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How would I know if I'll be content in the future with the major/program I choose ?

Tech has my attention, but how can i know what i want to excess in without having much experience in the field. #fall25

technology computer-science fall25 careeradvice cyber-security careergrowth professionalgrowth collegedecisions techcareer careerchoice self-discovery futureplanning personaldevelopment fall26 majordecision collegadvice finding-your-passion careerreflection explore-your-options
Thank you comment icon Hey, As you like tech but don't have much experience, start by different areas to see what you enjoy before deciding: * Learn the basic first- You can take free and short online courses in programming, data, AI, etc. Here are some of the best courses for tech newbie: 1. CS50: Introduction to Computer Science 2. Python for everbody specialization * Try to make small project it will help you to see what you are enjoying doing. * Talk to people in the field like ask about their day to day work * After experimenting, notice which tasks feel fun and rewarding vs boring or stressful. Mamta
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Paul’s Answer

You might start out by exploring your personal interests and strengths through activities like taking career assessments, at a local job or employment center. This will help you determine where your greatest strengths are, whether it be in things like Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Math, Computer Science, Sports Careers and other career concentrations.

Next, research different potential career paths by conducting informational interviews with people like college professors and people at the career center, and investigating national and regional job market trends.

Finally, consider your long-term goals and values, and remember that it is okay to be undecided and be willing to change things around as you get more experience and learn more about yourself and different fields. As we grow older we should definitely be willing to seek more education and engage in activities that will enable us to progress in life.

I have a basic formula, when it comes to determining a college major or even a future occupation. Choose something that you love to do, not just a passion, but really love. It must be something that you love so much, that even if they did not pay you to do it, you would still do it anyway. American historian, David McCullough, said it even more clearly. He stated that he loved writing about history so much, that he would have paid someone, so that he could do it every day. His love of his major and occupation was this great.
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David’s Answer

Determining future contentment with a major, especially in a dynamic field like technology, comes down to maximizing your real-world exposure and reflection before committing. Since you're a high school senior with limited experience, you can't simply know for sure, but you can build a strong evidence base to make the most informed decision. The best way to know what you want to excel in is to simulate the day-to-day realities of different tech disciplines now. This means actively seeking out opportunities like job shadowing (even a single day can be insightful) or informational interviews with people working in fields like electrical engineering, computer science, or biomedical engineering. You should also start small personal projects related to your interests, such as a basic robotics kit, learning Python for data analysis, or building a simple website. These projects will reveal whether you enjoy the process—the debugging, the abstract problem-solving, the physical building—which is a much better predictor of long-term contentment than just finding the idea of a career exciting.


To explore the vast field of tech and discover your niche, you should adopt a structured exploration strategy over the next year. Start by identifying the core tasks within a major that align with your natural strengths and interests (e.g., do you love the logical puzzle of code, the tangible feel of circuits, or the abstract mathematics?). Look for undergraduate programs that offer a common first-year engineering curriculum that allows you to take introductory courses in multiple disciplines (like Electrical, Computer Science, Mechanical) before you have to formally declare a specialization. This internal "shopping mall" approach is crucial for hands-on exposure. Outside of academics, consider earning a foundational, low-cost online certification (like Google IT Support or a basic programming course) and join relevant high school or college clubs such as Robotics, Coding, or Science Olympiad. The goal isn't just to gain technical skills, but to see which activities you naturally gravitate towards and find most engaging, as those are the areas where you are most likely to find future fulfillment.
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Zachary’s Answer

Hi Daisy,

Pay attention to what you already enjoy. What hobbies do you love in your free time? If you like solving problems and fixing things, a career in this area might be perfect for you.

Next, explore different subjects in technology like electronics, mechanics, and avionics. There are so many options! Find the one that excites you the most and dive into it.

Also, think about the kind of work you want to do. If you prefer not to do a lot of physical labor, look for a field where that's not required.

Hope this helps,
Zachary
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Jacob’s Answer

That's a great question! I had a similar one when I was finishing high school and choosing my major. It's important to research different tech fields to see which one interests you the most. Choose a major that lets you complete general education requirements in the first year or two. This gives you more time to learn while still progressing in your studies. You'll meet people from various backgrounds in your major, and they can be great resources for advice. Guidance counselors can also offer helpful insights before you decide on a program.

In my experience, I chose a major I loved, but I didn't end up working in that field. However, the education I received helped me in my early tech career and allowed me to pursue a postgraduate program in the field I'm in now.
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Sandra’s Answer

Hi Daisy,

It's great to get involved with clubs or groups related to your field or major. This way, you can learn a lot from others who share your interests. Experiencing a "day in the life" can really help you understand different roles. Also, consider interning to gain valuable real-world experience.

Wishing you all the best on your exciting journey!
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Holly’s Answer

Choosing a major doesn't lock you into one job or career path. If you study something broad like business, you have many options. You might start in sales, and if it’s not for you, you can easily move to management or marketing. Stay open-minded about different roles because you’ll likely try many things throughout your career. Try different internships to discover what you enjoy without committing to a full-time job. This also boosts your resume.
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Alexandre’s Answer

IT's ok if you don't know. At the end of the day get a degree that's versatile and more general, then find a specialty in tech that interests you. After that, tailor your experience to that interest!
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Rahul’s Answer

Hi Daisy,

A great way to know if you will be content with a tech major is to test a small piece of it before you commit. You don't need industry experience - Just few steps that help you understand what you enjoy.

1. Try beginner-friendly courses on Youtube or platforms like coursera/edX(into to CS, cybersecurity basics, Python).
2. Explore different areas like software development, cybersecurity, data, or UX. Each feels very different.
3. Talk to people in the field(students, mentors or professionals). Their day-to-day experiences can help you.
4. Pay attention to what excites you - are you more interested in problem-solving, protecting systems, building apps or understanding data?
5. Look at real-world tasks - Watch day-in-the-life videos, browse job descriptions, or follow professionals online.

You don't need deep experience to start - you just need curiosity and willingness to explore. Tech is a field with may entry points and most students refine their directions as they learn more.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much! daisy saidy
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Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer

You have already shown that technology broadly interests you, but discovering your specific passion within the field begins with self-reflection. Consider which subjects truly excite you, the skills you excel at, your potential for growth, and your long-term career goals. If you enjoy math, physics, and solving puzzles, fields like electrical engineering, computer engineering, or computer science may suit you. If you are drawn to drawing, understanding systems, and building structures, mechanical or civil engineering could be a better fit. If chemistry, materials, and process design interest you, chemical engineering may align with your strengths. Those fascinated by water systems, environmental challenges, and infrastructure may thrive in water or environmental engineering, while a passion for flight, aerodynamics, or space technology could point toward aerospace engineering. Gathering insights from senior students, professors, and professionals in these fields will help you understand what each entails and clarify your choices.

Once you’ve narrowed your options, immerse yourself in practical experiences: take courses, attend workshops and labs, participate in online tutorials, or experiment with small personal projects. Internships, volunteering, and shadowing professionals provide real-world exposure and a clearer sense of daily work in different tech roles. Notice how these experiences make you feel, energized and motivated, or drained and frustrated. Reflecting on these reactions alongside your values will guide you toward a career that aligns with both your interests and strengths. Engaging with mentors and joining tech communities can reveal insights you won’t encounter in the classroom. It’s normal for your path to evolve as you learn more about your abilities and passions, but combining hands-on exploration with honest self-assessment provides the clearest indication of where you will likely find fulfillment.
Thank you comment icon I appreciate this, thank you for the advice. daisy saidy
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Anoop’s Answer

Hi Daisy,

It's great that you're thinking about your career path. Finding a job that matches your passion is wonderful, but not everyone gets that chance. Here's some advice to help you out:

1. Make a list of what you want from a career. Do you value money, work-life balance, meeting new people, or following your passion?

2. Instead of trying to find what you love right away, start by figuring out what you don't want. If a certain field or job doesn't appeal to you, it's okay to steer clear, even if it seems lucrative or glamorous.

3. Talk to people in different jobs, like researchers, software developers, or doctors. Ask them about their daily routines and what they enjoy or dislike about their work.

As you think about choosing a major or program in the next few years, remember that your first job is just the beginning. You'll have chances to explore other industries and roles. It's wise to choose a major that offers flexibility. Keep in mind that the tech industry evolves quickly, especially with the rise of AI. When talking to professionals, ask how AI is affecting their work, both positively and negatively.
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Mary Ann’s Answer

Hi Daisy,
There's no way to know if you'll be content with a single job or field of interest over the course of your life. The world is always changing and new things are becoming opportunities every day. For example, riding a skateboard on a half-pipe was not a job when I was in school. Playing or testing video games was not a job, either. Who know what will be a job in 10 years.

That being said, my advice is to pursue learning about things that interest you. Look for things that spark your curiosity or give you a feeling of accomplishment. And, pay attention to how you learn. Do you learn by reading? By someone telling you how to do something? Figuring it out yourself? Or doing something while following instructions? If you're lucky, you will continue to learn new things throughout your life. And, if you know how you learn, you can change paths and learn new things along the way.

My college degree is in Social Work. Because I know how I learn and I continued to learn through my life, I've had a number of different jobs spanning the non-profit, for profit, public and private sectors. I've worked retail, traditional business, and tech. Here are some of the jobs I've had in my life:
1. Children's photographer in the mall
2. Sales clerk in a bookstore and department store
3. Social Worker (helping people who are in crisis)
4. Payroll clerk (Did the payroll for a company of about 10,000 people)
5. Facilities Manager (Managed the remodel of a building and then managed the running of the building, had 3 people reporting to me)
6. Field Representative for a politician (You know those people who answer the letters you write to your Congressman? That was me answering them. I also went to different events on behalf of my elected official)
7. Administrative assistant/Secretary
8. Project Manager (Figured out and managed the steps to complete a project, who did what, made sure they were on schedule)
9. Talent Recruitment Manager (Identified, Interviewed and hired Sales people for a company)
10. Organization Development Manager (people reported to me).
11. Change Manager (I plan and execute large scale changes in companies, like when they're going to start using a new computer system and everyone need to learn how to use it)

Some of these jobs I applied for. Some were jobs where my manager said, "We need someone to do this, and we think you would be good at it. Are you interested?" This has resulted in a very diverse and interesting career for me.

As you go forward, and when choosing a major, pay attention to what gets you excited to learn more. What are the things you enjoy doing? And, remember to pay attention to how you learn because you will need to continue to learn and adapt as you go through life.

Good Luck!
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👩🏻‍💻Rebecca’s Answer

Hi Daisy,

It's great that you are thinking ahead and being thoughtful with your choice of major :) At the end of the day, you are trying to guess the future, and no one can do that with precision. What you enjoy doing now is a great predictor of what career you will enjoy, but we all change with time and new experiences, so it is completely possible that what you enjoy doing will change in the future, and that's ok! The key is to be flexible and make the best prediction you can right now, but keeping in mind that it may change.

Wishing you all the best!
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Jeff’s Answer

Hi Daisy,

Good question!

If you're going to attend college or university, you have the opportunity to get a taste of many areas. Most of the first two years will involve taking liberal arts classes so you get a chance to find areas that interest you. Once you get started in upper lever classes, you will get a focused exposure. In tech, you can take cybersecurity, architecture, operating systems, software engineering and many other classes. You don't need to pick a specialization yet. You'll find what interests you.

Most importantly, learn the basics! Once you get the basics down, it's easy to adapt and adjust which leads me to the next point.

Technology changes quickly! You will need to continue to learn, adapt and change. If you start on operating systems programming and decide you don't enjoy it any more, you can switch to cybersecurity, as long as you can adapt. Most people do change direction in a tech career, some many times.

For now, learn everything you can and look for what interests you. But there is no rush at this point! Enjoy the journey!
Thank you comment icon This was super helpful, thank you! daisy saidy
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Alex’s Answer

Tough question - there's no way to know unless you try it!

No one knows the future, but you get a certain gut feeling or intuition about something after doing it for a year. You have to try your hardest, obviously, but if you're waking up every day for months hating it, then it's time to move on - plain and simple. Otherwise stick it out, and find the joy or the sense of pride/achievement in it.

When I was graduating high school in 2006 I had no idea "what I wanted to be". The only field that called out to me was computer science. I had been creating little spreadsheets and calculators for my video games since the age of 8, and I enjoyed things like logic puzzles, so it seemed like a natural fit. University was tough - I was afraid of neural networks, the machine learning courses were very tough, but I applied myself and got through it. Now I use neural networks every day and enjoy them... so your sentiment can change over time, but your direction may stay constant.

Other friends of mine changed degrees 2, 3 or 4 times before figuring out what they wanted to do. One went from a business degree to a teaching degree to international politics. Another went from business degree to mechatronics and is now an electrical engineer. So you have to try and apply yourself for a certain time before you know whether you want to stick things out longer, or move on. Good luck.
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Basak’s Answer

Think about what matters most to you. If earning a good salary is important, developing skills in areas like technology, AI, or digital fields can be very rewarding. But if you have a passion for something specific and are comfortable with a modest income, it is great to pursue what truly makes you happy. Remember, we work to enjoy life, not the other way around. It is vital to love what you do so it feels more like a passion than just a job. I hope this inspires you!
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Maria Gabriella’s Answer

Hi Daisy,

When picking a field of study, think about a few important things:

1. Passion and Skills: Focus on subjects you like and are good at, like math or programming.

2. Time Commitment: A Bachelor's Degree usually takes four years, with the first two years covering basic subjects before you specialize. If you want a shorter time commitment, you can choose specific courses that interest you. However, if possible, getting a Bachelor's Degree along with extra courses is a good idea.

3. Career Research: Learn more by talking to people who work in areas you are interested in. Make a list of questions beforehand and try to connect with professionals through friends or LinkedIn.

Good luck and enjoy the experience!
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Veronica’s Answer

Think about what you love to do or what makes you excited. When you find something you enjoy, it won't feel like work. If you prefer talking to people, choose something that lets you interact. If you like working in a group or on your own, pick a path that suits your style. Doing what you're passionate about will lead to a happier future, not just another job.

Veronica recommends the following next steps:

Review what strength and your weaknesses then set a plan to work on both.
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