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How do you know if the major you chose is right for you and you are pursuing the right path throughout college?
I will be attending Miami University in the fall of 2026 and am going in as an international studies major. I have always had a fascination with cultures and I want to expand my knowledge and possibly find a career related to that field, but I am not sure if it is the right path and if there will be enough career options in relation to my major when I graduate. I have though about pursuing a pre-law track to feel more comfortable about my options after my Bachelors, but I am not sure if that is the path I want to pursue. How long can I be thinking about this before I should have a more set path with my major or the path to my career? How do I know if it's the right choice if I do not have a set career aspiration?
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Kimberly’s Answer
You usually know a major is right for you if you feel interested enough to keep learning, capable of improving with effort, and able to picture yourself using those skills in a future job. It does not have to feel perfect all the time — a good fit often means challenging but meaningful, not easy every day. A strong sign you’re on the right path is that your classes, internships, clubs, or projects make you more curious, more confident, or more certain about what kind of work you want. On the other hand, if you consistently feel drained, disconnected, and uninterested even after giving it a real try, that may be a sign to explore other options. The best way to check yourself throughout college is to reflect each semester: What am I good at, what do I enjoy, and what kind of career does this major lead to?
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Isida’s Answer
Hello Madilyn,
Your inquiry has gone through my weekly mail. It’s completely normal to feel uncertain about your future—most professionals didn’t have it all figured out at your age. Start by exploring what excites you, whether it’s solving problems, helping people, or creating something new. Every small step you take—like researching a role, shadowing someone, or trying a project—builds clarity over time. In your phase, you have just decided on a university, and this is a great thing. My background is in finance and economics, and I can suggest that it is not a bad field to study. You need to be persistent, have an international point of view regarding macroeconomics subjects, and be open-minded about challenges that you may face in real life. The job market is competitive, and the number of prestigious organizations is limited. Rejections, mistakes, or changes in direction aren’t failures—they’re feedback. Each challenge teaches you something about yourself and the world of work. The most successful people you admire have faced setbacks, too; what made them stand out was persistence and the ability to learn from each experience.
I am an accountant by background, hence my work consists of micromanagement and detail-oriented tasks with numbers. Hope it helps. Good luck!
Your inquiry has gone through my weekly mail. It’s completely normal to feel uncertain about your future—most professionals didn’t have it all figured out at your age. Start by exploring what excites you, whether it’s solving problems, helping people, or creating something new. Every small step you take—like researching a role, shadowing someone, or trying a project—builds clarity over time. In your phase, you have just decided on a university, and this is a great thing. My background is in finance and economics, and I can suggest that it is not a bad field to study. You need to be persistent, have an international point of view regarding macroeconomics subjects, and be open-minded about challenges that you may face in real life. The job market is competitive, and the number of prestigious organizations is limited. Rejections, mistakes, or changes in direction aren’t failures—they’re feedback. Each challenge teaches you something about yourself and the world of work. The most successful people you admire have faced setbacks, too; what made them stand out was persistence and the ability to learn from each experience.
I am an accountant by background, hence my work consists of micromanagement and detail-oriented tasks with numbers. Hope it helps. Good luck!
Updated
Amanda’s Answer
I think it is perfectly normal for you to not know what career you want after graduation at this point in time. People can change majors throughout their college career, and you can also major in multiple areas if you are unable to choose one distinct path. You can do many things with a bachelors degree in international relations, as that can apply to so many industries and professions. While helpful to start thinking of the work you will do post college, just remember that you should focus your major on something you truly are interested in so that you feel invigorated and energized by the work you do. You can go to law school and not necessarily have followed a pre-law track. The fact that you know you are interested in different cultures, exploring roles in international relations seems really smart and something that will provide long term interest for you. Try new things, follow your passions, and you will do well.
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Taylor’s Answer
Hi Madilyn,
I would spend your first year or two of college exploring what interests you and being open to whatever direction it may take! Don't discredit networking with clubs, professors, older students to learn about what they're focused on and why. Attend employer sessions where you can to learn more about different industries, etc. College is an opportunity to learn as much about yourself as you can. If you approach it with abundant curiosity and putting yourself out there, you'll hopefully start to see patterns of what pulls you in.
I'll leave you with this example: I joined a sorority in college and while most of the members complained about recruitment, I LOVED recruiting new members, meeting new people, and sharing with them why they should consider our sorority. Little did I know, I'd end up landing a long career in Talent Acquisition. Those experiences shine a big light on what you enjoy, what you're good at, and ultimately can help guide you in the right direction.
Good luck!
Taylor
I would spend your first year or two of college exploring what interests you and being open to whatever direction it may take! Don't discredit networking with clubs, professors, older students to learn about what they're focused on and why. Attend employer sessions where you can to learn more about different industries, etc. College is an opportunity to learn as much about yourself as you can. If you approach it with abundant curiosity and putting yourself out there, you'll hopefully start to see patterns of what pulls you in.
I'll leave you with this example: I joined a sorority in college and while most of the members complained about recruitment, I LOVED recruiting new members, meeting new people, and sharing with them why they should consider our sorority. Little did I know, I'd end up landing a long career in Talent Acquisition. Those experiences shine a big light on what you enjoy, what you're good at, and ultimately can help guide you in the right direction.
Good luck!
Taylor