5 answers
6
Updated 202 views

How do I decide my major when I do not know what I am 100% passionate about? #Spring26

I am 18 and wrapping up my senior year in high school. I have yet to decide my major because I have many interests. I am leaning towards business, partly because I am most exposed to it by being part of a family business. I don't know how to tell what is right for me.

spring26 business-management careeradvice careerexploration careergoals careerpath collegebound collegeadvice highschoolsenior highereducation futureplanning personalgrowth collegemajor selfdiscovery decisionmaking lifechoices academicplanning businessmajor findyourpassion lifedirection
Answer This
6

5 answers

0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Marty’s Answer

The first two years of college are about general ed - core courses that round out education and ability to learn. Something will likely spike your interest in wanting to learning more . Let that be your guide and enjoy the time to explore.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Eddy’s Answer

This is actually a really exciting time, even if it doesn’t feel like it yet. You’re at the starting point of figuring things out, and that’s exactly what college is for. A lot of students don’t realize that, depending on the college, the major you put on your application isn’t something you’re locked into for all four years (it’s always a good idea to check your specific school’s policy). You can choose something that interests you now, like business, especially since you already have exposure to it. But use your freshman year to explore widely by taking classes in different areas you’re curious about. Many people discover their true interests this way; for example, I started out pre-med and then realize after a few classes that I'm actually more drawn to technology, which completely shift my path. It’s completely normal to feel unsure right now—in fact, most people do. A huge part of college is experimenting, learning about yourself, and gradually figuring out who you want to become. You don’t need to have it all figured out today, so try not to stress too much about making the “perfect” choice right now.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Henry’s Answer

Having to choose a major right out of high school is definitely tough to do. In addition to Eddy's suggestion of taking different classes, I would suggest talking with family friends and neighbors about their jobs, asking them what they do day to day, what they like and don't like about their jobs. Once you get into a college, you can leverage the resources of the university's career office to attend networking events and / or reach out directly to school alumni and do informational interviews. And if networking sounds intimidating, just remember that most folks love to talk about themselves, so just have your questions prepared.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Yu-Ching’s Answer

Hi Savannah,

I had the same question going into college. I ended up graduating with a business degree and went on to get a master's in economics. As someone who also has wide ranging interests, I agree with Rick that a good strategy would be to start exploring majors that interest you and keep options open.

Apart from university resources, you can get a lot of valuable information on LinkedIn. Check out what kind of opportunities and careers graduates of a certain major pursued during and after college. That may provide you with a better idea of whether business or another major would give you the future you want.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Rick’s Answer

Savanna,
I remember being at that exact crossroads, feeling like I was supposed to have everything figured out before I’d even really started. The truth is, almost no one is 100% certain at 18. And the people who think they are often change direction later anyway.

If I were sitting across from you, I’d tell you this: start with something broad that teaches you how the world actually works. For me, that was economics. It gives you a foundation for understanding money, business, decision-making, and human behavior, all things that show up in just about every career and in everyday life.

You mentioned business because of your family exposure. That’s not a bad instinct at all. In fact, it’s a great starting point because you already have some real-world context. But here’s the key idea: your major is not a life sentence. It’s a starting point.

What really matters is paying attention to yourself as you go. Notice what classes you look forward to, what topics you naturally dive deeper into, what kind of problems you enjoy solving. That’s how you discover what you’re truly good at, and where your “brilliance” lives.

I’ve learned over time that everyone is brilliant at something. The challenge isn’t choosing it perfectly at 18, it’s giving yourself enough exposure to recognize it when you feel it.

So don’t put pressure on yourself to get it exactly right today. Pick a solid, flexible direction like business or economics, stay curious, and let your experience guide you. Clarity comes from doing, not from trying to think your way to the perfect answer upfront.
Rick
0