5 answers
Arley
Student
Athens, Georgia
1
Question
Updated
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How did you learn that your major was "the one"? What skills were you good at that led you to feel that the major you picked was best?
I'm undecided right now and I just am really confused on what to do. I've always been good at school and I really want to work with kids, but I also want a job that gives me financial security. My question is, how did you decide on your career or know that it was "the one"?
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5 answers
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2398
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Firstly, you need to find out the career you have interest. You can do a good job if you have interest and make decent income.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what you have interest, eg your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc and identify the related careers
Eg if you like maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc
If you have interest in music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer, 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 counselor, 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, eg your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc and identify the related careers
Eg if you like maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc
If you have interest in music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer, 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 counselor, 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!
Anthony Lewis
Lead AST, Welding Inspector, Instructor of welding technologies
14
Answers
Burkburnett, Texas
Updated
Anthony’s Answer
For me it was a mix of things that led me down the path i am currently on. To start, I am a welding instructor and lead agricultural science teacher at my high school. But before going into cte teaching I was in the U.S. Army. When I went to my 2nd duty station the unit I was in did not have the equipment for my job. That said I ended up in a welding team, and I absolutely loved it. It was then that I decided that's what I wanted. When I left the military I went to college for a degree in welding. I ended up being the top of my welding class after 2 years. In the end my instructor offered me a job teaching at the high school as well as a night time instructor at the college.
Moral to the story is I didnt even know what I wanted until I was told I was doing it. Now im in now way saying that's what you need to do, but I am saying that somewhere along the way someone has said you're good at something. Use that and build from it, especially if it was something you enjoyed. Financial security is great, but suffering everyday for it is no way to live in my opinion. That security can come in due time while moving through the ranks of whatever career you pursue.
I wish you good luck in your venture. You will do just fine.
Moral to the story is I didnt even know what I wanted until I was told I was doing it. Now im in now way saying that's what you need to do, but I am saying that somewhere along the way someone has said you're good at something. Use that and build from it, especially if it was something you enjoyed. Financial security is great, but suffering everyday for it is no way to live in my opinion. That security can come in due time while moving through the ranks of whatever career you pursue.
I wish you good luck in your venture. You will do just fine.
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
1085
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Arley,
Deciding on a career path can be difficult, but (a) there is not only ONE career out there that you would enjoy, and (b) you can still change direction and pivot to something else if you don't enjoy it as much as you thought you would.
Now, "working with kids" is a good starting point. You could e.g. become a teacher, a pediatrician, a pediatric nurse, a child psychologist, a social worker, open a daycare or become a ballet teacher or a photographer. Plenty of choices that might speak to your other talents and interests, all "working with kids".
Consider, what you are good at in school (science or humanities?). Think about how long you want to go to school and how you can afford it. Your guidance counselor can help you with an aptitude test and more information materials. Look for opportunities to volunteer and/or do an internship to get some real-world view into careers you might consider.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Deciding on a career path can be difficult, but (a) there is not only ONE career out there that you would enjoy, and (b) you can still change direction and pivot to something else if you don't enjoy it as much as you thought you would.
Now, "working with kids" is a good starting point. You could e.g. become a teacher, a pediatrician, a pediatric nurse, a child psychologist, a social worker, open a daycare or become a ballet teacher or a photographer. Plenty of choices that might speak to your other talents and interests, all "working with kids".
Consider, what you are good at in school (science or humanities?). Think about how long you want to go to school and how you can afford it. Your guidance counselor can help you with an aptitude test and more information materials. Look for opportunities to volunteer and/or do an internship to get some real-world view into careers you might consider.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Nancy Uthke
Programmer
24
Answers
Rochester, Minnesota
Updated
Nancy’s Answer
Hi Arley! You've asked a great question, and you've already received some wonderful responses. Since you asked in particular about personal experiences, let me share mine with you.
Like you, I was really good at school. Iaduated at the top of my class of more than 300 students. My guidance counselor suggested a college with an elite science program where I could graduate in three years. But I soon realized my high school math program had not been advanced enough to prepare me for the level of math needed for the college science program, and I started to struggle for the first time.
Within two weeks, I had to switch to other classes, one of which was computer programming. While others struggled with the concepts and homework, I found it quite easy and fun, like solving puzzles. That was when I realized I had an unusual knack for logical thinking. Within a month, I knew I had found what I loved. I graduated with a double major in computing and math and got a job at a great tech company where I still work today. While not every day is like playing a game, I've grown a lot in my career and overall I do enjoy this type of work.
I wouldn't recommend my path, which was essentially finding a path after failure. Instead, try job shadowing in areas that interest you. Look at the work and lifestyle of people in those jobs. If you find something that excites you, you've found your path. I wish you all the best in your journey!
Like you, I was really good at school. Iaduated at the top of my class of more than 300 students. My guidance counselor suggested a college with an elite science program where I could graduate in three years. But I soon realized my high school math program had not been advanced enough to prepare me for the level of math needed for the college science program, and I started to struggle for the first time.
Within two weeks, I had to switch to other classes, one of which was computer programming. While others struggled with the concepts and homework, I found it quite easy and fun, like solving puzzles. That was when I realized I had an unusual knack for logical thinking. Within a month, I knew I had found what I loved. I graduated with a double major in computing and math and got a job at a great tech company where I still work today. While not every day is like playing a game, I've grown a lot in my career and overall I do enjoy this type of work.
I wouldn't recommend my path, which was essentially finding a path after failure. Instead, try job shadowing in areas that interest you. Look at the work and lifestyle of people in those jobs. If you find something that excites you, you've found your path. I wish you all the best in your journey!
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Arley. People often realize a major is the right one by noticing what they enjoy and what feels natural to them. For example, some people feel excited by certain classes, volunteer work, or jobs. Others realize they're consistently good at certain types of tasks, like explaining things or solving problems.
Real-world experience helps a lot too. Many students make clearer decisions after volunteering, shadowing someone, or working part-time in a field they're curious about. It becomes easier to imagine what the future could look like when you actually try things out.
You mentioned that you love working with kids but also want financial security. That's a very reasonable combination, and there are many careers that fit both. Some people go into education, especially areas like special education or STEM teaching, which can offer more stability. Others choose child-related healthcare roles, like pediatric nursing or child life work. There are also jobs in child psychology, counseling, youth programs, and social services. You don't have to limit yourself, there are many paths that allow you to support kids and still have solid income.
If you're unsure where to start, you can talk to academic or career advisors. Their job is to guide undecided students, and if you tell them your interests, they can help you explore possible majors that fit. And remember, you're not stuck with whatever you choose at first. Many people adjust their path as they learn more about themselves and their goals. Good luck.
Real-world experience helps a lot too. Many students make clearer decisions after volunteering, shadowing someone, or working part-time in a field they're curious about. It becomes easier to imagine what the future could look like when you actually try things out.
You mentioned that you love working with kids but also want financial security. That's a very reasonable combination, and there are many careers that fit both. Some people go into education, especially areas like special education or STEM teaching, which can offer more stability. Others choose child-related healthcare roles, like pediatric nursing or child life work. There are also jobs in child psychology, counseling, youth programs, and social services. You don't have to limit yourself, there are many paths that allow you to support kids and still have solid income.
If you're unsure where to start, you can talk to academic or career advisors. Their job is to guide undecided students, and if you tell them your interests, they can help you explore possible majors that fit. And remember, you're not stuck with whatever you choose at first. Many people adjust their path as they learn more about themselves and their goals. Good luck.