6 answers
Adah
Student
San Pablo, California
1
Question
Asked
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Has college made you feel more confident about your future or more confused?
Since I'm not a college student and I don't know what it is like, I'm not sure if the major you take makes you feel doubtful about how it will work out in your future.
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6 answers
Steve Sterner
IT Management
55
Answers
Easton, Pennsylvania
Updated
Steve’s Answer
Interesting question and I applaud you for asking it so eloquently!
What I will tell you from a person with 3 degrees and having 3 kids all who are college graduates the answer is both. College as much as it is about the education, knowledge and curriculum is about the journey. The most important thing college taught me was not in a formula, an ability to write an essay or how to spend all nighters obsessing about an exam it taught me how to learn.
I got a chance to explore who I am both as a person, a professional, an academic, etc. It gave me the tools to deal with people, work in groups, lead, be led and many other things that you rarely see on the college brochure.
While the major you choose and the classes you take may shed doubts on some misconceptions about what a job is and what you maty have thought going in but it will give you the tools to navigate that changing landscape of the work world. One thing to keep in mind is almost every occupation these days changes at a rapid level so that ability to pivot, grow, learn and adapt is critical no matter what you are taking or what you believe the future to hold.
In short while it may shed some doubts on what your chosen track is now and what that may be in the future you will get the tools to deal with it and navigate it which once you realize you can adapt to your changing environment the stress definitely lessens.
Good luck and I look forward to all you will accomplish.
What I will tell you from a person with 3 degrees and having 3 kids all who are college graduates the answer is both. College as much as it is about the education, knowledge and curriculum is about the journey. The most important thing college taught me was not in a formula, an ability to write an essay or how to spend all nighters obsessing about an exam it taught me how to learn.
I got a chance to explore who I am both as a person, a professional, an academic, etc. It gave me the tools to deal with people, work in groups, lead, be led and many other things that you rarely see on the college brochure.
While the major you choose and the classes you take may shed doubts on some misconceptions about what a job is and what you maty have thought going in but it will give you the tools to navigate that changing landscape of the work world. One thing to keep in mind is almost every occupation these days changes at a rapid level so that ability to pivot, grow, learn and adapt is critical no matter what you are taking or what you believe the future to hold.
In short while it may shed some doubts on what your chosen track is now and what that may be in the future you will get the tools to deal with it and navigate it which once you realize you can adapt to your changing environment the stress definitely lessens.
Good luck and I look forward to all you will accomplish.
Picard Larisse Dona Agon
Data entry Operator
20
Answers
Abomey Calavi, Atlantique Department
Updated
Picard Larisse Dona’s Answer
Hello Adah. The answer to your question is both yes and no. Before starting college, some people already know what they want to do in the future, while others are unsure. College can help you see your thoughts about a career more clearly. It acts like a mirror, showing you whether to stick with your chosen path or try something new. College is a great guide for those who haven't decided on a career yet. So, feel relieved, pray, and enjoy your college journey, knowing it will help shape your future.
david kirk
Retired Computing Manager
485
Answers
Syracuse, New York
Updated
david’s Answer
I respect your concerns; they're valid and I once had them. I encourage you to throw away those concerns and ask another: Why am I going to college? If the response is 'to prepare for a career', that translates quickly to 'get a job.' That doesn't excite, does it? My suggestion is to look at college as your first real opportunity to find yourself. Until now, you were in the classic 'secondary school bubble,' where all or most decisions were made for you, and you probably received encouragement from friends and family on what careers to consider. This is the time to STOP. Do take courses that interest you, topics that expand outward, not inward. This is also the place to explore your social and private interests, as the opportunity for parties, more intimate personal relationships, clubs, and activities await you. Including time for these is important, as these are your years to explore and expand your horizons.
By the time you're in your senior year, you will have identified some possibilities, but many possibilities of careers are actually combinations of a variety of topics you will have already explored. Spending some 'work' time during summer months can be a big payoff in learning what you DO NOT want to do in a career. Very few people graduate from college with a specific career goal, other than doctors, lawyers, and other professionals. For the rest of us, we enter the work force by evaluating what opportunities are available, and then packaging our knowledge to compare against the perceived work requirements.
OK, I didn't give concrete advice, nor did I intend to. College is an experience, not a road map. I wish you well; my hope is that you gleaned something from these words to help you move forward.
By the time you're in your senior year, you will have identified some possibilities, but many possibilities of careers are actually combinations of a variety of topics you will have already explored. Spending some 'work' time during summer months can be a big payoff in learning what you DO NOT want to do in a career. Very few people graduate from college with a specific career goal, other than doctors, lawyers, and other professionals. For the rest of us, we enter the work force by evaluating what opportunities are available, and then packaging our knowledge to compare against the perceived work requirements.
OK, I didn't give concrete advice, nor did I intend to. College is an experience, not a road map. I wish you well; my hope is that you gleaned something from these words to help you move forward.
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Adah. Yes. Sometimes, it can make you feel more confident, but at other times, it might leave you feeling uncertain about how everything will work out.
For many students, choosing a major can be stressful because they wonder if it will lead to a job they want. Some majors, like those in the arts or social sciences, might not have clear job paths, and that can make students doubt if they're on the right track. It can be tough to spend years studying something and then not know if you'll get the job you hope for when you graduate.
On the other hand, college can also boost your confidence. The more you learn, the more you realize how much you're growing. College gives you the chance to develop new skills, meet new people, and get hands-on experience. These experiences help you understand how what you're studying can lead to real job opportunities. You may also meet professors or professionals who can guide you and help you feel more sure about the future.
It's also ok if you're still unsure about your future. Many students feel confused in their first few years. Some even change their majors or discover new interests as they go along. College is meant to help you explore and learn, so if you feel uncertain, don't worry as lots of people feel the same way. It's a time to try new things and figure out what you like, and sometimes that means changing direction.
If you're feeling unsure, there are ways to help you feel more confident. You can attend career fairs, get internships, join clubs, or talk to people who are already working in your field. These things can help you see how your major connects to real jobs and give you a better idea of what to expect after graduation. All the best.
For many students, choosing a major can be stressful because they wonder if it will lead to a job they want. Some majors, like those in the arts or social sciences, might not have clear job paths, and that can make students doubt if they're on the right track. It can be tough to spend years studying something and then not know if you'll get the job you hope for when you graduate.
On the other hand, college can also boost your confidence. The more you learn, the more you realize how much you're growing. College gives you the chance to develop new skills, meet new people, and get hands-on experience. These experiences help you understand how what you're studying can lead to real job opportunities. You may also meet professors or professionals who can guide you and help you feel more sure about the future.
It's also ok if you're still unsure about your future. Many students feel confused in their first few years. Some even change their majors or discover new interests as they go along. College is meant to help you explore and learn, so if you feel uncertain, don't worry as lots of people feel the same way. It's a time to try new things and figure out what you like, and sometimes that means changing direction.
If you're feeling unsure, there are ways to help you feel more confident. You can attend career fairs, get internships, join clubs, or talk to people who are already working in your field. These things can help you see how your major connects to real jobs and give you a better idea of what to expect after graduation. All the best.
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
819
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
I can tell you that it is very natural to fill this way. There are many of us who did not know what we wanted to do with our life as we entered college. It might feel like you need to have it all figured out, but you have plenty of time. You can use the start of college as a time to explore different electives and see what is out there. Join as many clubs as you can and potentially volunteer in your community to get experience doing different things.
Hadley Blankenship
Office Assistant
6
Answers
Knoxville, Tennessee
Updated
Hadley’s Answer
Hello, Adah!
To answer your question, I'd like to relay some of my personal experience with college. I was a Therapeutic Recreation major. I knew which things I liked about the field. I liked the idea of getting to work to help others -- especially individuals with special needs. I knew I didn't want an office job, and chose a degree that had qualities I admired. However, when taking the classes for it, there were some things that made me question my choice of field. There were multiple boring units, and internships I took that I hated. I also knew the pay for my field was low compared to today's standards, and that finding work would be very difficult. But today, I have a decent job that I love a lot! And the reason why I love it because I get to do the things I love.
So, I guess my advice to you is that college doesn't really build confidence or familiarity with your position. It gives you skills to do well, but it'll never fully represent your work environment. Since you're not in college yet, you have plenty of time to do some research. Maybe try to learn some things you like to do, and look into internships/part-time/shadowing jobs you could do to learn more about possible degree opportunities. What really helps you feel confident in any degree is research and experience.
I wish you luck!
To answer your question, I'd like to relay some of my personal experience with college. I was a Therapeutic Recreation major. I knew which things I liked about the field. I liked the idea of getting to work to help others -- especially individuals with special needs. I knew I didn't want an office job, and chose a degree that had qualities I admired. However, when taking the classes for it, there were some things that made me question my choice of field. There were multiple boring units, and internships I took that I hated. I also knew the pay for my field was low compared to today's standards, and that finding work would be very difficult. But today, I have a decent job that I love a lot! And the reason why I love it because I get to do the things I love.
So, I guess my advice to you is that college doesn't really build confidence or familiarity with your position. It gives you skills to do well, but it'll never fully represent your work environment. Since you're not in college yet, you have plenty of time to do some research. Maybe try to learn some things you like to do, and look into internships/part-time/shadowing jobs you could do to learn more about possible degree opportunities. What really helps you feel confident in any degree is research and experience.
I wish you luck!