4 answers
Aminah
Student
Monticello, New York
1
Question
Asked
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How can you be confident in choosing your college major How do you know that you actually like what you’re doing and aren’t just lying to yourself?
My favorite subjects in school are Spanish and Journalism. If that helps.
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4 answers
Larry Siegel
Government Liaison, Non-profit fundraising, Non-profit operation
45
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Larry’s Answer
Aminah, you can make a prelimary choice of your majors when you enter college. Usually the first year is full of required courses, so you have that time to consider if you have made the right choice.
Even if you are in your second or third year, you can change your major. In some cases, it may require that you to take a few extra courses during the summer, but you will be happy to do so if your choice of major better suits you.
College is both an intellectual and a growing experience. You will take much of the knowlege you gain with you the rest of your life. Regardless of your major, you should think about taking some classical literature and philosophy courses to provoke and expand your view of the world you live in.
Even if you are in your second or third year, you can change your major. In some cases, it may require that you to take a few extra courses during the summer, but you will be happy to do so if your choice of major better suits you.
College is both an intellectual and a growing experience. You will take much of the knowlege you gain with you the rest of your life. Regardless of your major, you should think about taking some classical literature and philosophy courses to provoke and expand your view of the world you live in.
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Aminah. Since your favorite subjects are Spanish and Journalism, that's already a great clue. However, you need to ask yourself what you enjoy most about them, do you like writing stories, communicating with people, learning about different cultures, or reporting on events? Knowing the parts you enjoy can help you pick a major that keeps you interested.
It's also important to be honest with yourself. Sometimes we think we like something, but we only like parts of it. You can ask yourself questions like: "Do I enjoy this subject even when it's hard?" or "Would I still enjoy this if no one was watching or grading me?" Talking to teachers, friends, or people who work in these fields can help you see things clearly and make sure your interest is real.
Another good way to be confident is to explore potential careers connected to your interests. For Spanish, this could mean translation, teaching, or working in international business. For Journalism, you could look at reporting, writing, media, or digital storytelling. Research what people in these jobs do every day and what skills they need. If possible, try internships, volunteering, or small projects to see what it's really like. Hope this helps. All the best.
It's also important to be honest with yourself. Sometimes we think we like something, but we only like parts of it. You can ask yourself questions like: "Do I enjoy this subject even when it's hard?" or "Would I still enjoy this if no one was watching or grading me?" Talking to teachers, friends, or people who work in these fields can help you see things clearly and make sure your interest is real.
Another good way to be confident is to explore potential careers connected to your interests. For Spanish, this could mean translation, teaching, or working in international business. For Journalism, you could look at reporting, writing, media, or digital storytelling. Research what people in these jobs do every day and what skills they need. If possible, try internships, volunteering, or small projects to see what it's really like. Hope this helps. All the best.
Marcela Trevino Calzada
Data Analysis
5
Answers
Torreón
Updated
Marcela’s Answer
Start with general knowledge and specialize as you go. I don't know much of Spanish and Journalism careers, but I can share my experience with career progression.
I knew I wanted to do something with Math so I went for an engineering, I ended up deciding for Industrial Engineering after reading job descriptions in the different engineering areas. From there I started working in the production floor, where I decided it wasn't my thing, I was more interested in the production planning than the production itself, so I went for that, taking courses, talking to my manager, asking to be involved in the planning, and eventually doing a Master's degree on Manufacturing processes and Technology. Worked on production planning for a while and then moved to supply chain because it was interesting.
In a similar manner, a friend went into Biology and after working in the area decided to specialize in marine biology, and finally (at least for now), in whales.
You don't have to have all the answers now. It's OK to start exploring and specialize as you go
I knew I wanted to do something with Math so I went for an engineering, I ended up deciding for Industrial Engineering after reading job descriptions in the different engineering areas. From there I started working in the production floor, where I decided it wasn't my thing, I was more interested in the production planning than the production itself, so I went for that, taking courses, talking to my manager, asking to be involved in the planning, and eventually doing a Master's degree on Manufacturing processes and Technology. Worked on production planning for a while and then moved to supply chain because it was interesting.
In a similar manner, a friend went into Biology and after working in the area decided to specialize in marine biology, and finally (at least for now), in whales.
You don't have to have all the answers now. It's OK to start exploring and specialize as you go
Prema Sequeira
Engineering Manager
27
Answers
Allentown, Pennsylvania
Updated
Prema’s Answer
Hi Aminah,
Sometimes you know and sometimes you do not. So here is what I would do
1) at school - ask your counselor, they will recommend suggestions based on tests, your academic history, and your inclinations. You can use that as your starting point but also think about what career resonates with you. It's quite possible you want to be a journalist based but they might see something else that you have aptitude for.
2) Ask your family/friends - they also have insight into what you would enjoy.
3) Make a list of things that you might be interested in and explore - either shadow the professional at the job or just research. Check chatgpt, copilot, claude, gemini etc
4) Check job prospects. If you are passionate, waiting for your moment might be worth it but if you are not so sure, it can be demoralizing.
All these will help you get closer to what you want to do.
You can apply undecided. You can choose a major and change. You can even complete a degree and pivot to a different career. You can study, be in that degree and work for a little bit and decide its not for you.
Now for some specific suggestions to your interests. See if these resonate with you:
Bilingual Content & Communications:
Bilingual Content Writer / Editor
Communications Specialist
PR / Media Relations Associate
Social Media Manager (LatAm or bilingual accounts)
Copywriter (Spanish-focused brands)
Journalism & Media:
Bilingual Reporter / Multimedia Journalist
International Correspondent
Podcast / Radio Host or Producer
TV / Digital News Producer (Spanish-language media — Univision, Telemundo)
Political or Cross-Cultural Correspondent
Business & Corporate Roles:
Corporate Communications
Localization / Global Content Strategist
Diversity & Cultural Outreach Coordinator
Public Affairs / Government Communications
Community Engagement Manager
Huge demand in healthcare systems, city gov, universities, nonprofits.
International & Cultural Careers:
Foreign Service Officer / Diplomat
NGO / Nonprofit Comms (LatAm focus)
International Program Coordinator
Peace Corps / AmeriCorps (stepping-stone)
Education & Language:
Spanish Teacher or Immersion Program Staff
ESL Teacher / Bilingual Instructor
Language Program Coordinator
Study-Abroad Program Advisor
Translation & Interpretation:
Translator / Interpreter (courts, hospitals, business)
Localization Specialist (tech, media, gaming)
Growing Modern Fields:
Media + Digital
Bilingual Podcast Producer / Host
TikTok / YouTube Content Strategist for Spanish markets
Latino audience marketing strategist
Tech & AI Language Roles:
Spanish Linguistic Annotator
Language Model Training / AI Content Reviewer
Localization Program Manager (Google, Meta, Netflix…)
Spanish + writing is HUGE in the AI world right now.
Good Luck!!
Sometimes you know and sometimes you do not. So here is what I would do
1) at school - ask your counselor, they will recommend suggestions based on tests, your academic history, and your inclinations. You can use that as your starting point but also think about what career resonates with you. It's quite possible you want to be a journalist based but they might see something else that you have aptitude for.
2) Ask your family/friends - they also have insight into what you would enjoy.
3) Make a list of things that you might be interested in and explore - either shadow the professional at the job or just research. Check chatgpt, copilot, claude, gemini etc
4) Check job prospects. If you are passionate, waiting for your moment might be worth it but if you are not so sure, it can be demoralizing.
All these will help you get closer to what you want to do.
You can apply undecided. You can choose a major and change. You can even complete a degree and pivot to a different career. You can study, be in that degree and work for a little bit and decide its not for you.
Now for some specific suggestions to your interests. See if these resonate with you:
Bilingual Content & Communications:
Bilingual Content Writer / Editor
Communications Specialist
PR / Media Relations Associate
Social Media Manager (LatAm or bilingual accounts)
Copywriter (Spanish-focused brands)
Journalism & Media:
Bilingual Reporter / Multimedia Journalist
International Correspondent
Podcast / Radio Host or Producer
TV / Digital News Producer (Spanish-language media — Univision, Telemundo)
Political or Cross-Cultural Correspondent
Business & Corporate Roles:
Corporate Communications
Localization / Global Content Strategist
Diversity & Cultural Outreach Coordinator
Public Affairs / Government Communications
Community Engagement Manager
Huge demand in healthcare systems, city gov, universities, nonprofits.
International & Cultural Careers:
Foreign Service Officer / Diplomat
NGO / Nonprofit Comms (LatAm focus)
International Program Coordinator
Peace Corps / AmeriCorps (stepping-stone)
Education & Language:
Spanish Teacher or Immersion Program Staff
ESL Teacher / Bilingual Instructor
Language Program Coordinator
Study-Abroad Program Advisor
Translation & Interpretation:
Translator / Interpreter (courts, hospitals, business)
Localization Specialist (tech, media, gaming)
Growing Modern Fields:
Media + Digital
Bilingual Podcast Producer / Host
TikTok / YouTube Content Strategist for Spanish markets
Latino audience marketing strategist
Tech & AI Language Roles:
Spanish Linguistic Annotator
Language Model Training / AI Content Reviewer
Localization Program Manager (Google, Meta, Netflix…)
Spanish + writing is HUGE in the AI world right now.
Good Luck!!