4 answers
Luciana
Student
Milford, Ohio
1
Question
Asked
230 views
How do I determine a major or career path before exploring some classes to know what they are about?
How do I determine a major or career path before exploring some classes to know what they are about?
4 answers
Rithvik Vasireddy
Data scientist
5
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Rithvik’s Answer
Before choosing a major or career, it's helpful to explore your options. Try shadowing someone in a job you like, taking an introductory class, or watching videos about it. Notice how you feel—whether you're excited or not can tell you a lot. Skills can always be learned, but genuine interest is unique. Start with small steps, stay true to yourself, and your path will become clearer. Remember, there's no rush; take your time with this decision.
KARTHIK PRASAD
Catalog Specailist
4
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
KARTHIK’s Answer
1. Self Assessment-Identify the subjects which excite you
Evaluate strengths-Skills which you built in strong (It may be analytical thinking, technical knowledge or anything else)
2. Career Research: Explore industries with strong growth which matches your Skills/interest And it includes your salary expectation as well.
3. Explore Without Commitment: Talk to professionals in fields you’re curious about.
So, overall take time Analyze, research, Think & go
Evaluate strengths-Skills which you built in strong (It may be analytical thinking, technical knowledge or anything else)
2. Career Research: Explore industries with strong growth which matches your Skills/interest And it includes your salary expectation as well.
3. Explore Without Commitment: Talk to professionals in fields you’re curious about.
So, overall take time Analyze, research, Think & go
Steve Sterner
IT Management
60
Answers
Easton, Pennsylvania
Updated
Steve’s Answer
This is a great question Luciana. As a father of three and dealing with my own kids having asked these questions I know that there are many pressures from outside making young people feel like if they don't have it all figured out and start on the exact path they are going to be behind the crowd. Let me first assure you that is not true. You cannot be expected to map out your whole life now and be able to predict with accuracy where life, innovation or the job market is 5, 10 or 20 years in the future which is ever changing so first I think it is important to take a step back realize it is Ok not to know and actually embrace the uncertainty for what it is infinite and exciting possibilities.
Don't get me wrong I am not saying don't plan or explore as a matter of fact just the opposite talk to people, seek out things that interest you and as you meet people in the work world that have a career that is interesting ask them about it, do some research on it and see what resonates with you. Keep in mind the choice you make today can change tomorrow when you have more information and that is OK.
I was good with numbers so I went to school for Specialized Management and Accounting came out of school got a great job as a Junior Comptroller/Cost Accountant and realized quickly I hated accounting, I quickly decided to go back to school for technology and I have been working almost 4 decades in technology, 2 degrees and have changed roles many times. I find it exciting, challenging and love the people and the organization I work for.
Your strengths will lead you to what your good at, things that inspire you will lead you to the things that make you happy and fulfilled taking all of these things and using them as your guides will likely lead you into areas you will enjoy and thrive in and even if the exact path you are on is not right it will likely be adjacent to where you want to be. Very few of us are really good at things we don't like or are inspired by things we are not good at.
Again the unknown can be scary but it can also be exciting. I have recently stepped into a role that I know little about (especially in relation to some of my co-workers) but I am going to work and learning something new every day and I find that is exhilarating. Do your best to replace the fear of the unknown with the excitement of the possibilities.
Good luck to you and remember you are not alone many of us are still exploring what we want to be when we grow up, even me at 58 :)
Don't get me wrong I am not saying don't plan or explore as a matter of fact just the opposite talk to people, seek out things that interest you and as you meet people in the work world that have a career that is interesting ask them about it, do some research on it and see what resonates with you. Keep in mind the choice you make today can change tomorrow when you have more information and that is OK.
I was good with numbers so I went to school for Specialized Management and Accounting came out of school got a great job as a Junior Comptroller/Cost Accountant and realized quickly I hated accounting, I quickly decided to go back to school for technology and I have been working almost 4 decades in technology, 2 degrees and have changed roles many times. I find it exciting, challenging and love the people and the organization I work for.
Your strengths will lead you to what your good at, things that inspire you will lead you to the things that make you happy and fulfilled taking all of these things and using them as your guides will likely lead you into areas you will enjoy and thrive in and even if the exact path you are on is not right it will likely be adjacent to where you want to be. Very few of us are really good at things we don't like or are inspired by things we are not good at.
Again the unknown can be scary but it can also be exciting. I have recently stepped into a role that I know little about (especially in relation to some of my co-workers) but I am going to work and learning something new every day and I find that is exhilarating. Do your best to replace the fear of the unknown with the excitement of the possibilities.
Good luck to you and remember you are not alone many of us are still exploring what we want to be when we grow up, even me at 58 :)
Rebecca Olsen
Content Manager
7
Answers
Stuarts Draft, Virginia
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Hi Luciana! There are a few ways to explore careers/majors before taking the college classes.
Depending on what your high school offers, you may be able to take classes now that will help you determine a potential major/career. For example, my high school offered things like forensic science and introduction to pedagogy, which allowed people to explore forensic and education careers. AP classes take that option to the next level, allowing you to get college credit. If your high school has an agreement with local tech or community colleges, you may be able to take classes there while still in high school and figuring things out. I had friends who used those options to explore chef training and basic college classes.
As others have said, interviewing or shadowing students and people with careers you're interested in can also help you see what you'd like. You can ask students with majors you're interested in about workload, extracurriculars, their intended career, etc. You can often connect with students like this through colleges or universities that you're interested in. It's similar for people in careers, just reach out to workplaces where people are doing stuff you're interested in. Ask for a phone or video call, or even ask questions over email.
If high school classes and interviews/shadowing seem like too big of a step, find people on social media. You can look up hashtags, influencers, and official college accounts to find people who are majoring in your interests and see what they share about. You can do the same for working people, as there are often hashtags, influencers, and official accounts related to certain careers. You can also find Facebook groups for certain careers and try to join to ask questions within the group.
College and career fairs will also be full of people who can answer questions about classes, majors, and jobs. Most people go to them planning to apply to a specific college or job, but you don't have to. You can just ask what a day in the life is. I hope that helps!
Depending on what your high school offers, you may be able to take classes now that will help you determine a potential major/career. For example, my high school offered things like forensic science and introduction to pedagogy, which allowed people to explore forensic and education careers. AP classes take that option to the next level, allowing you to get college credit. If your high school has an agreement with local tech or community colleges, you may be able to take classes there while still in high school and figuring things out. I had friends who used those options to explore chef training and basic college classes.
As others have said, interviewing or shadowing students and people with careers you're interested in can also help you see what you'd like. You can ask students with majors you're interested in about workload, extracurriculars, their intended career, etc. You can often connect with students like this through colleges or universities that you're interested in. It's similar for people in careers, just reach out to workplaces where people are doing stuff you're interested in. Ask for a phone or video call, or even ask questions over email.
If high school classes and interviews/shadowing seem like too big of a step, find people on social media. You can look up hashtags, influencers, and official college accounts to find people who are majoring in your interests and see what they share about. You can do the same for working people, as there are often hashtags, influencers, and official accounts related to certain careers. You can also find Facebook groups for certain careers and try to join to ask questions within the group.
College and career fairs will also be full of people who can answer questions about classes, majors, and jobs. Most people go to them planning to apply to a specific college or job, but you don't have to. You can just ask what a day in the life is. I hope that helps!
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