9 answers
Cyra
Student
Gallatin, Tennessee
1
Question
Asked
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How to know for sure what I want to pursue in the future?
I am a high school senior and am not entirely sure what I want to do in the future. I definitely plan to go to college and I have a major picked out (biology), but I feel uneasy about if I truly want to go into that direction. Because of my tight schedule, I haven't really been able to explore my career choices. Is there any way to feel more confident about what I want to go into the future?
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9 answers
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.
David Seides
Finance
29
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
David’s Answer
It's perfectly OK for you not to be sure about your career at this point in your life...many people go to college in the same situation and use their time in college to figure it out. When you get to college, try taking some courses that peak your interest in different areas. Certainly you'll want to take some bio classes to test your current thinking about majoring in that subject. But also take courses outside of bio to see if you like something else. A good way to do this is 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 for graduation while exploring other areas of interest as well.
Michelle M.
Actress
3276
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Cyra !
One way to feel more confident about what you've asked is to not major in biology when you have no career plan.
You can enroll as an Undecided Major at college and take your General Education courses at first. Another option is if you do not have a definite career chosen, do not go to college until you have chosen a specific career. You don't want to have your Bachelors Degree not connect with the work you want to do. Something else to consider is to take all of the General Education courses and do not continue until you know exactly what you want to do in the future. College is a huge financial and time investment and it won't pay off at the end if you just pick a random major without a career in mind.
If you want to go to college right after high school, you will need to set aside some time to explore what you should do. Something that may be helpful may be to take a biology and a variety of other free online classes to sort of get a preview of what various subjects are like.
I advise also to not take a major in things like Liberal Arts, General Studies or Interdisciplinary Studies because they do not target a career and employers never request that applicants have degrees in those majors.
So, give it some time, consider your options and choose something you will really love to do. It is a large investment and you'll want to take a path that will be the best for you in your future. When you are inspired for a career, it will feel right !
Best wishes in all you do !
One way to feel more confident about what you've asked is to not major in biology when you have no career plan.
You can enroll as an Undecided Major at college and take your General Education courses at first. Another option is if you do not have a definite career chosen, do not go to college until you have chosen a specific career. You don't want to have your Bachelors Degree not connect with the work you want to do. Something else to consider is to take all of the General Education courses and do not continue until you know exactly what you want to do in the future. College is a huge financial and time investment and it won't pay off at the end if you just pick a random major without a career in mind.
If you want to go to college right after high school, you will need to set aside some time to explore what you should do. Something that may be helpful may be to take a biology and a variety of other free online classes to sort of get a preview of what various subjects are like.
I advise also to not take a major in things like Liberal Arts, General Studies or Interdisciplinary Studies because they do not target a career and employers never request that applicants have degrees in those majors.
So, give it some time, consider your options and choose something you will really love to do. It is a large investment and you'll want to take a path that will be the best for you in your future. When you are inspired for a career, it will feel right !
Best wishes in all you do !
George Zou, M.S.
Academic Advisor
36
Answers
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Updated
George’s Answer
Hi Cyra!
Great question. I believe figuring out what you want to do in the future can feel a bit confusing, especially when you’re busy and don’t have a lot of time to explore different paths. The good news is that it’s completely normal to feel unsure at your age. Most people don’t have everything figured out by senior year, even if it seems like they do. Choosing biology as a major is a good start, but it doesn’t mean you’re locked into one specific job or field forever. Many students change majors or discover new interests once they start college.
One way to feel more confident is to do small, low-pressure activities that help you learn about yourself. This can include watching short videos about different careers, taking free online career quizzes, or talking to people you know who work in fields you’re curious about. These things only take a few minutes but can give you helpful clues about what you might enjoy. You can also look up what people with a biology degree actually do — you might find jobs in labs, healthcare, environmental science, neuroscience, research, and even careers that mix science with communication or business.
Another thing that helps is paying attention to what parts of school you actually like. For example, do you enjoy learning how the body works? Do you like solving problems? Do you like helping people? Or are you more interested in how the brain works or how living things interact with their environment? These small preferences can point you in the right direction. You don’t need the exact answer right now — you just need to learn what feels exciting or meaningful to you.
Finally, remind yourself that college is designed to help you explore. You’ll take different classes, meet professors, and hear about new fields you’ve never even considered. It’s okay to shift your path as you learn more. Feeling uneasy doesn’t mean you’re choosing the wrong thing — it just means you care about making a good decision. With time, exposure, and self-reflection, your confidence will grow. You’re not behind at all — you’re right on track. You're right where you need to be. Don't sweat it!
Great question. I believe figuring out what you want to do in the future can feel a bit confusing, especially when you’re busy and don’t have a lot of time to explore different paths. The good news is that it’s completely normal to feel unsure at your age. Most people don’t have everything figured out by senior year, even if it seems like they do. Choosing biology as a major is a good start, but it doesn’t mean you’re locked into one specific job or field forever. Many students change majors or discover new interests once they start college.
One way to feel more confident is to do small, low-pressure activities that help you learn about yourself. This can include watching short videos about different careers, taking free online career quizzes, or talking to people you know who work in fields you’re curious about. These things only take a few minutes but can give you helpful clues about what you might enjoy. You can also look up what people with a biology degree actually do — you might find jobs in labs, healthcare, environmental science, neuroscience, research, and even careers that mix science with communication or business.
Another thing that helps is paying attention to what parts of school you actually like. For example, do you enjoy learning how the body works? Do you like solving problems? Do you like helping people? Or are you more interested in how the brain works or how living things interact with their environment? These small preferences can point you in the right direction. You don’t need the exact answer right now — you just need to learn what feels exciting or meaningful to you.
Finally, remind yourself that college is designed to help you explore. You’ll take different classes, meet professors, and hear about new fields you’ve never even considered. It’s okay to shift your path as you learn more. Feeling uneasy doesn’t mean you’re choosing the wrong thing — it just means you care about making a good decision. With time, exposure, and self-reflection, your confidence will grow. You’re not behind at all — you’re right on track. You're right where you need to be. Don't sweat it!
Sarah Sooter
LMSW, LSOTP Therapist
7
Answers
Lubbock, Texas
Updated
Sarah’s Answer
There are aptitude testing centers that could help you start to narrow it down. I would also encourage you to be open to change, learning, and growth for the duration of your life. We change as people over time, and that sometimes means we need to change our field. I’m old now, but when I first started out, I studied biochem, then I worked in an environmental lab for several years before deciding to go back and study psychological sciences. I started working in a bank while in school and loved it, so I stayed in finance for 11 years and earned a master of arts in management along the way. Eventually, I went back toward mental health, earned my masters in social work on a clinical track, and set to work. a strange turn of events landed me in Forensic Social Work where I found myself in absolute love with my work and earned a specialized license to work with violent offenders. Very recently though, I accepted a position as Social Services Director over a behavioral hospital and an IOP. I love the fast pace and patients I meet in this role. Some may see inconsistency, but I feel my life has been an adventure with new challenges and ever developing goals and skills. personally, I think asking anyone at 17 or 18 years old to decide what they want to do for the rest of their life is absolutely WILD. Enjoy your life. You only get one.
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
1085
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Cyra,
Biology is a good degree that can be the basis for a variety of different careers. You could go into the healthcare field, you could become a bio researcher, you could become a zoo director, you could go into biotechnology or an environmental field or work in the pulp and paper or food industry. Take a bit of time to explore what all a biology degree entails and if any of these careers appeal to you.
Also check out the multitude of sub-disciplines and interdisciplinary degrees that involve biology. Majors are not just a continuation of school subjects. "Biological science" is a wide field. Peruse the websites of universities you might be interested in. You'll find information about the different degrees they offer, the research they do and what career options you might have. Here are some examples from Vanderbilt and University of Tennessee:
https://as.vanderbilt.edu/biological-sciences/
https://biology.utk.edu/
You can also look for videos from university courses in biology to see if you enjoy them. MIT e.g. has lots of materials freely available:
https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/7-012-introduction-to-biology-fall-2004
https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/res-7-007-7-06x-cell-biology
https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/7-03-genetics-fall-2004
https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/7-05-general-biochemistry-spring-2020
It is perfectly fine not to know exactly where your career will take you, but you need to do some research into the options and have a plan before you go to college.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/biology-degree-jobs
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/explore-careers/get-started/career-paths-for-popular-majors/10-jobs-biology-majors
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/field-of-degree/biology/biology-field-of-degree.htm
Biology is a good degree that can be the basis for a variety of different careers. You could go into the healthcare field, you could become a bio researcher, you could become a zoo director, you could go into biotechnology or an environmental field or work in the pulp and paper or food industry. Take a bit of time to explore what all a biology degree entails and if any of these careers appeal to you.
Also check out the multitude of sub-disciplines and interdisciplinary degrees that involve biology. Majors are not just a continuation of school subjects. "Biological science" is a wide field. Peruse the websites of universities you might be interested in. You'll find information about the different degrees they offer, the research they do and what career options you might have. Here are some examples from Vanderbilt and University of Tennessee:
https://as.vanderbilt.edu/biological-sciences/
https://biology.utk.edu/
You can also look for videos from university courses in biology to see if you enjoy them. MIT e.g. has lots of materials freely available:
https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/7-012-introduction-to-biology-fall-2004
https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/res-7-007-7-06x-cell-biology
https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/7-03-genetics-fall-2004
https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/7-05-general-biochemistry-spring-2020
It is perfectly fine not to know exactly where your career will take you, but you need to do some research into the options and have a plan before you go to college.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps:
David Chou
Project Management
28
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
David’s Answer
Feeling unsure about your future is completely normal—many students feel the same way! To boost your confidence, think about what subjects you enjoy and the type of work setting you prefer, whether it's hands-on, research-focused, or helping others. Look into career options related to your major by doing some online research, shadowing professionals, or having conversations with people in those fields. Use college electives and internships to try out different paths before making a decision. Remember, your major doesn't tie you to one career—skills like problem-solving and communication are valuable everywhere. Concentrate on learning and growing, and you'll gain clarity with time and experience.
Isaac Oduro
Graphic Designer and a Front-end developer
9
Answers
Kumasi, Ashanti Region, Ghana
Updated
Isaac’s Answer
It’s completely normal to feel uncertain right now most people don’t have everything figured out at 17 or 18. College is actually one of the best places to explore and discover what you really enjoy. Since you already have an interest in biology, you can start there but keep your mind open. Try taking a few electives outside your major, joining clubs or research groups, or shadowing professionals in different fields. Real experience often helps you see what actually excites you. Think of your major as a starting point, not a permanent commitment lots of people change direction once they see what fits them best.
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1186
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Cyra,
That's a really understandable question, and to be honest, you're doing a great job by asking it before going too deeply. Feeling uncertain at this point does not mean that you are lost; rather, it shows you are intentionally thinking about your future, which is just what responsible decision-making involves.
The truth is that most students don't know exactly what they want to do in high school, and many college students change their degrees once they begin looking into practical experiences. Biology is a good place to start because it provides access to a wide range of fields, including research, public health, environmental science, psychology, biotech, and even scientific communication. You're creating opportunities rather than shutting yourself in.
Try a few of these actions to boost your confidence:
- Interview or shadow experts in fields connected to biology, such as public health, lab technicians, and professors. You might learn what motivates or exhausts you.
- Enroll in one exploratory elective or an online course (like Coursera or edX) in a related field, such as environmental studies, psychology, or bioethics. Observe your feelings while on it.
-Keep a journal of your "energy moments," the things or subjects that cause you to lose track of time. Patterns will show up in a few weeks.
-Additionally, if at all possible, get in touch with the career center at your college early on. They provide personality and strengths tests that can assist in matching your innate tendencies with potential majors or careers.
Keep in mind that clarity usually comes from trying things out rather than from thinking more. Follow your curiosity rather than your fear. You are simply being thoughtful; you are not behind. And that is a sign of someone who will prosper wherever they end up.
Best wishes!
That's a really understandable question, and to be honest, you're doing a great job by asking it before going too deeply. Feeling uncertain at this point does not mean that you are lost; rather, it shows you are intentionally thinking about your future, which is just what responsible decision-making involves.
The truth is that most students don't know exactly what they want to do in high school, and many college students change their degrees once they begin looking into practical experiences. Biology is a good place to start because it provides access to a wide range of fields, including research, public health, environmental science, psychology, biotech, and even scientific communication. You're creating opportunities rather than shutting yourself in.
Try a few of these actions to boost your confidence:
- Interview or shadow experts in fields connected to biology, such as public health, lab technicians, and professors. You might learn what motivates or exhausts you.
- Enroll in one exploratory elective or an online course (like Coursera or edX) in a related field, such as environmental studies, psychology, or bioethics. Observe your feelings while on it.
-Keep a journal of your "energy moments," the things or subjects that cause you to lose track of time. Patterns will show up in a few weeks.
-Additionally, if at all possible, get in touch with the career center at your college early on. They provide personality and strengths tests that can assist in matching your innate tendencies with potential majors or careers.
Keep in mind that clarity usually comes from trying things out rather than from thinking more. Follow your curiosity rather than your fear. You are simply being thoughtful; you are not behind. And that is a sign of someone who will prosper wherever they end up.
Best wishes!