2 answers
Leandro
Student
Union, New Jersey
2
Questions
Updated
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What Should I do in order to find my passion and figure out what I want to major in college??
I am a junior in highschool and I am struggling to figure out what I would want to major in college. I am an above average student with a 3.76 unweighted GPA. What should I do in order to figure it out.
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2 answers
Ibrahim Ali
Software Developer
21
Answers
Mogadishu, Banaadir, Somalia
Updated
Ibrahim’s Answer
That’s a really common question, and it’s great that you’re thinking about it now. Many students don’t know exactly what they want to major in yet, and that’s completely normal.
One helpful approach is to start exploring your interests and strengths. Think about the classes or activities you enjoy the most and the ones where you naturally do well. You can also research different careers and majors online to see what kinds of work people actually do in those fields. Sometimes learning about real jobs helps you connect your interests to a possible major.
Another good step is to try things out. You could talk to teachers, school counselors, or professionals about their careers, or look for short internships, clubs, volunteer work, or online courses related to fields you’re curious about. Even taking an introductory class in college can help you discover whether you enjoy a subject.
Also remember that many students change their major once they start college, so you don’t need to have everything figured out right now. Focus on exploring and learning about yourself.
You’re already asking the right questions, and that’s a great start. Keep exploring and you’ll find a direction that fits you.
One helpful approach is to start exploring your interests and strengths. Think about the classes or activities you enjoy the most and the ones where you naturally do well. You can also research different careers and majors online to see what kinds of work people actually do in those fields. Sometimes learning about real jobs helps you connect your interests to a possible major.
Another good step is to try things out. You could talk to teachers, school counselors, or professionals about their careers, or look for short internships, clubs, volunteer work, or online courses related to fields you’re curious about. Even taking an introductory class in college can help you discover whether you enjoy a subject.
Also remember that many students change their major once they start college, so you don’t need to have everything figured out right now. Focus on exploring and learning about yourself.
You’re already asking the right questions, and that’s a great start. Keep exploring and you’ll find a direction that fits you.
Nadia Hassler
Physical Therapist
4
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Nadia’s Answer
Hi Leandro,
If you are feeling stressed about not knowing yet what you want to do with your life, I would read the book Range, by David Epstein. It will give you some perspective, and likely ease some of your stress, as it show that people who take longer to figure out an area to specialize in, often develop broader skillsets and interests, which then come in very handy later, once you do figure out what you really want to specialize in. I think it can also be helpful spend your first year at a community college or tech school, where you can try out a variety of elective classes at a much cheaper rate than you would pay if you go straight to a university. If feasible, it might even be helpful to take a gap year and find an interesting job or internship doing something that is outside of your comfort zone to help expose you to new experiences. The wider variety of experiences you can expose yourself to, the faster you will figure out what you really do and do not enjoy, and also help you figure out your strengths and weaknesses. Follow your curiosity and stay open-minded. If you think you might be interested in a certain field but are unsure, search for podcasts or interviews with the experts in that field to get a better idea! Read as many biographies as you can, to get a sense of how other people figured out their paths in life. Pay attention to the types of environments you enjoy being in, or the topics you really enjoy learning about. And try not to stress too much that you don't have it all figured out yet. Most people don't, and that is okay.
If you are feeling stressed about not knowing yet what you want to do with your life, I would read the book Range, by David Epstein. It will give you some perspective, and likely ease some of your stress, as it show that people who take longer to figure out an area to specialize in, often develop broader skillsets and interests, which then come in very handy later, once you do figure out what you really want to specialize in. I think it can also be helpful spend your first year at a community college or tech school, where you can try out a variety of elective classes at a much cheaper rate than you would pay if you go straight to a university. If feasible, it might even be helpful to take a gap year and find an interesting job or internship doing something that is outside of your comfort zone to help expose you to new experiences. The wider variety of experiences you can expose yourself to, the faster you will figure out what you really do and do not enjoy, and also help you figure out your strengths and weaknesses. Follow your curiosity and stay open-minded. If you think you might be interested in a certain field but are unsure, search for podcasts or interviews with the experts in that field to get a better idea! Read as many biographies as you can, to get a sense of how other people figured out their paths in life. Pay attention to the types of environments you enjoy being in, or the topics you really enjoy learning about. And try not to stress too much that you don't have it all figured out yet. Most people don't, and that is okay.