2 answers
Ava
Student
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
1
Question
Updated
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How do you choose between multiple careers/majors?
Hi, I'm a senior in high school and am planning to pursue music or philosophy in college so that I can either be a musician or philosophy professor. While these are my top contenders for my career, I don't think I'm really opposed to any career. How do I know that I'm choosing the career path and the major that will make me truly happy? #fall25
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2 answers
Amy Sarno
Manager, Philanthropy & Volunteerism
26
Answers
Corning, New York
Updated
Amy’s Answer
Hi Ava!
As you begin looking at colleges and universities look for schools that have strong degree programs in both fields (Bachelor of Arts / BA). As a first year student you'll have general education requirements. Browse the course catalogue and look for classes that fulfill the gen ed requirements in addition to exploring other fields you may be interested in pursuing.
If you want to be a philosophy professor, be prepared to take your education all the way through to a doctorate. If you haven't already done so, look at open positions for Philosophy Professors to get a better sense of if the requirements, experience, etc. are things you're interested in pursuing.
What degree are you looking to get in music? Composing, conducting, performing, music business, music therapy, education? There are a lot of different paths here with different degree requirements and time commitments.
It may be helpful to do a quick exercise, if you could create your ideal day once you graduate, what would it look like? What kinds of activities do you gain energy from? Do you see yourself working with people a majority of the time in a collaborative setting? Do you want to primarily like to work independently? What type of lifestyle do you want to live?
Don't be afraid to stay flexible and be open to opportunities. It's okay to change your mind. Don't fall into the sunk time fallacy.
Best wishes!
As you begin looking at colleges and universities look for schools that have strong degree programs in both fields (Bachelor of Arts / BA). As a first year student you'll have general education requirements. Browse the course catalogue and look for classes that fulfill the gen ed requirements in addition to exploring other fields you may be interested in pursuing.
If you want to be a philosophy professor, be prepared to take your education all the way through to a doctorate. If you haven't already done so, look at open positions for Philosophy Professors to get a better sense of if the requirements, experience, etc. are things you're interested in pursuing.
What degree are you looking to get in music? Composing, conducting, performing, music business, music therapy, education? There are a lot of different paths here with different degree requirements and time commitments.
It may be helpful to do a quick exercise, if you could create your ideal day once you graduate, what would it look like? What kinds of activities do you gain energy from? Do you see yourself working with people a majority of the time in a collaborative setting? Do you want to primarily like to work independently? What type of lifestyle do you want to live?
Don't be afraid to stay flexible and be open to opportunities. It's okay to change your mind. Don't fall into the sunk time fallacy.
Best wishes!
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Ava. You need to think about what you like doing every day. In music, do you enjoy performing or practicing? In philosophy, do you enjoy reading, writing, and discussing big ideas? The tasks you enjoy most can tell you a lot about which path might fit you better.
Next, you need to expore both fields in real life. Talk to working musicians, professors, and students in those majors. Ask them about the realities, including schedule, income stability, stress levels, and the parts of the job that don't appear on the surface. Sometimes the idea of a career and the lived experience of it feel very different.
You should also think honestly about what kinds of challenges you can handle. Music careers can be unpredictable, you often have to perform, audition, and build your own opportunities. Philosophy careers usually require many years of school and can have a tough job market. Neither option is wrong, but each comes with difficulties. Ask yourself which type of challenge you could imagine dealing with long-term.
Remember, many people change majors, mix disciplines through double majors or minors, or shift careers later on. So you don't need to worry about picking the "perfect" choice right away. Most importantly, pay attention to what excites you. The path that keeps you interested and motivated is usually the one that leads to long-term happiness.
Next, you need to expore both fields in real life. Talk to working musicians, professors, and students in those majors. Ask them about the realities, including schedule, income stability, stress levels, and the parts of the job that don't appear on the surface. Sometimes the idea of a career and the lived experience of it feel very different.
You should also think honestly about what kinds of challenges you can handle. Music careers can be unpredictable, you often have to perform, audition, and build your own opportunities. Philosophy careers usually require many years of school and can have a tough job market. Neither option is wrong, but each comes with difficulties. Ask yourself which type of challenge you could imagine dealing with long-term.
Remember, many people change majors, mix disciplines through double majors or minors, or shift careers later on. So you don't need to worry about picking the "perfect" choice right away. Most importantly, pay attention to what excites you. The path that keeps you interested and motivated is usually the one that leads to long-term happiness.
Thanks so much for the advice! I really appreciate your answer and it has definitely helped me to understand what I need to consider when picking my career path.
Ava
You’re so welcome! I’m really glad it helped. You'll have a bright future ahead.
Wong Loke Yuen