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How do I begin to find a major I am actually interested in? And what if I spent 4 years just to end up in a field I don't like?
Sometimes I question myself where I will end up in the future, I'll be applying to colleges at the end of the year
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Dr. Kelly’s Answer
As you progress from an associate's to a doctoral degree, your perspective on the field changes. Sometimes, courses or programs may not match your expectations, and it's okay to leave if necessary. Schools often present their programs in the best light, so it's important to do your own research.
To avoid disappointment, start by reviewing the curriculum to ensure it aligns with your interests. If it doesn't, find a program that does. Don't rely solely on the degree title. For example, if you're interested in corrections, a criminal justice program focused on policing might not be suitable.
Also, consider what you want from your education. Do you prefer online classes, a large university, or living on campus? When the environment suits you, the academic experience often will, too.
To avoid disappointment, start by reviewing the curriculum to ensure it aligns with your interests. If it doesn't, find a program that does. Don't rely solely on the degree title. For example, if you're interested in corrections, a criminal justice program focused on policing might not be suitable.
Also, consider what you want from your education. Do you prefer online classes, a large university, or living on campus? When the environment suits you, the academic experience often will, too.
Updated
Kelly’s Answer
Hi Pei Lin,
I’m really glad you asked this. What you’re feeling is more common than people admit, especially when you’re about to apply to colleges and it feels like you’re supposed to have your whole life mapped out.
Let me share something personal.
I didn’t follow a straight line. I actually went back to school and completed a second undergraduate degree in something completely different from where I originally started. And later, I chose to go to graduate school as well. None of those steps were “wasted.” They were part of figuring out who I was becoming.
College is not just job training. It’s exploration. Your first year especially is designed for that. You take general education courses, you meet professors from different departments, you discover what you like, and sometimes what you don’t like. Both are valuable.
It’s okay if your major changes. Many students switch once. Some switch twice. Some graduate and realize they want something different, and that’s okay too. There’s graduate school if you choose it later. There are certificate programs. There are career pivots. Life isn’t one locked door.
You are not choosing your entire future at 18. You are choosing your next step. Instead of asking, “What will I do forever?” try asking:
What subjects make me curious right now?
What kinds of problems do I care about?
What environments help me feel energized?
Even if you spend four years in a field and later decide it’s not for you, you don’t lose those years. You gain skills such as communication, research, collaboration, discipline, all of which transfer anywhere.
I work with college students now, and I can tell you this: the students who allow themselves to explore thoughtfully often end up more confident than those who try to force certainty too early.
You don’t need the perfect answer today. You just need curiosity and courage to take the next step. It’s okay not to know yet. That doesn’t mean you’re behind. It means you’re thinking. And that’s a very good place to start.
I’m really glad you asked this. What you’re feeling is more common than people admit, especially when you’re about to apply to colleges and it feels like you’re supposed to have your whole life mapped out.
Let me share something personal.
I didn’t follow a straight line. I actually went back to school and completed a second undergraduate degree in something completely different from where I originally started. And later, I chose to go to graduate school as well. None of those steps were “wasted.” They were part of figuring out who I was becoming.
College is not just job training. It’s exploration. Your first year especially is designed for that. You take general education courses, you meet professors from different departments, you discover what you like, and sometimes what you don’t like. Both are valuable.
It’s okay if your major changes. Many students switch once. Some switch twice. Some graduate and realize they want something different, and that’s okay too. There’s graduate school if you choose it later. There are certificate programs. There are career pivots. Life isn’t one locked door.
You are not choosing your entire future at 18. You are choosing your next step. Instead of asking, “What will I do forever?” try asking:
What subjects make me curious right now?
What kinds of problems do I care about?
What environments help me feel energized?
Even if you spend four years in a field and later decide it’s not for you, you don’t lose those years. You gain skills such as communication, research, collaboration, discipline, all of which transfer anywhere.
I work with college students now, and I can tell you this: the students who allow themselves to explore thoughtfully often end up more confident than those who try to force certainty too early.
You don’t need the perfect answer today. You just need curiosity and courage to take the next step. It’s okay not to know yet. That doesn’t mean you’re behind. It means you’re thinking. And that’s a very good place to start.
Updated
Vianne’s Answer
Many people believe they must have their entire future planned out before starting, but that's rarely the case. It's helpful to focus less on the exact job you want and more on the subjects or problems you enjoy. For instance, do you like working with people, solving technical issues, creating things, analyzing data, or organizing projects? Your major often relates to these interests.
Many students don't realize that it's common to change majors in college. The first year or two usually includes general classes, allowing you to explore different subjects and discover what you truly like. Talking to professors, joining clubs, and doing internships or part-time work can give you a better idea of what a career is really like.
Even if you finish a degree and later decide that field isn't for you, those years aren't wasted. Many jobs value skills like communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking more than your specific major. Lots of people work in areas different from their major. Think of college as a chance to explore and learn about yourself, not just a decision that determines your entire future.
Many students don't realize that it's common to change majors in college. The first year or two usually includes general classes, allowing you to explore different subjects and discover what you truly like. Talking to professors, joining clubs, and doing internships or part-time work can give you a better idea of what a career is really like.
Even if you finish a degree and later decide that field isn't for you, those years aren't wasted. Many jobs value skills like communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking more than your specific major. Lots of people work in areas different from their major. Think of college as a chance to explore and learn about yourself, not just a decision that determines your entire future.
Updated
Doug’s Answer
Hi Pei Lin,
I like Kelly’s answer – insightful. Let me see if I can add to that.
Regarding choosing field or a major – you have some time. I had no idea what I wanted to study or what career to pursue when I started college. And, as my first two years progressed, I discovered many of my classmates who seemed to come into college knowing exactly what they wanted to study, changed their minds at least once. I went to a liberal arts school at a university and took a wide variety of courses. After a year and a half, I realized I was most interested in Psychology, and I made that my major. I also took courses in the School of Engineering and by senior year, I realized that I enjoyed programming. I ended up pursuing a career in Information Technology.
In your first two years in college, take a wide variety of courses in different subject areas. Also talk to others at college who have selected their major or career and ask them about their choice. At some point, you’ll discover you’re taking more of an interest in courses in one department or in an activity you’re participating in. This discovery will help you choose a major and maybe a career.
As Kelly points out, no classes you take in college will be wasted. You’ll develop skills that you will need regardless of what career you choose:
Communication skills, both writing and presentation skills. After a long career in Information Technology, I’ve learned good communication skills are essential in corporate and business settings, but often in short supply.
Problem solving skills.
Critical thinking.
Teamwork and collaboration – learning to listen and learning how to work effectively with others and express yourself in a group.
I'm wishing you all the best!
I like Kelly’s answer – insightful. Let me see if I can add to that.
Regarding choosing field or a major – you have some time. I had no idea what I wanted to study or what career to pursue when I started college. And, as my first two years progressed, I discovered many of my classmates who seemed to come into college knowing exactly what they wanted to study, changed their minds at least once. I went to a liberal arts school at a university and took a wide variety of courses. After a year and a half, I realized I was most interested in Psychology, and I made that my major. I also took courses in the School of Engineering and by senior year, I realized that I enjoyed programming. I ended up pursuing a career in Information Technology.
In your first two years in college, take a wide variety of courses in different subject areas. Also talk to others at college who have selected their major or career and ask them about their choice. At some point, you’ll discover you’re taking more of an interest in courses in one department or in an activity you’re participating in. This discovery will help you choose a major and maybe a career.
As Kelly points out, no classes you take in college will be wasted. You’ll develop skills that you will need regardless of what career you choose:
Communication skills, both writing and presentation skills. After a long career in Information Technology, I’ve learned good communication skills are essential in corporate and business settings, but often in short supply.
Problem solving skills.
Critical thinking.
Teamwork and collaboration – learning to listen and learning how to work effectively with others and express yourself in a group.
I'm wishing you all the best!