7 answers
Owen
Student
Ramsey, Minnesota
5
Questions
Asked
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How should I decide on one college major/future career when I have many in mind #Fall25?
How should I decide on one college major/future career when I have many in mind? #Fall25
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7 answers
David Seides
Finance
29
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
David’s Answer
College is an exciting time to discover your passions, with so many classes to choose from. Dive into courses that catch your interest. When you find something you love, take more classes like it, and it might just guide you to the right major.
Remember to keep an eye on graduation requirements. Know what classes you need to finish your degree, and try to explore within those. For example, if you need two social science classes, use them to try out new interests. This way, you stay on track while figuring out what major suits you best.
Many careers don't need a specific major. If you're thinking about business, you could study business, economics, psychology, or communications. It's okay not to know exactly what career you want before choosing a major. On the other hand, the major you pick can help you decide on a career path. You can pick your career first or your major first; both ways can lead to success.
Remember to keep an eye on graduation requirements. Know what classes you need to finish your degree, and try to explore within those. For example, if you need two social science classes, use them to try out new interests. This way, you stay on track while figuring out what major suits you best.
Many careers don't need a specific major. If you're thinking about business, you could study business, economics, psychology, or communications. It's okay not to know exactly what career you want before choosing a major. On the other hand, the major you pick can help you decide on a career path. You can pick your career first or your major first; both ways can lead to success.
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Owen. You need to find ways to explore your interests and learn about what different majors and careers involve. Think about what subjects make you feel excited, what type of work environment you enjoy, and what kind of lifestyle you want in the future. For example, do you like working with people, being creative, solving problems, or doing hands-on projects? Your answers can help you narrow down your options.
You can also take general education classes or introductory courses in different subjects to see which ones you enjoy most. Talking to academic advisors or professionals in the fields you're interested in can give you real insight into what each path is like. Internships, part-time jobs, or volunteering are also great ways to experience different careers before making a final choice.
It's also important to think about your strengths and values. Ask yourself what you're good at and what kind of impact you want to make. Sometimes, combining your skills and passions can lead you to a unique major or career that fits both. All the best.
You can also take general education classes or introductory courses in different subjects to see which ones you enjoy most. Talking to academic advisors or professionals in the fields you're interested in can give you real insight into what each path is like. Internships, part-time jobs, or volunteering are also great ways to experience different careers before making a final choice.
It's also important to think about your strengths and values. Ask yourself what you're good at and what kind of impact you want to make. Sometimes, combining your skills and passions can lead you to a unique major or career that fits both. All the best.
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer, TRIO Program Administrator
1009
Answers
Tacoma, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
There are several things that you can do in order to determine what you want in regards to a future major or career path.
Remember, you will have two years (until you declare a major at the beginning of your junior year in college), 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.
I have a basic formula, when it comes to determining a major or a future occupation related to that major. Choose something that you love to do, not just a passion, but really love. It must be something that you love so much, that even if they did not pay you to do it, you would still do it anyway. American historian, David McCullough, said it even more clearly. He stated that he loved writing about history so much, that he would have paid someone, so that he could do it every day. His love of his major and occupation was this great.
Remember, you will have two years (until you declare a major at the beginning of your junior year in college), 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.
I have a basic formula, when it comes to determining a major or a future occupation related to that major. Choose something that you love to do, not just a passion, but really love. It must be something that you love so much, that even if they did not pay you to do it, you would still do it anyway. American historian, David McCullough, said it even more clearly. He stated that he loved writing about history so much, that he would have paid someone, so that he could do it every day. His love of his major and occupation was this great.
George Zou, M.S.
Academic Advisor
36
Answers
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Updated
George’s Answer
Don’t just think “teacher,” “doctor,” or “therapist.” Instead, look for what connects your interests.
Ask yourself: What kinds of problems do I like solving? What type of people do I enjoy helping? Do I want to help individuals or make a bigger community impact? If you love the brain, science, and working with kids — your theme might be helping people grow and learn. That theme could lead to jobs like teacher, child psychologist, or academic advisor. I'd keep a short journal of what you enjoy learning or doing each week. You’ll start to see patterns over time.
Then you want to match your major to what motivates you. Once you know your theme, choose majors that fit what drives you day-to-day.
If you like the brain, children, and growth — majors like Human Development or Cognitive Science could fit you perfectly.
Then, try it before you decide. You don’t need to pick a major yet — just explore. Take dual-enrollment classes in psychology, sociology, or education. Volunteer at a school, tutoring center, or children’s hospital. Shadow teachers, advisors, or psychologists. Join clubs like Key Club or psychology club.
After each experience, ask yourself:
Did I feel energized or drained?
Did I feel peace or pressure?
Would I want to do more of this?
Next, I'd Pick a flexible major. If you’re unsure, choose a major that leaves room to grow.
Psychology: great base for counseling, research, or HR.
Human/Child Development: leads to teaching, therapy, or advising.
Liberal Studies: perfect for future elementary teachers.
Cognitive Science: blends psychology, neuroscience, and technology.
Many students start broad and specialize later through minors or grad school.
Next, I'd Follow peace, not pressure
When thinking about a career, notice how it feels. Pressure feels like: “I need to pick something impressive.” Peace feels like: “This fits who I am.” God often leads with peace and quiet clarity, not stress or competition.
Next step is to know yourself first
Before picking a career, learn how you work best.
Ask:
What environments help me thrive — calm or busy?
What values matter most to me?
What makes me lose track of time?
What drains me?
I'd also balance passion and practicality
Love what you do, but make sure it fits your lifestyle.
Think about questions like "Can I make a stable income doing this?" How much schooling am I willing to do? Will this job give me time for rest, faith, and family? For example, a school counselor or child psychologist requires more schooling but offers meaning and balance. A teacher or advisor gives steady work and emotional reward.
Finally, I'd try to keep your options open. You don’t have to lock in one path forever. You can start in psychology and switch to education, Double-major or minor in a related field, or even blend interests into unique jobs (like child development researcher or educational psychologist).
The best careers often come from combining your passions over time.
I wish you best of luck and if you ever feel overwhelmed, I'd start with what is your end ultimate goal and then work backwards to break down the steps. Good luck to you!
Ask yourself: What kinds of problems do I like solving? What type of people do I enjoy helping? Do I want to help individuals or make a bigger community impact? If you love the brain, science, and working with kids — your theme might be helping people grow and learn. That theme could lead to jobs like teacher, child psychologist, or academic advisor. I'd keep a short journal of what you enjoy learning or doing each week. You’ll start to see patterns over time.
Then you want to match your major to what motivates you. Once you know your theme, choose majors that fit what drives you day-to-day.
If you like the brain, children, and growth — majors like Human Development or Cognitive Science could fit you perfectly.
Then, try it before you decide. You don’t need to pick a major yet — just explore. Take dual-enrollment classes in psychology, sociology, or education. Volunteer at a school, tutoring center, or children’s hospital. Shadow teachers, advisors, or psychologists. Join clubs like Key Club or psychology club.
After each experience, ask yourself:
Did I feel energized or drained?
Did I feel peace or pressure?
Would I want to do more of this?
Next, I'd Pick a flexible major. If you’re unsure, choose a major that leaves room to grow.
Psychology: great base for counseling, research, or HR.
Human/Child Development: leads to teaching, therapy, or advising.
Liberal Studies: perfect for future elementary teachers.
Cognitive Science: blends psychology, neuroscience, and technology.
Many students start broad and specialize later through minors or grad school.
Next, I'd Follow peace, not pressure
When thinking about a career, notice how it feels. Pressure feels like: “I need to pick something impressive.” Peace feels like: “This fits who I am.” God often leads with peace and quiet clarity, not stress or competition.
Next step is to know yourself first
Before picking a career, learn how you work best.
Ask:
What environments help me thrive — calm or busy?
What values matter most to me?
What makes me lose track of time?
What drains me?
I'd also balance passion and practicality
Love what you do, but make sure it fits your lifestyle.
Think about questions like "Can I make a stable income doing this?" How much schooling am I willing to do? Will this job give me time for rest, faith, and family? For example, a school counselor or child psychologist requires more schooling but offers meaning and balance. A teacher or advisor gives steady work and emotional reward.
Finally, I'd try to keep your options open. You don’t have to lock in one path forever. You can start in psychology and switch to education, Double-major or minor in a related field, or even blend interests into unique jobs (like child development researcher or educational psychologist).
The best careers often come from combining your passions over time.
I wish you best of luck and if you ever feel overwhelmed, I'd start with what is your end ultimate goal and then work backwards to break down the steps. Good luck to you!
Don Holland
Member Service Representative/Food Runner
244
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Don’s Answer
Hello Owen,
It is good that you have many different options in your mind of what you want to do. I think you should look over your goals, look over possible interests, look at jobs/opportunities for your interests, evaluate the skills that you have and do research. Hope you are able to find something that interests you and best of luck to you in your future!
It is good that you have many different options in your mind of what you want to do. I think you should look over your goals, look over possible interests, look at jobs/opportunities for your interests, evaluate the skills that you have and do research. Hope you are able to find something that interests you and best of luck to you in your future!
Morgan Adams
Healthcare Administration
27
Answers
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Updated
Morgan’s Answer
Hello,
As someone who has changed career paths multiple of times, my advice to you is start out at your local community college. Take your basic prerequisite classes to start with. You can incorporate a couple of additional classes that you might like that align with your career path. While going to school I would work in an area that has your interest to see if it is something you really enjoy doing. By going to community college it will save you a ton of money and give you that opportunity to figure out what really interest you.
As someone who has changed career paths multiple of times, my advice to you is start out at your local community college. Take your basic prerequisite classes to start with. You can incorporate a couple of additional classes that you might like that align with your career path. While going to school I would work in an area that has your interest to see if it is something you really enjoy doing. By going to community college it will save you a ton of money and give you that opportunity to figure out what really interest you.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2397
Answers
Hong Kong
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, e.g. your hobbies, favorite subjects, etc. and identify related subjects
E.g. If you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music producer, music composer, 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 counsellor, 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, e.g. your hobbies, favorite subjects, etc. and identify related subjects
E.g. If you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music producer, music composer, 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 counsellor, 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!