. With automation and AI growing rapidly, many jobs in this field might be at risk in the future. That can make you question whether CS is the right path.
You may also enjoy other STEM subjects, though not necessarily medicine. Engineering might seem like a good option, but there are so many branches like mechanical, electrical, environmental, software, and it's hard to know which one would suit you best. Biology could also be fascinating, especially if your parents studied it. But if they ended up working in jobs unrelated to biology, you probably haven't seen what a career in science really looks like. That makes it harder to imagine yourself in any STEM profession.
Right now, the best thing you can do is explore more, learn about different fields, and talk to people who work in those areas. With time and exposure, you'll gain a clearer idea of what's best for you. Hope this helps.
You may also enjoy other STEM subjects, though not necessarily medicine. Engineering might seem like a good option, but there are so many branches like mechanical, electrical, environmental, software, and it's hard to know which one would suit you best. Biology could also be fascinating, especially if your parents studied it. But if they ended up working in jobs unrelated to biology, you probably haven't seen what a career in science really looks like. That makes it harder to imagine yourself in any STEM profession.
Right now, the best thing you can do is explore more, learn about different fields, and talk to people who work in those areas. With time and exposure, you'll gain a clearer idea of what's best for you. Hope this helps.
I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question. Thank you!
Ashfi
You're very welcome
Wong Loke Yuen
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2397
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to hear that you have interest in technology.
Below are my suggestions:
1. If you have interest in Technology, it would probably the way you consider to be your future career. There are many tech related careers, eg web developer, ERP developer, apps developer, database administrator, network engineer, etc. you can find out more online.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Attend the information session hosts by computer science department of colleges. Speak to the professors and alumni if you can.
4. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents, etc.
5. If you really have interest in Computer Science, explore the entry criteria of colleges
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions:
1. If you have interest in Technology, it would probably the way you consider to be your future career. There are many tech related careers, eg web developer, ERP developer, apps developer, database administrator, network engineer, etc. you can find out more online.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Attend the information session hosts by computer science department of colleges. Speak to the professors and alumni if you can.
4. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents, etc.
5. If you really have interest in Computer Science, explore the entry criteria of colleges
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Thank you so much, I'll try to do so and hope this helps me figure out my interests!
Ashfi
Shreeya Kankandula
Technical Account Manager
5
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Shreeya’s Answer
Hey there! First off, I just want to say how thoughtful your question is. The fact that you’re already thinking about your future this deeply in 10th grade shows a lot of maturity. I actually relate to this a lot, I grew up in India, and like you, I wasn’t really exposed to many different careers early on. A lot of us are told things like “Computer Science is good for you” or “Engineering is safe,” but it’s hard to know what those paths really mean until you try them yourself.
Here’s what helped me (and what might help you too):
- Start with exploration, not decision. You don’t have to pick the major right now, just start learning what interests you most. Try free online courses in areas like computer science, environmental engineering, or even biotechnology. You might discover what kind of problems excite you most.
- Think about the “why.” You mentioned sustainable, environment-friendly tech, that’s a really strong “why.” You could combine that passion with CS through fields like green computing, environmental data science, or energy systems engineering.
- Don’t worry too much about automation yet. The world will always need people who can think critically, solve problems, and adapt. Even in CS, the type of work keeps evolving but problem solvers never go “out of scope.”
- It’s okay if your career changes later. You mentioned your parents ended up in different fields that’s actually more common than you think! Your degree is a starting point, not a lifelong lock-in.
You’re already asking the right questions, now the goal is just to explore until something clicks. Trust that curiosity, and let it guide you.
Here’s what helped me (and what might help you too):
- Start with exploration, not decision. You don’t have to pick the major right now, just start learning what interests you most. Try free online courses in areas like computer science, environmental engineering, or even biotechnology. You might discover what kind of problems excite you most.
- Think about the “why.” You mentioned sustainable, environment-friendly tech, that’s a really strong “why.” You could combine that passion with CS through fields like green computing, environmental data science, or energy systems engineering.
- Don’t worry too much about automation yet. The world will always need people who can think critically, solve problems, and adapt. Even in CS, the type of work keeps evolving but problem solvers never go “out of scope.”
- It’s okay if your career changes later. You mentioned your parents ended up in different fields that’s actually more common than you think! Your degree is a starting point, not a lifelong lock-in.
You’re already asking the right questions, now the goal is just to explore until something clicks. Trust that curiosity, and let it guide you.
Thank you so much for taking the time to advice me on this. It's always delighful to get insights from people from the subcontinent.
Ashfi