12 answers
Arianna
Student
San Miguel, California
3
Questions
Asked
3011 views
How do I find an ideal major and career for myself?
I’m completing senior year soon, but I can’t seem to find a solid major or career I’m interested in. I’ve taken numerous career tests, and none have really helped. I’m having trouble finding my own strengths and interests I had growing up.
Login to comment
12 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Advisor | Freelance Writer | TRIO Program Director
1094
Answers
Tacoma, Washington
Updated
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, STEM 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.
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.
Dr. Kelly Desso
Protective Services
270
Answers
Somers, Connecticut
Updated
Dr. Kelly’s Answer
Don't worry too much. When I was in high school, my guidance counselor gave me a career test, and it said I should be a funeral home owner. That was never something I thought about, and it felt like a job for family businesses. Clearly, I ended up doing something different!
Have you ever had a part-time job that got you excited about something new? Or is there a big world problem you want to help solve? High school doesn't always show us everything, and sometimes we find our passions later on. Try to choose a major and courses that match the career you want.
Think about if you want a school that is online, hybrid or fully in person.
After that, look at unviersity major options that fit your indented setting. One may jump out more than others
Make an "absolutely not list" and figure out why you don't want a given subject- this also helps in the long run
If you don't like the course requirements, don't spend the money on the school or program.
Have you ever had a part-time job that got you excited about something new? Or is there a big world problem you want to help solve? High school doesn't always show us everything, and sometimes we find our passions later on. Try to choose a major and courses that match the career you want.
Dr. Kelly recommends the following next steps:
Roel Ramon
Product Management and Development
91
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Roel’s Answer
You're not alone—many people feel this way! Here's some uplifting advice:
Reflect: Think about what subjects or activities you love, even outside of school. Notice what tasks make you lose track of time.
Experiment: Try different elective courses in college to discover new interests.
Talk to Others: Reach out to teachers, mentors, or professionals to learn about their career journeys and what they enjoy.
Get Experience: Explore internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work to find what suits you.
Stay Flexible: It's okay to change your major or career goals as you learn more about yourself.
Focus on exploring and learning instead of finding the "perfect" path right away. You'll uncover your interests along the journey!
Reflect: Think about what subjects or activities you love, even outside of school. Notice what tasks make you lose track of time.
Experiment: Try different elective courses in college to discover new interests.
Talk to Others: Reach out to teachers, mentors, or professionals to learn about their career journeys and what they enjoy.
Get Experience: Explore internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work to find what suits you.
Stay Flexible: It's okay to change your major or career goals as you learn more about yourself.
Focus on exploring and learning instead of finding the "perfect" path right away. You'll uncover your interests along the journey!
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2607
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Many students have similar question.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your favourite subjects, hobbies, etc. and identify the related careers
E.g. If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc.
If you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music producer, music composer, 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. The relevant subjects are the major you can do more research
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, e.g. your favourite subjects, hobbies, etc. and identify the related careers
E.g. If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc.
If you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music producer, music composer, 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. The relevant subjects are the major you can do more research
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Aisha Taylor
Mortgage Closing Specialist
518
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Aisha’s Answer
Finding Your Major and Career
Here are some easy steps to help you figure things out:
Immediate Actions
- Talk to people: Connect with professionals in fields that interest you, even a little. Real conversations are more helpful than career quizzes.
- Try internships or job shadowing: Hands-on experience helps you see what you like or don’t like.
- Start broad: Many schools let you choose a general major first and specialize later. You don’t need to decide everything now.
Reflect Honestly
- What do you do when no one’s watching? What problems do you enjoy solving?
- Which classes did you enjoy? What topics make you lose track of time?
- Do you like working with people, data, ideas, or things?
Lower the Pressure
- It's normal to change majors or careers multiple times. It's not a failure.
- Your first major isn’t a lifelong commitment.
- Many employers value skills and work ethic more than your specific degree.
Next Steps
- Meet with your school’s career counselor: They offer resources and personalized guidance.
- Explore a few majors: Take introductory courses in areas that interest you.
- Allow yourself to not have all the answers yet: It’s okay to start college with an open mind.
You’re not behind. Most seniors feel uncertain too. Focus on the next small step instead of finding the "perfect" answer right away.
Here are some easy steps to help you figure things out:
Immediate Actions
- Talk to people: Connect with professionals in fields that interest you, even a little. Real conversations are more helpful than career quizzes.
- Try internships or job shadowing: Hands-on experience helps you see what you like or don’t like.
- Start broad: Many schools let you choose a general major first and specialize later. You don’t need to decide everything now.
Reflect Honestly
- What do you do when no one’s watching? What problems do you enjoy solving?
- Which classes did you enjoy? What topics make you lose track of time?
- Do you like working with people, data, ideas, or things?
Lower the Pressure
- It's normal to change majors or careers multiple times. It's not a failure.
- Your first major isn’t a lifelong commitment.
- Many employers value skills and work ethic more than your specific degree.
Next Steps
- Meet with your school’s career counselor: They offer resources and personalized guidance.
- Explore a few majors: Take introductory courses in areas that interest you.
- Allow yourself to not have all the answers yet: It’s okay to start college with an open mind.
You’re not behind. Most seniors feel uncertain too. Focus on the next small step instead of finding the "perfect" answer right away.
Alexandra Grashkina-Hristov
International Tax Professional
187
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Alexandra’s Answer
Hi Ariana,
I totally understand how challenging it can be to figure out a major and career path, especially as you’re finishing your senior year. One thing I’d suggest is to take some time to really think about what kind of work you might enjoy doing in the future—that could help guide you toward a major that fits. It is fine to have more than one interest, but perhaps narrow it down to broader areas: is it engineering, law, medicine, social work, teaching, digital marketing etc. Then, think about different majors and make a list. For example, if you want to work in the law field, you can major in political science, or international relations, or even English or history. If you are interested in business in general, an economics major or a business major may make sense, but you can also take psychology classes, or accounting and finance. These are just examples, not recipes!
It can also be super helpful to talk to people who are already working in fields you’re curious about, especially those who are college graduates or are graduating soon. Hearing about their experiences and how they got to where they are might give you some clarity. You might want to reach out to alumni from your high school, too—they can be a great resource since they’ve been in your shoes and can share advice and insights.
Remember, finding the right path takes time and exploration, so don’t be too hard on yourself. Keep asking questions and connecting with others—you’ll get there! Also, remember that you can change your major in most colleges and you can have a major/minor combination or even a double major.
I totally understand how challenging it can be to figure out a major and career path, especially as you’re finishing your senior year. One thing I’d suggest is to take some time to really think about what kind of work you might enjoy doing in the future—that could help guide you toward a major that fits. It is fine to have more than one interest, but perhaps narrow it down to broader areas: is it engineering, law, medicine, social work, teaching, digital marketing etc. Then, think about different majors and make a list. For example, if you want to work in the law field, you can major in political science, or international relations, or even English or history. If you are interested in business in general, an economics major or a business major may make sense, but you can also take psychology classes, or accounting and finance. These are just examples, not recipes!
It can also be super helpful to talk to people who are already working in fields you’re curious about, especially those who are college graduates or are graduating soon. Hearing about their experiences and how they got to where they are might give you some clarity. You might want to reach out to alumni from your high school, too—they can be a great resource since they’ve been in your shoes and can share advice and insights.
Remember, finding the right path takes time and exploration, so don’t be too hard on yourself. Keep asking questions and connecting with others—you’ll get there! Also, remember that you can change your major in most colleges and you can have a major/minor combination or even a double major.
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
854
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
It’s OK to not have all the answers. Some will enter college and know what they want to be while others can use college as an opportunity to explore what’s out there.
You can use the first two years of college to take electives and to explore options. You can join clubs, network and earn and AA without delaying a major.
I know there is a tremendous amount of pressure right now, but I promise you that you have time to work through options.
You can use the first two years of college to take electives and to explore options. You can join clubs, network and earn and AA without delaying a major.
I know there is a tremendous amount of pressure right now, but I promise you that you have time to work through options.
Gabrielle Wheeler
Innovation Champion
2
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Gabrielle’s Answer
Hi Ariana! First, take a deep breath. It's important. When I was in college, a professor told us that most people change careers 3 to 5 times, sometimes even more. As we gain experience and go through life, our interests and skills change. This is normal and good. Be kind to yourself. As you step into this big world, there's a lot of pressure to find the "perfect path," but you don't have to. Some people know exactly what they want, but not everyone does, and that's okay.
I started in the medical field, moving from a front desk job to a medical assistant and then to management. I worked in different settings, but I realized medicine wasn't for me. So, I went back to school and explored creative fields. I worked on documentaries, short films, journalism, and even interned for NBC. I also helped start a collegiate chapter for a non-profit and worked with small businesses, doing photography and creating content.
I tried many things, failed, and tried again. I never gave up and always said yes to opportunities for growth. Now, I work at Verizon Wireless as a social media manager and help build a new department focused on business strategy and customer experience. I love my job. I started as a retail store agent to pay for school and joined a pilot program creating social media content for Verizon, which helped me connect with people nationwide.
My next dream is to open a publishing company and grow it internationally while advancing in my current role to support it. I love reading and would cherish that opportunity. Does it relate to what I do now? No. Is it worth pursuing? Absolutely. You have so much to offer, and neither age nor a lack of a clear path will stop you. Staying calm and confident in your abilities will open many doors.
Also, take advantage of AI platforms to explore opportunities that match your interests. I didn't have tools like ChatGPT or Google Gemini in school, and they could have made a big difference. You can create different "road maps" by starting with simple ideas like "I love to write" or "I want to help people." Keep exploring until you start to see the steps more clearly. Then, try whatever interests you. No stress, no pressure, just the pursuit of happiness.
I started in the medical field, moving from a front desk job to a medical assistant and then to management. I worked in different settings, but I realized medicine wasn't for me. So, I went back to school and explored creative fields. I worked on documentaries, short films, journalism, and even interned for NBC. I also helped start a collegiate chapter for a non-profit and worked with small businesses, doing photography and creating content.
I tried many things, failed, and tried again. I never gave up and always said yes to opportunities for growth. Now, I work at Verizon Wireless as a social media manager and help build a new department focused on business strategy and customer experience. I love my job. I started as a retail store agent to pay for school and joined a pilot program creating social media content for Verizon, which helped me connect with people nationwide.
My next dream is to open a publishing company and grow it internationally while advancing in my current role to support it. I love reading and would cherish that opportunity. Does it relate to what I do now? No. Is it worth pursuing? Absolutely. You have so much to offer, and neither age nor a lack of a clear path will stop you. Staying calm and confident in your abilities will open many doors.
Also, take advantage of AI platforms to explore opportunities that match your interests. I didn't have tools like ChatGPT or Google Gemini in school, and they could have made a big difference. You can create different "road maps" by starting with simple ideas like "I love to write" or "I want to help people." Keep exploring until you start to see the steps more clearly. Then, try whatever interests you. No stress, no pressure, just the pursuit of happiness.
Lauren Marino
Human Resources Director
4
Answers
Roswell, Georgia
Updated
Lauren’s Answer
Hi Ariana,
This time can feel incredibly overwhelming, especially when you see peers around you who many think they know exactly what they want to do. Please know that this is very normal - not everyone knows and even those who think they may know, may change their mind many times. You don't need to have this all figured out right now. The first year of college is mostly general classes, which will give you time to figure out what you what to major or specialize in. Think less about what title you want to have and more about what you find joy in during your day. Try to find a part-time job or volunteer opportunity that aligns as a test drive. Be inquisitive, ask questions, and research. At the end of the day, school is very different from real life experience so the more you can test drive a profession, the better feel for it you gain. When you get to school and into your classes, your advisor can also help guide you - take advantage of the resources available and most importantly, take a deep breath!! You've got this!
This time can feel incredibly overwhelming, especially when you see peers around you who many think they know exactly what they want to do. Please know that this is very normal - not everyone knows and even those who think they may know, may change their mind many times. You don't need to have this all figured out right now. The first year of college is mostly general classes, which will give you time to figure out what you what to major or specialize in. Think less about what title you want to have and more about what you find joy in during your day. Try to find a part-time job or volunteer opportunity that aligns as a test drive. Be inquisitive, ask questions, and research. At the end of the day, school is very different from real life experience so the more you can test drive a profession, the better feel for it you gain. When you get to school and into your classes, your advisor can also help guide you - take advantage of the resources available and most importantly, take a deep breath!! You've got this!
Marc Piva
I support software salespeople helping their customers understand business value of the software they are considering to pruchase
1
Answer
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Marc’s Answer
What are you passionate about and can that translate into an occupation that can provide a solid career and earnings power. Many people struggle with what career path that they would be happy in. I don't know if you're going to college, considering a trade or going into the workforce, if its college, the first two years you'll take different classes and that can give you runway to figure out what path would be best for you. If you go to college I would suggest getting a degree that gives you the ability to get a job in that field of study, you'll be spending a lot of money and time in college make it count. In any job regardless what you do, strive to be the best that you can be, always be learning to improve your skills and knowledge.
Yoav Traeger
Bid Manager
128
Answers
Kiryat Ono, Tel Aviv District
Updated
Yoav’s Answer
It's completely normal to feel a sense of pressure as senior year winds down, but know that you don't need to have your entire life mapped out right this moment. Since standardized tests haven't provided the clarity you need, try shifting your focus away from job titles and instead look at the small moments in your daily life that make time move a little faster or leave you feeling energized. Sometimes our truest strengths aren't found in a list of hobbies from childhood, but in the way we solve problems, how we support our friends, or the specific topics that spark our curiosity when we are scrolling through the news or social media. Consider exploring broad fields in your first year of college or taking on a low-stakes internship or volunteer position to see how different environments feel in practice rather than on paper. Finding your path is often a process of elimination and quiet discovery rather than a sudden realization, so give yourself the grace to explore without the weight of perfection. You have plenty of time to grow into the person you are becoming, and I truly believe you will find a direction that feels authentic to you. You possess unique talents that will surface as you continue to move forward, and I wish you the very best of luck.
Emma Anderson
Human Resources
6
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Emma’s Answer
Instead of looking back and asking, "What am I interested in?" try asking yourself different questions. Think about what tasks don't make you feel tired, whether you like structured or open-ended challenges, and if you enjoy working with people or systems. These questions can give you clearer answers.