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How do you figure out what to major in?

I'm in my second year of college. I feeling so lost on figuring out my major, I am currently getting associate in science with my community college. I just feel lost, I love playing video games, and want to go into that industry but I always here its too saturated and hard to get into. I honestly feel so conflicted.

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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, 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.
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Arsen’s Answer

Find out what you're best at, try every activity you could possibly think of.
Thank you comment icon Hi Arsen, can you provide Shay some guidance on finding what they are good at? Sharyn Grose, Admin
Thank you comment icon Start with what you already know, then do an activity related to it, like if you're a painter, you could try pastel. Arsen Escobedo
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Jerome’s Answer

I’d offer that instead of feeling like you need to have an answer right now, that you focus on joining clubs, taking General Ed/electives and maybe attend some career fairs. Your feelings are valid and many feel like you do.

Take some of the pressure off of yourself. You can change majors after you explore some other options.
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Shal’s Answer

Shay, don't worry about too many people doing what you want to do. If you think that way, you'll never start anything. Decide what you want, and go for it. It seems harder than it is because we often doubt ourselves. If you want to get into gaming, then pursue it. Many students don’t use all the help available at their college. Look for a Career Counselor who can guide you. Also, consider if there’s a specialized associate degree that can help you in gaming and design.

I noticed you live in Auburn, so I found a link to a program at the University that might help you get started. Keep asking questions, and remember, you can achieve whatever you choose.

careertraining.auburn.edu/training-programs/video-game-design/

Shal recommends the following next steps:

Locate the campus Career Counselor and ask all the questions, ask him/her for next steps
Decide concretely in which direction you would like to go, do not be intimidated to pursue this
Take career assessments to help you decide (ask CC, search online)
Check out the provided link for another avenue to network and ask questions
Research the different possibilities your associates degree could become more specialized (ask the CC)
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Tiera’s Answer

It is okay to take your time when choosing a major. This decision does not have to be rushed, and feeling lost is more common than people admit. I encourage you to look closely at what you are genuinely passionate about and what you can see yourself committing time and effort to, even when things get challenging.

There is a misconception that you have to separate work from what you love, but many people build fulfilling careers by leaning into their interests. Loving what you do does not mean it will always be easy, but it does make the hard parts more meaningful.

If you are interested in the video game industry, try exploring it beyond just playing games. Look into areas like game design, art, animation, programming, sound design, or marketing. An industry being competitive does not mean it is impossible to enter, it just means preparation and clarity matter more.

You do not have to have everything figured out right now. Focus on learning, exploring, and gaining skills. Your path can evolve, and that is completely okay.
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Yoav’s Answer

It is totally normal to feel a bit stuck during your second year of college, especially when you're caught between a passion you love and the practical fears about the job market. While you might hear that the gaming industry is saturated, it's actually a massive field with so many different paths like design, programming, writing, or even project management, and having an associate in science gives you a great technical foundation to start with. Instead of worrying about the whole industry at once, try to think about what part of gaming actually makes you lose track of time, whether it's the storytelling, the mechanics, or how the world looks, as that can point you toward a specific major like computer science, digital media, or even psychology. You could also look for related fields that use similar skills, like simulation technology or user experience design, which can give you a backup plan while you chase your dream. Don't let the fear of competition stop you from exploring something that genuinely excites you because you'll always do your best work when you're actually interested in the subject. You've got plenty of time to pivot if you need to, so just take it one step at a time and trust your instincts. You're going to figure this out and find a career that makes you truly happy. Believe in your talents and good luck.
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Laura’s Answer

This is so tough and you are far from alone. Feeling lost in your second year is much more common than people admit. You’re at the point where the structure gets looser, expectations get bigger, and suddenly you’re expected to “pick a direction for life” based on not much real-world experience yet. Your associate degree is actually the perfect stage to explore without locking yourself in. Maybe taking an intro programming course, basic digital art/design course.

Laura recommends the following next steps:

If you like logic/problem-solving → Computer Science
If you like visuals/creativity → Design or Digital Media
If you like storytelling → Writing, media, communications
If you like organizing systems → Business / project management
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Rebecca’s Answer

Thank you for your question. Many students have similar questions.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Given you have interest in e-sports, would you consider to become E-Sports player, Games Developer, Games Designer, Games Commentary, etc. You can also consider other Tech related careers, e.g. Web Developer, Apps Developer, ERP Developer, etc. You can find out more relevant careers online
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers.
4. Attend the information session hosts by relevant subjects in colleges
5. Explore the entry criteria of the relevant subjects in collegs
Hope this help! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
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