9 answers
Sidney
Student
Colorado Springs, Colorado
1
Question
Asked
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Should I go to college even if I don't know what I want to do after?
I am a high school senior, and I am interested in working in the business industry. However, every time someone asks me what I want to do specifically, I blank. I do not know how to figure out what to do after college or if college is even the right move?
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9 answers
Helaine Poon
Consultant
8
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Helaine’s Answer
College can still be a good choice even if you're unsure about your career path. Many students begin with a broad subject like business and find their specific career interests through classes, internships, and activities outside of class.
Marissa Jeffers
Lead Performance Management Consultant
5
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Marissa’s Answer
College was an amazing time for me, and I'd say go for it! It's not just about classes and figuring out your career path; it's also about learning to live independently, making new friends, and managing your time and money. There's so much to learn and it's a fun place to do it! Remember, not everyone knows what they want to do right away, and that's perfectly fine. This is your chance to explore and discover what makes you happy and what you're good at. Enjoy the journey! And if you decide not to go to college, or not right now, that's okay too. Just keep learning how to take care of yourself and make a positive impact on your community. Good luck!
Susan Cantrell
Business Consulting
5
Answers
West Linn, Oregon
Updated
Susan’s Answer
Hi there! I also didn't know what I wanted to do when I started college, but I found it so helpful. First, it gave the opportunity to try a lot of different things to see where my interests lie. I explored business, science, humanities, and more - eventually graduating with an English degree. I think there are two really important things about college:
1) It is a really good bridge between being a teenager and an adult. You have the opportunity to be independent in a safe space with others your same age also growing into independence, so there is a feeling that you are all in this together. Learning how to do your own laundry, cook, pay bills, manage your time and your studies and more is so important.
2) Most importantly, I think what college gives you is the ability to learn HOW to learn and think critically. In the age of AI, it is these human capabilities - the ability to have curiosity, the ability to learn, the ability to work with others and collaborate, the ability to solve problems and think critically - that are most important and "AI proof." These will stand you in good stead no matter what career you go into - but especially careers in business.
I encourage you to go to college; they were some of the most fun and fulfilling years of my life.
1) It is a really good bridge between being a teenager and an adult. You have the opportunity to be independent in a safe space with others your same age also growing into independence, so there is a feeling that you are all in this together. Learning how to do your own laundry, cook, pay bills, manage your time and your studies and more is so important.
2) Most importantly, I think what college gives you is the ability to learn HOW to learn and think critically. In the age of AI, it is these human capabilities - the ability to have curiosity, the ability to learn, the ability to work with others and collaborate, the ability to solve problems and think critically - that are most important and "AI proof." These will stand you in good stead no matter what career you go into - but especially careers in business.
I encourage you to go to college; they were some of the most fun and fulfilling years of my life.
Yohanna Velasquez
Data, AI, and computer engineering
5
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Yohanna’s Answer
Hello! It's completely normal to feel unsure about your future. I felt the same way before starting college, so I understand. College is an excellent way to start a career in business. Many people worry about not having connections, but rest assured, there will be plenty of chances to make connections while you're in school.
Business degrees generally have the same core for most majors, which touches a little on every field in business. Because your freshman year, you're probably gonna be working on the core classes, you can use that time to see which field you lean into the most based on what classes you find most interesting.
Additionally, there are many clubs and business programs in college that can introduce you to different fields and help you meet business professionals. The business industry is growing, and I'm confident you'll find your path. Keep exploring and researching areas that interest you!
Business degrees generally have the same core for most majors, which touches a little on every field in business. Because your freshman year, you're probably gonna be working on the core classes, you can use that time to see which field you lean into the most based on what classes you find most interesting.
Additionally, there are many clubs and business programs in college that can introduce you to different fields and help you meet business professionals. The business industry is growing, and I'm confident you'll find your path. Keep exploring and researching areas that interest you!
I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question.
Sidney
Kalen Carter
Communications Manager
1
Answer
Fountain, Colorado
Updated
Kalen’s Answer
Hi Sidney, this is such a fair question. Honestly, I think pursuing your education can absolutely be worth it if you’re ready to commit to the experience and make the most of it. It’s a big financial and personal decision and can set the tone of your future.
For me, college ended up becoming part of my operating system as a young professional and not just because of what I learned in class. A lot of the real value came from the people I met, the networking, learning how to think differently, stepping outside my comfort zone, and taking advantage of opportunities like study abroad programs and campus involvement. Those experiences opened doors, connected dots and helped me build a career that’s been really fun and rewarding so far.
If you’re on the fence, I’d say give yourself permission and time to explore before making a decision. Tour campuses, talk with students and advisors, sit in on classes if you can, and really get a feel for what college life and opportunities could look like for you.
At the end of the day, my education ended up being valuable in ways far beyond grades, tests, or a diploma. It introduced me to people, places, and opportunities I may never have experienced otherwise, and even now, it continues to shape my career and life in exciting ways.
Wishing you the best as you figure out your next chapter, you’ve got a lot of exciting possibilities ahead of you!
For me, college ended up becoming part of my operating system as a young professional and not just because of what I learned in class. A lot of the real value came from the people I met, the networking, learning how to think differently, stepping outside my comfort zone, and taking advantage of opportunities like study abroad programs and campus involvement. Those experiences opened doors, connected dots and helped me build a career that’s been really fun and rewarding so far.
If you’re on the fence, I’d say give yourself permission and time to explore before making a decision. Tour campuses, talk with students and advisors, sit in on classes if you can, and really get a feel for what college life and opportunities could look like for you.
At the end of the day, my education ended up being valuable in ways far beyond grades, tests, or a diploma. It introduced me to people, places, and opportunities I may never have experienced otherwise, and even now, it continues to shape my career and life in exciting ways.
Wishing you the best as you figure out your next chapter, you’ve got a lot of exciting possibilities ahead of you!
Marisol Mena Bonilla
Project Manager
15
Answers
San José, Costa Rica
Updated
Marisol’s Answer
Yes — and honestly, many people start college without knowing exactly what they want to do. That’s more normal than you probably think. College can help you explore different interests, build skills, meet people, and discover what type of work you enjoy over time.
Since you’re interested in business, you already have a general direction, and you do not need to have your entire career figured out right now. Try to stay open to different experiences like internships, clubs, networking, and classes — those things often help people find clarity.
At the same time, college is a big decision, so it’s okay to think carefully about your goals, finances, and what path makes the most sense for you personally. There’s no single “correct” timeline for figuring life out.
Since you’re interested in business, you already have a general direction, and you do not need to have your entire career figured out right now. Try to stay open to different experiences like internships, clubs, networking, and classes — those things often help people find clarity.
At the same time, college is a big decision, so it’s okay to think carefully about your goals, finances, and what path makes the most sense for you personally. There’s no single “correct” timeline for figuring life out.
Ryan Stowe
Finance
3
Answers
Boise, Idaho
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
It’s completely normal not to know exactly what you want to do right now, most people don’t at your age, and many adults still pivot later in life. So don’t feel behind or pressured to have it all figured out.
I generally recommend going to college because having a degree opens far more doors than you might expect. It doesn’t lock you into a specific career, but it does give you a strong foundation and credibility when you’re trying to get your foot in the door. In my own experience, I’ve pivoted industries and professions multiple times, and having a degree is what made those transitions possible.
College also gives you time to explore. You can take introductory classes, join clubs, pursue internships, and talk to people in different majors or career paths. Those experiences are often what help you discover what you actually enjoy.
If you’re interested in the business world but unsure of the specifics, that’s completely okay. Business degrees are broad and flexible, you can branch into marketing, finance, operations, management, tech, HR, or even entrepreneurship later on.
Most importantly, view college as a tool: something that gives you options rather than limiting them. You don’t need to have your entire future mapped out to take the next step forward.
I generally recommend going to college because having a degree opens far more doors than you might expect. It doesn’t lock you into a specific career, but it does give you a strong foundation and credibility when you’re trying to get your foot in the door. In my own experience, I’ve pivoted industries and professions multiple times, and having a degree is what made those transitions possible.
College also gives you time to explore. You can take introductory classes, join clubs, pursue internships, and talk to people in different majors or career paths. Those experiences are often what help you discover what you actually enjoy.
If you’re interested in the business world but unsure of the specifics, that’s completely okay. Business degrees are broad and flexible, you can branch into marketing, finance, operations, management, tech, HR, or even entrepreneurship later on.
Most importantly, view college as a tool: something that gives you options rather than limiting them. You don’t need to have your entire future mapped out to take the next step forward.
Thanks for the advice.
Sidney
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2573
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to know that you have interest in business. Firstly, you need to find out what careers you have interest.
Below are my suggestions :
1. There are many careers related to business, e.g. Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Banking, Administration, Human Resources, etc. You can find out more business related careers online
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to purse
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions :
1. There are many careers related to business, e.g. Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Banking, Administration, Human Resources, etc. You can find out more business related careers online
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to purse
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
This helps thank you so much! ☺️
Sidney
Tim Andrianarison
Audit and Assurance Senior
4
Answers
Rockville, Maryland
Updated
Tim’s Answer
Hi Sidney,
That's a great question. I was in a similar situation before college, unsure of what I wanted to study but interested in business. I decided to attend a community college, and it turned out to be one of the best choices I've made.
Community college let me explore different classes like dance, anthropology, and economics, which helped confirm my interest in a business degree. During those two years, I learned a lot from the courses and also discovered how to be more independent, figured out my preferred learning style, and realized what I wasn't interested in. Plus, I got financial aid and scholarships, making it affordable.
I recommend considering community college because the credits can transfer to a university, it offers flexibility if you need more time, and you can earn an associate degree after 60 credits. When I transferred to a four-year university, I didn't feel behind. I graduated with only $3,000 in student-loan debt, which isn't the case for everyone, but it helped me find the right path for my life.
That's a great question. I was in a similar situation before college, unsure of what I wanted to study but interested in business. I decided to attend a community college, and it turned out to be one of the best choices I've made.
Community college let me explore different classes like dance, anthropology, and economics, which helped confirm my interest in a business degree. During those two years, I learned a lot from the courses and also discovered how to be more independent, figured out my preferred learning style, and realized what I wasn't interested in. Plus, I got financial aid and scholarships, making it affordable.
I recommend considering community college because the credits can transfer to a university, it offers flexibility if you need more time, and you can earn an associate degree after 60 credits. When I transferred to a four-year university, I didn't feel behind. I graduated with only $3,000 in student-loan debt, which isn't the case for everyone, but it helped me find the right path for my life.