3 answers
Erik
Student
South Windsor, Connecticut
1
Question
Asked
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How can I land on a major, when my interests are all over the place?
I started undergrad as a biology major but don't feel confident with my choice since I have a lot of interest in finance. I have recently started taking more classes based off topics I just find interesting in order to help narrow it down, but I feel like the choice keeps getting harder the more I learn about both finance and healthcare. Its spring semester of my second year of college and I feel I'm quickly losing time to make a choice.
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3 answers
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Erik. You need to think about your skills, values, and what makes you excited. Ask yourself what you enjoy doing most and what kind of work you can imagine yourself doing long-term. For example, biology might appeal to you because you enjoy science and problem-solving, while finance might appeal because you like numbers, strategy, and decision-making. Think about what you like in each field and which fits best with your goals and personality.
Getting real life experience can also help. You can look for internships, part-time jobs, research opportunities, or shadowing programs in both healthcare and finance. Seeing what a normal day in each field is like can help you figure out what you enjoy. Even short experiences give valuable insight and make your resume stronger. You can also talk to professors, advisors, and professionals as they can give advice about careers, growth opportunities, and what the work is really like.
Many students switch majors, take minors, or combine interests with electives. You can meet with your academic advisors as they can help you plan your remaining semesters, so you can explore without falling behind. Remember, your major does not lock you into one career forever. The goal is to find a path that challenges you, uses your skills, and keeps you interested.
Getting real life experience can also help. You can look for internships, part-time jobs, research opportunities, or shadowing programs in both healthcare and finance. Seeing what a normal day in each field is like can help you figure out what you enjoy. Even short experiences give valuable insight and make your resume stronger. You can also talk to professors, advisors, and professionals as they can give advice about careers, growth opportunities, and what the work is really like.
Many students switch majors, take minors, or combine interests with electives. You can meet with your academic advisors as they can help you plan your remaining semesters, so you can explore without falling behind. Remember, your major does not lock you into one career forever. The goal is to find a path that challenges you, uses your skills, and keeps you interested.
Ashlee R.
Academic Counselor, Higher Education Program Manager, AI Chat Bot Specialist
33
Answers
Fort Worth, Texas
Updated
Ashlee’s Answer
Hi Erik, no worries, a lot of students start second guessing their majors at this point in their college career. That's often because a lot of the classes you've probably taken so far are mostly at the freshman/sophomore level, which are structured to be more surface level. Next semester, you'll start diving deeper into the overall topics and courses related to Biology and Finance. Therefore, if it's possible to stay a Biology major and take a course or two in Finance-I think that's a good idea. This will help you keep exploring which major would be the best fit for you. Additionally, if your advising team really wants you to make a selection (and liberal studies or general studies isn't an option), you can always remain a Biology major and minor in Finance. This technically will add about 6 classes (around 18 semester hours) to your degree, but it will allow to keep learning about both fields. Also, I recommend you reach out to the career center on your campus and see if they have any additional career exploring tests that may help you look at which major seems like the best fit for you.
Then, as Mr. Wong suggested, I would start job shadowing. For example, if you have a family doctor or a friend's parent in these fields, ask to shadow them for a day or even an hour or two, so you can see what you like about those fields. Then, if you want to explore internships or externships (which are probably built into your degree too), you'll know which one to take on.
Lastly, don't worry too much about picking the "right" major forever. You're going to graduate with a degree, which is amazing-as is! Who knows, maybe you'll stay in that field for the rest of your life, or maybe you'll pivot. Either way, by asking these questions now, you're already building the skills to succeed in whatever path you choose. I hope this helps. Remember, you got this!
Then, as Mr. Wong suggested, I would start job shadowing. For example, if you have a family doctor or a friend's parent in these fields, ask to shadow them for a day or even an hour or two, so you can see what you like about those fields. Then, if you want to explore internships or externships (which are probably built into your degree too), you'll know which one to take on.
Lastly, don't worry too much about picking the "right" major forever. You're going to graduate with a degree, which is amazing-as is! Who knows, maybe you'll stay in that field for the rest of your life, or maybe you'll pivot. Either way, by asking these questions now, you're already building the skills to succeed in whatever path you choose. I hope this helps. Remember, you got this!
Aleigha Decker, RDN, CDN
Renal Dietitian
2
Answers
Buffalo, New York
Updated
Aleigha’s Answer
Try shadowing people in both fields to get a better idea of the day in the life, the good and the less enjoyable aspects of each job