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No motivation left to finish my major
Hello,
I'm currently computer engineering student in uni. Next semester I can start enrolling in senior project and embedded systems 3. I've got 3 semesters left after this one; I'm glad to be almost done with uni, but I'm feeling like meh and useless.
I don't have any more motivation to finish my major anymore. I hate what I'm doing and I'm not having any fun. I hate embedded systems and programming. The only thing I was slightly good at was circuit analysis, but I barely see in my upper division classes. I have no idea what's going on any more and I don't care to finish my major anymore. I just feel so dumb and useless.
I have no internship experience because every job description sounds mad boring/depressing and I never hear back from any companies. I've only got study abroad experience but I feel like when because I don't really have the hard skills, I'm not desirable to employers in the job market.
I'm also pursuing a minor in applied math. I'm having much more fun in the math classes, even though they can be just as confusing as my engineering classes sometimes, I feel like it's been more rewarding in those classes. I want to change my major so bad to applied math because, finally after four years of confusion, I perhaps found my calling. The only issue is that I'm so close to finishing my major and I'm not sure if I can spend more time in university because of cost.
I just feel so defeated and regretful because I just wasted all this time learning nothing and I don't really care to finish it. I really wished I knew about Applied Math when I applied to univeristy.
I'm not sure what I want to do anymore. How can I make myself more interested in my major until I finish?
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11 answers
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hello Stephanie, it sounds like you're carrying a lot right now, and those feelings are completely valid. It's hard to keep pushing forward when you feel like you've lost your passion for something you've worked so hard on. You're not alone in this, many students reach a point where they question if they made the right choice.
Three semesters may feel long, but you've already made it through most of the hard part. Right now, your goal doesn't have to be "fall back in love" with your major, it can just be finishing the degree with your future in mind. Even if you don’t love computer engineering, having that degree opens doors and gives you time to figure out what comes next.
It's ok to not enjoy programming or embedded systems. Many engineers feel the same. If you don't want a job in that exact area, you don't have to pursue one. Your applied math minor shows where your real interests lie, and that's something you can build a future on. You may be able to use your math skills in fields like data science, finance, machine learning, or research, or areas that don't focus on coding the way your current major does. For now, try to treat your remaining classes like stepping stones, and focus on passing. Wishing you all the best.
Three semesters may feel long, but you've already made it through most of the hard part. Right now, your goal doesn't have to be "fall back in love" with your major, it can just be finishing the degree with your future in mind. Even if you don’t love computer engineering, having that degree opens doors and gives you time to figure out what comes next.
It's ok to not enjoy programming or embedded systems. Many engineers feel the same. If you don't want a job in that exact area, you don't have to pursue one. Your applied math minor shows where your real interests lie, and that's something you can build a future on. You may be able to use your math skills in fields like data science, finance, machine learning, or research, or areas that don't focus on coding the way your current major does. For now, try to treat your remaining classes like stepping stones, and focus on passing. Wishing you all the best.
Updated
Armando de Jesús’s Answer
First off, thank you for being so open and honest about how you're feeling. It takes courage to express frustration and doubt, especially when you're so close to finishing something as demanding as a computer engineering degree.
I want to share a bit from my own journey. I earned my bachelor's in electronics engineering, but I didn’t end up working directly in what I studied. Instead, I found my passion in product and process development across industries like automotive and chemical. I’ve worked with industrial sensors, designed control panels, and eventually earned a PMP certification to manage large-scale projects. What I realized is that my degree gave me the analytical foundation and not a rigid career path. It helped me develop problem-solving skills, discipline, and the ability to learn quickly, which turned out to be far more valuable than any single course.
It’s okay to feel disconnected from your major. Many students go through this, especially when the subjects don’t align with their interests or strengths. You mentioned enjoying applied math more, which is a great insight. Even if switching majors isn’t feasible right now, you can still lean into that interest. Consider integrating math into your senior project or exploring roles that blend math with engineering, like data analysis, modeling, or systems optimization.
Also, don’t underestimate the value of your study abroad experience. It shows adaptability, global awareness, and initiative, all of them are qualities employers care about. If you are looking for internships, try looking for roles that involve problem-solving, creativity, or even project coordination. You might be surprised by what sparks your interest.
It's important to highlight that you’re not dumb or useless. You are going through a difficult time, but the fact that you are thinking critically about your future shows strength and self-awareness. If you are able to finish your degree, it can serve as a valuable stepping stone. It does not define your entire career, but it can help open doors. After that, pursue what truly excites you, whether that is applied math, project management, or something else that aligns with your interests and strengths. Your path is still unfolding, and you will find a role that brings you fulfillment and allows you to thrive. Sometimes the most rewarding careers come from unexpected turns, and you are already on your way to discovering what truly matters to you.
I want to share a bit from my own journey. I earned my bachelor's in electronics engineering, but I didn’t end up working directly in what I studied. Instead, I found my passion in product and process development across industries like automotive and chemical. I’ve worked with industrial sensors, designed control panels, and eventually earned a PMP certification to manage large-scale projects. What I realized is that my degree gave me the analytical foundation and not a rigid career path. It helped me develop problem-solving skills, discipline, and the ability to learn quickly, which turned out to be far more valuable than any single course.
It’s okay to feel disconnected from your major. Many students go through this, especially when the subjects don’t align with their interests or strengths. You mentioned enjoying applied math more, which is a great insight. Even if switching majors isn’t feasible right now, you can still lean into that interest. Consider integrating math into your senior project or exploring roles that blend math with engineering, like data analysis, modeling, or systems optimization.
Also, don’t underestimate the value of your study abroad experience. It shows adaptability, global awareness, and initiative, all of them are qualities employers care about. If you are looking for internships, try looking for roles that involve problem-solving, creativity, or even project coordination. You might be surprised by what sparks your interest.
It's important to highlight that you’re not dumb or useless. You are going through a difficult time, but the fact that you are thinking critically about your future shows strength and self-awareness. If you are able to finish your degree, it can serve as a valuable stepping stone. It does not define your entire career, but it can help open doors. After that, pursue what truly excites you, whether that is applied math, project management, or something else that aligns with your interests and strengths. Your path is still unfolding, and you will find a role that brings you fulfillment and allows you to thrive. Sometimes the most rewarding careers come from unexpected turns, and you are already on your way to discovering what truly matters to you.
Thank you for the advice.
Lawal
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hi, Stephanie !
I would say that it would be best to stick with it, follow through and obtain that valuable Bachelors Degree in Computer Engineering ! It's truly a valuable degree and there can be many ways to go after you get your Bachelors. Try to hang in there, it's possible, yes.
I don't like mentioning this, but a degree in Applied Math is not really a strong degree because it's more like a skill than a career (unless you'd want to teach it). The Computer Engineering Bachelors far outshines a math degree in the work force. It's great to have sharp math skills, but it's going to be the degree that counts.
Why you shouldn't worry or feel short changed about your Computer Engineering path ? Because you do not know what opportunity really awaits you later on. You can't start predicting things. Computer Engineering entails a lot and you never know which facet you may get work in. You might even become a manager at a company, you just don't know, so live in the moment and know that you are doing something very good for your future. And a little secret - no one knows what their first career job will be when they are a Junior in college. You just let it unfold naturally. Three semesters can go very quickly.
You can indeed manage the "boredom". Start thinking of your college as a campus and not as the Computer Engineering Department. Aim for high grades in computer and math, but there's a lot more waiting for you out there on campus. Explore the various activities and events offered by the Theatre, Music and Dance Departments.. You can attend these shows that will break up the monotony that you may be experiencing. See what other events are planned for on campus and attend them. You can have fun, but you will have to initiate it and navigate the things that you consider fun. Make a list of things you love and go for it while you are on campus. Sometimes, all that is needed is a little activity or entertainment just to have a break from the usual.
Start thinking in terms of which companies you find exciting to do computer engineering at. You're in San Francisco, but the first thing that came to my mind is Disneyland - be an Imagineer ! I know you'd have to relocate, but what other companies do you feel will be exciting to use your computer skills at ? One of the film studios in San Francisco ? Explore your beautiful city as well as the Bay Area and think company, not so much about the work for right now. I'm sure that computer staff at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo and California's Great America in Santa Clara love their jobs.
So really think about the current special opportunity that you are involved in at college and try not to overthink the future. We all never know how it will go until that first idea or opportunity leads us through the door to our first career job. You can do this and don't let anything stop you. I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
I would say that it would be best to stick with it, follow through and obtain that valuable Bachelors Degree in Computer Engineering ! It's truly a valuable degree and there can be many ways to go after you get your Bachelors. Try to hang in there, it's possible, yes.
I don't like mentioning this, but a degree in Applied Math is not really a strong degree because it's more like a skill than a career (unless you'd want to teach it). The Computer Engineering Bachelors far outshines a math degree in the work force. It's great to have sharp math skills, but it's going to be the degree that counts.
Why you shouldn't worry or feel short changed about your Computer Engineering path ? Because you do not know what opportunity really awaits you later on. You can't start predicting things. Computer Engineering entails a lot and you never know which facet you may get work in. You might even become a manager at a company, you just don't know, so live in the moment and know that you are doing something very good for your future. And a little secret - no one knows what their first career job will be when they are a Junior in college. You just let it unfold naturally. Three semesters can go very quickly.
You can indeed manage the "boredom". Start thinking of your college as a campus and not as the Computer Engineering Department. Aim for high grades in computer and math, but there's a lot more waiting for you out there on campus. Explore the various activities and events offered by the Theatre, Music and Dance Departments.. You can attend these shows that will break up the monotony that you may be experiencing. See what other events are planned for on campus and attend them. You can have fun, but you will have to initiate it and navigate the things that you consider fun. Make a list of things you love and go for it while you are on campus. Sometimes, all that is needed is a little activity or entertainment just to have a break from the usual.
Start thinking in terms of which companies you find exciting to do computer engineering at. You're in San Francisco, but the first thing that came to my mind is Disneyland - be an Imagineer ! I know you'd have to relocate, but what other companies do you feel will be exciting to use your computer skills at ? One of the film studios in San Francisco ? Explore your beautiful city as well as the Bay Area and think company, not so much about the work for right now. I'm sure that computer staff at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo and California's Great America in Santa Clara love their jobs.
So really think about the current special opportunity that you are involved in at college and try not to overthink the future. We all never know how it will go until that first idea or opportunity leads us through the door to our first career job. You can do this and don't let anything stop you. I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Updated
Andre’s Answer
Hey Stephanie,
I read your message, and it's completely understandable to feel the way you do right now. That "meh and useless" feeling, especially when you're so close to the finish line, is a classic sign of burnout and career uncertainty. What you're experiencing is far from unusual, so please don't feel dumb or useless. You've been working incredibly hard, and it's okay to feel disconnected when your initial passion has faded.
The great news is that your applied math minor has given you a path forward, not a path backward. A computer engineering degree, even if you don't love embedded systems, is a powerful and valuable credential. When you combine that with your new passion for applied math, you're not just a standard engineering graduate—you're a unique and very marketable hybrid candidate.
Here's a breakdown of how I'd suggest you approach this:
1. Finish the degree, but change your mindset.
Focus on the end goal: You are just three semesters away from a bachelor's degree that can lead to many careers, including ones that aren't focused on programming. Reframing the final classes as a manageable task to complete, rather than a passion project, can make it more bearable.
Leverage your strengths: You mentioned enjoying circuit analysis. Focus on that. In your final projects, see if you can steer them toward hardware design or system architecture, where you can apply what you're good at, rather than pure coding.
Use university resources: Your academic and career counselors have dealt with this many times before. Meet with them to discuss your feelings. They can provide support and help you find ways to make the most of your remaining time.
2. Turn your applied math minor into your main focus.
Rebrand your value: The quantitative and analytical skills you've gained in your math classes are highly sought after in fields like data science, finance, and consulting. On your resume, you can highlight this by creating an "Applied Math Skills" section where you list what you've learned.
Explore math-heavy job titles: Start researching roles like "Data Analyst," "Quantitative Analyst," or "Computational Analyst." In these jobs, you would use programming as a tool for mathematical analysis, which is likely a much better fit for you.
Consider graduate school: With your dual background, you'd be a great candidate for a master's program in a quantitative field. This could be your opportunity to fully transition to a field you're excited about.
3. Build real-world experience differently.
Showcase your study abroad experience: An internship isn't the only way to get hired. Your study abroad experience demonstrates adaptability, problem-solving, and cross-cultural communication—all skills employers value. On your resume, focus on these soft skills and describe a challenge you overcame while you were away.
Create a personal portfolio: With your math and engineering knowledge, you can create a project that demonstrates your skills without needing an internship. Use a dataset to do an analysis, create a financial model, or build a simulation. This hands-on project is something tangible you can show to potential employers.
Don't see the last four years as a waste. They gave you the technical foundation to discover what you truly enjoy. By finishing strong and strategically leveraging your applied math skills, you can pivot your career in a direction that feels much more rewarding. You got this your almost through even if you don't choose to pursue this as your "career" it's still something good to put on your resume.
Hope this helps!
Regards,
Andre De La Pena
I read your message, and it's completely understandable to feel the way you do right now. That "meh and useless" feeling, especially when you're so close to the finish line, is a classic sign of burnout and career uncertainty. What you're experiencing is far from unusual, so please don't feel dumb or useless. You've been working incredibly hard, and it's okay to feel disconnected when your initial passion has faded.
The great news is that your applied math minor has given you a path forward, not a path backward. A computer engineering degree, even if you don't love embedded systems, is a powerful and valuable credential. When you combine that with your new passion for applied math, you're not just a standard engineering graduate—you're a unique and very marketable hybrid candidate.
Here's a breakdown of how I'd suggest you approach this:
1. Finish the degree, but change your mindset.
Focus on the end goal: You are just three semesters away from a bachelor's degree that can lead to many careers, including ones that aren't focused on programming. Reframing the final classes as a manageable task to complete, rather than a passion project, can make it more bearable.
Leverage your strengths: You mentioned enjoying circuit analysis. Focus on that. In your final projects, see if you can steer them toward hardware design or system architecture, where you can apply what you're good at, rather than pure coding.
Use university resources: Your academic and career counselors have dealt with this many times before. Meet with them to discuss your feelings. They can provide support and help you find ways to make the most of your remaining time.
2. Turn your applied math minor into your main focus.
Rebrand your value: The quantitative and analytical skills you've gained in your math classes are highly sought after in fields like data science, finance, and consulting. On your resume, you can highlight this by creating an "Applied Math Skills" section where you list what you've learned.
Explore math-heavy job titles: Start researching roles like "Data Analyst," "Quantitative Analyst," or "Computational Analyst." In these jobs, you would use programming as a tool for mathematical analysis, which is likely a much better fit for you.
Consider graduate school: With your dual background, you'd be a great candidate for a master's program in a quantitative field. This could be your opportunity to fully transition to a field you're excited about.
3. Build real-world experience differently.
Showcase your study abroad experience: An internship isn't the only way to get hired. Your study abroad experience demonstrates adaptability, problem-solving, and cross-cultural communication—all skills employers value. On your resume, focus on these soft skills and describe a challenge you overcame while you were away.
Create a personal portfolio: With your math and engineering knowledge, you can create a project that demonstrates your skills without needing an internship. Use a dataset to do an analysis, create a financial model, or build a simulation. This hands-on project is something tangible you can show to potential employers.
Don't see the last four years as a waste. They gave you the technical foundation to discover what you truly enjoy. By finishing strong and strategically leveraging your applied math skills, you can pivot your career in a direction that feels much more rewarding. You got this your almost through even if you don't choose to pursue this as your "career" it's still something good to put on your resume.
Hope this helps!
Regards,
Andre De La Pena
Updated
Dave’s Answer
Hi Stephanie, you've already received some great advice. Making this decision is tough. If starting over isn't an option for you, finishing your degree might be the best choice. I also faced a similar situation. After two years in college as a business major, I realized it wasn't for me. I couldn't see myself happy in a business career. So, I explored other fields and discovered engineering, which excited me because it involved problem-solving and creating things. I switched majors, worked hard, and took an extra two years to graduate. Now, after 35 years in the field, I'm so glad I made that choice. My advice is to pursue what you're passionate about. You're more likely to excel in something you truly love. Find your passion and follow it.
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
Well Well , this is not unusual and quite normal. Myself my first major in college #1 was Physical Education eventually I left that school after 2 yrs and returned home. 2nd college I majored in Computer Science because it was the study to get a good job. BUT I changed again because I wanted to avoid Chemistry, so I changed to MIS (Management Information Systems) because it was inline of the courses I enjoyed.
You are young and you should do what makes you happy otherwise you're going to have an unenjoyable career. :-)
It's never too late or too early to redirect your life. It's your life.
You are young and you should do what makes you happy otherwise you're going to have an unenjoyable career. :-)
It's never too late or too early to redirect your life. It's your life.
Thank you for giving me advice.
Lawal
Updated
Sibel’s Answer
Hi Stephanie, I hope you're doing well. I completely agree with Wong's advice and want to share my own experience. When I got my computer engineering degree, I felt just like you do now. Remember, the toughest part is behind you, and you're almost at the finish line. You don't have to be an engineer if you don't want to. I switched to a career in sales and marketing, and what I learned has been helpful in many ways. What you're learning now will benefit you no matter what path you choose. You're also building resilience. You're not alone, so keep your eyes on the finish line.
Updated
Nefeli’s Answer
Hello Stephanie!
I would also advise you to try and get your degree. It may be hard for you due to your lack of motivation right now, but a degree always opens doors for you and will let you have more opportunities. I would also advise to take a closer look at other courses in your degree to see if there is anything else that would interest you. Since you liked circuits is there anything hardware related that you could do? If there are not a lot of courses maybe you can take some online courses and try to get an internship. Also since you like applied maths, you can try and search for domains in computer engineering where applied maths is a prominent part. Just searching the internet I found some ideas like cryptography, signal processing, control systems, bioinformatics and more. You don't have to do embedded systems or general programming if that's not something you love!
Wishing you the best of luck! :)
I would also advise you to try and get your degree. It may be hard for you due to your lack of motivation right now, but a degree always opens doors for you and will let you have more opportunities. I would also advise to take a closer look at other courses in your degree to see if there is anything else that would interest you. Since you liked circuits is there anything hardware related that you could do? If there are not a lot of courses maybe you can take some online courses and try to get an internship. Also since you like applied maths, you can try and search for domains in computer engineering where applied maths is a prominent part. Just searching the internet I found some ideas like cryptography, signal processing, control systems, bioinformatics and more. You don't have to do embedded systems or general programming if that's not something you love!
Wishing you the best of luck! :)
Updated
Shawn’s Answer
There is lots of great advice here already. I would add that as a hiring manager, it matters for more to me that someone has tackled the challenge of completing a difficult degree program than it does which specific degree they earned. Having a degree outside the career field you ultimately choose may make getting that first job slightly more challenging, but after that it is little more than a footnote on your CV — your work experience will be far more relevant.
Complete your Computer Engineering degree, you're so close!
While you're working toward that goal, start digging into other possible career fields that seem more appealing.
Once you've identified one or two desirable fields, ask what you'll need to know to interview successfully in those fields and then study those knowledge areas.
Shawn recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Anthony’s Answer
While this won't be vastly different than the other advice you've received, I wanted to help reaffirm that while I'm a strong believer in pursuing your actual passion (in this case applied math), it would still be far more beneficial to finish your degree in engineering as opposed to not at all. After college you'll learn that many skills are transferrable and hiring managers know that too. In other words, your degree in engineering won't limit you to only engineering jobs, but not having a degree would potentially limit you from many jobs.
Updated
Bobbi’s Answer
Hi Stephanie, if you can make it work financially, I would actually encourage you to step away from your major if you really hate it. 3 semesters is much closer to the end than it is to the beginning, but it's a long time to slog through something that's making you feel so bad. It's great that you're already working on the area you would like to switch to as a minor - I would at least look into what it would take to switch in terms of extra classes. I actually didn't start my final major until my third year in school, but most of the required courses for the major were upper level, anyway, and designed to be completed in the last 2 years after completing more general classes early on. Could you take some of the classes at a community college, maybe during the summer, to reduce the cost of switching?
If you don't think you can afford to make the switch now, I do think having a computer science background combined with math could be an asset, especially in the age of AI. So following the advice above to view it as a task to complete, rather than a passion project, is also a good approach. If you have any interest in machine learning and AI, having the computer science background with a math minor would be a great springboard (though I think a CS minor with a math major would also be solid).
I really feel for you - you're in a tough spot. Don't let struggling with a lack of interest convince you that you're dumb or useless - we all shine when we're doing what we're passionate about and there are limits to how much motivation we each have for work that doesn't fuel us. And don't feel bad about making a choice you wish you'd done differently now. You'll likely change your career at least a few times during your life - this was just your first try. :)
If you don't think you can afford to make the switch now, I do think having a computer science background combined with math could be an asset, especially in the age of AI. So following the advice above to view it as a task to complete, rather than a passion project, is also a good approach. If you have any interest in machine learning and AI, having the computer science background with a math minor would be a great springboard (though I think a CS minor with a math major would also be solid).
I really feel for you - you're in a tough spot. Don't let struggling with a lack of interest convince you that you're dumb or useless - we all shine when we're doing what we're passionate about and there are limits to how much motivation we each have for work that doesn't fuel us. And don't feel bad about making a choice you wish you'd done differently now. You'll likely change your career at least a few times during your life - this was just your first try. :)