6 answers
Amaya
Student
Lucerne Valley, California
1
Question
Updated
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How can a high school senior like myself, figure out what I really want to be in life?
I'm a high school senior and I know I want to go to college, but I don't know what for.
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6 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.
Audrey Dargan
2
Answers
Dublin, County Dublin
Updated
Audrey’s Answer
This is such an important question for so many people and believe me you don't have to know this now!
First make a plan by assessing what you enjoy doing and what you are good at. Then based on this, make a 1, 3, and 5 year plan. And remember regardless of what you decide now, you can change your mind at any stage and pivot to a different career path.
First make a plan by assessing what you enjoy doing and what you are good at. Then based on this, make a 1, 3, and 5 year plan. And remember regardless of what you decide now, you can change your mind at any stage and pivot to a different career path.
Shannon Bates
HR Manager
5
Answers
Harrison charter Township, Michigan
Updated
Shannon’s Answer
I would start out with what you’re interested in. I always wanted to get into business and started out in finance. I quickly learned that I wanted nothing to do with numbers and decided to go into Human Resource Management. The rest is history from there.
Do you want something where you have a strict 9-5, do you want to be able to create your own schedule, what are you passionate about?
Start there and see what you come up with!
Do you want something where you have a strict 9-5, do you want to be able to create your own schedule, what are you passionate about?
Start there and see what you come up with!
Ria Ruthsatz
Mid-America Emmy® Winner, Filmmaker + Founder of Tree9 Films - St. Louis Video Production Company
2
Answers
St. Louis, MO
Updated
Ria’s Answer
Hi Amaya,
Ask yourself why you want to go to college. Whether you choose to go or not, continued education isn’t really optional if you want to grow and succeed at whatever you choose to do. My advice (either way) is to never stop learning.
If you choose college, pick one that helps you become a more well-rounded, intelligent human being and gives you the chance to explore different paths. That exploration is what will ultimately lead you to what truly sparks your interest.
Remember, college isn’t the only way to receive an education, and many professionals’ college major isn’t what they end up pursuing long-term. Go for an education, not a career. The career will follow.
Ask yourself why you want to go to college. Whether you choose to go or not, continued education isn’t really optional if you want to grow and succeed at whatever you choose to do. My advice (either way) is to never stop learning.
If you choose college, pick one that helps you become a more well-rounded, intelligent human being and gives you the chance to explore different paths. That exploration is what will ultimately lead you to what truly sparks your interest.
Remember, college isn’t the only way to receive an education, and many professionals’ college major isn’t what they end up pursuing long-term. Go for an education, not a career. The career will follow.
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Amaya. You need to explore different options and think about what you enjoy and what comes naturally to you. What classes do you like the most? What hobbies or activities make you lose track of time? What problems do you feel motivated to solve? Paying attention to these things can give you clues about careers you might enjoy. You should also think about the kind of life you want, do you like helping people, solving technical problems, being creative, leading teams, or working independently? Knowing your preferences can help narrow down your choices.
It also helps to get advice and experience. You can talk to teachers, school counselors, and mentors, they can often see strengths in you that you don't notice. Try shadowing professionals, volunteering, or taking internships in fields that interest you to see what those jobs are really like. College is a great place to explore too. Many students start without a major or change their major one or more times. Use your first year to try different classes, join clubs, and meet people in areas that seem interesting.
Experimenting is important. Take classes you're curious about, join activities, or get part-time work in different areas. Each experience teaches you more about yourself and what you like, or what you definitely don't.
It also helps to get advice and experience. You can talk to teachers, school counselors, and mentors, they can often see strengths in you that you don't notice. Try shadowing professionals, volunteering, or taking internships in fields that interest you to see what those jobs are really like. College is a great place to explore too. Many students start without a major or change their major one or more times. Use your first year to try different classes, join clubs, and meet people in areas that seem interesting.
Experimenting is important. Take classes you're curious about, join activities, or get part-time work in different areas. Each experience teaches you more about yourself and what you like, or what you definitely don't.
David Seides
Finance
29
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
David’s Answer
It's normal for high school seniors to be unsure about what to study in college or what career to pursue.
Start by thinking about which classes you enjoyed most in high school. Did you prefer math and science, English and literature, history, or something else? This can help you figure out what to study in college. For instance, if you liked math, you might explore fields like engineering, accounting, or statistics.
In college, you'll usually take some basic courses in your first year. This gives you time to discover which subjects you enjoy before making more specific choices about your major.
Start by thinking about which classes you enjoyed most in high school. Did you prefer math and science, English and literature, history, or something else? This can help you figure out what to study in college. For instance, if you liked math, you might explore fields like engineering, accounting, or statistics.
In college, you'll usually take some basic courses in your first year. This gives you time to discover which subjects you enjoy before making more specific choices about your major.