17 answers
1
Question
Updated
1074 views
How did you know that the career path you’re in right one for you and how did you work through if there were any uncertainties ?
I’m currently a sophomore in college majoring in real estate. I chose this major because I am interested in commercial real estate however, I’m unsure if im going the right route or just wasting my time when I can major in maybe Finance.
Login to comment
17 answers
Updated
Rufino’s Answer
Hi Vera! You really won't know until you try. You can only research and dwell on something for so long. Take action, obtain clarity, review the outcome, and repeat or adjust. There's a reason why you want to get into commercial real estate. Go that route first. If it works out, great! If it doesn't, you can always pivot to finance. Don't have anyone tell you that you can't. You always have a choice. And if you pivot, you're doing it with the knowledge and learnings gained from your commercial real estate journey. You're not starting over from a complete "zero point".
This happened to me and I had to make a pivot after 1.5 years of college. I went from coding/programming to graphic design/audio + visual communications. Looking back, having gone through both has helped me get to where I am today. Being able to understand the deep technical aspects of a problem and coming up with creative (sometimes almost far-fetched) solutions.
This happened to me and I had to make a pivot after 1.5 years of college. I went from coding/programming to graphic design/audio + visual communications. Looking back, having gone through both has helped me get to where I am today. Being able to understand the deep technical aspects of a problem and coming up with creative (sometimes almost far-fetched) solutions.
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Vera
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
Clarity comes through action over time. Your interest in a commercial real estate major already puts you on a solid career path. Direction becomes clearer through exploration, so have informational interviews with professionals in both real estate and finance, along with internships, volunteering, shadowing, or practical experience in both fields to gain real insight. Over time, these steps will help you determine whether commercial real estate is the right fit or if transitioning into finance makes more sense.
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Firstly, you need to find out what you have interest.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what you have interest, eg your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc and identify the related careers
Eg if you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher etc
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 counselor, your parents etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Bear in mind your interest will change, you will change to different career as well
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what you have interest, eg your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc and identify the related careers
Eg if you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher etc
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 counselor, your parents etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Bear in mind your interest will change, you will change to different career as well
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Updated
Gilles’s Answer
Hi Vera and thanks for this question. Let me share my thoughts on your question. Firstly, being uncertain is a good thing. Uncertainty is part of life, private life as well as business life. If you are uncertain, this means you open to change and adapt when conditions around you are changing.
So I'd consider that being conscious of that uncertainly is a strength.
Uncertainty as also its limits and if uncertainty is blocking any action or too many actions going in circle, then this is a handicap. Reading your question, I'm feeling you are far from being paralyzed with uncertainty.
That said, you have made a choice. By choosing Real Estate for your major, you decided to eliminate all other options. You have not started your career yet and you need to try, get into the day to day life of real estate managers. You'll discover opportunities along the way and you'll constantly improve both your skills and you happiness at work. This goes together. Great professional don't feel they are working because they love what they do. This has been my personal compass at work, do I like what I'm doing. And if I don't, I'll change. Being ready for change is much more important than selecting what you feel is your best career start at College.
Good luck and I hope this helped you going forward and making your 1st career step.
So I'd consider that being conscious of that uncertainly is a strength.
Uncertainty as also its limits and if uncertainty is blocking any action or too many actions going in circle, then this is a handicap. Reading your question, I'm feeling you are far from being paralyzed with uncertainty.
That said, you have made a choice. By choosing Real Estate for your major, you decided to eliminate all other options. You have not started your career yet and you need to try, get into the day to day life of real estate managers. You'll discover opportunities along the way and you'll constantly improve both your skills and you happiness at work. This goes together. Great professional don't feel they are working because they love what they do. This has been my personal compass at work, do I like what I'm doing. And if I don't, I'll change. Being ready for change is much more important than selecting what you feel is your best career start at College.
Good luck and I hope this helped you going forward and making your 1st career step.
Updated
Jocelyn’s Answer
Hi Vera, thanks for your question. I would like to share some thoughts here -
When uncertainty showed up, I worked through it by separating two questions: “Do I dislike this specific role/environment?” and “Do I dislike this career path altogether?” That distinction matters because a rough team, weak manager, or bad project can make a good path feel wrong. I’d also look for evidence: what tasks did I naturally gravitate toward, what feedback kept repeating, and which types of problems did I want more of rather than less of.
A practical way to pressure-test fit is to run small experiments like listed below:
1, take on a project or program in your school that uses the skills you think you want
2, talk to 2–3 people who works for the area you know, who could be your families or neighbors and ask what parts of their job they actually spend time on
3, note whether you feel curious, drained, or indifferent after project ends or in process on this program
career confidence usually comes from accumulated evidence, not a single epiphany. If you’re uncertain, that’s not a sign you’re off track—it’s usually a sign you need better data. The next move is to identify the 2–3 work activities that most energize you and compare them to what your current path actually rewards. Good luck!
When uncertainty showed up, I worked through it by separating two questions: “Do I dislike this specific role/environment?” and “Do I dislike this career path altogether?” That distinction matters because a rough team, weak manager, or bad project can make a good path feel wrong. I’d also look for evidence: what tasks did I naturally gravitate toward, what feedback kept repeating, and which types of problems did I want more of rather than less of.
A practical way to pressure-test fit is to run small experiments like listed below:
1, take on a project or program in your school that uses the skills you think you want
2, talk to 2–3 people who works for the area you know, who could be your families or neighbors and ask what parts of their job they actually spend time on
3, note whether you feel curious, drained, or indifferent after project ends or in process on this program
career confidence usually comes from accumulated evidence, not a single epiphany. If you’re uncertain, that’s not a sign you’re off track—it’s usually a sign you need better data. The next move is to identify the 2–3 work activities that most energize you and compare them to what your current path actually rewards. Good luck!
Updated
Cassandra’s Answer
Well I found in the career I pursued there wasn't a specific class for, not a whole. I was an organic dairy farmer and I knew early on i enjoyed working with large animals and in nature and the whole circle of life. So farming for me came easily, however want to and am able to are two different things. I needed to make enough money to support myself and the farm so organic was the next best option. Im not saying you should be a farmer but the principal still applies. Find a need and a love and fill it. There's always room for growth or improvement in every field. Good luck!
Updated
Tracy’s Answer
It’s completely normal to feel uncertain about your career path, especially during college. Many people assume they need to have everything figured out early, but in reality, career paths often become clearer through experience rather than certainty from the start.
It actually took me several attempts in different fields to get to where I am now working in Data Science and business intelligence. What stayed consistent for me was knowing that I enjoyed problem-solving.
I discovered my interest more clearly while working in fraud related operations, when I was asked to do additional reporting tasks. That was the moment I realized how much I enjoyed working with data, building reports, and using tools like excel and power BI.
The more involved I became, the more I wanted to learn. That curiosity and willingness to spend hours improving those skills helped confirm I was moving in the right direction.
So in your case, I would pay attention to questions like:
*Do you genuinely enjoy learning about commercial real estate outside of class?
*Can you see yourself working on it daily for years?
*Are the classes interesting enough that you want to explore deeper topics on your own?
If the answer is yes, then you’re probably closer to the right path than you think.
Also, majors like real estate and Finance are not completely separate worlds. Finance knowledge is actually very valuable in commercial real estate, and many professionals combine both areas throughout their careers.
Experience usually removes uncertainty faster than overthinking does. The fact that you are already reflecting seriously about your future shows that you care about making a thoughtful decision, and that’s a strong sign in itself.
It actually took me several attempts in different fields to get to where I am now working in Data Science and business intelligence. What stayed consistent for me was knowing that I enjoyed problem-solving.
I discovered my interest more clearly while working in fraud related operations, when I was asked to do additional reporting tasks. That was the moment I realized how much I enjoyed working with data, building reports, and using tools like excel and power BI.
The more involved I became, the more I wanted to learn. That curiosity and willingness to spend hours improving those skills helped confirm I was moving in the right direction.
So in your case, I would pay attention to questions like:
*Do you genuinely enjoy learning about commercial real estate outside of class?
*Can you see yourself working on it daily for years?
*Are the classes interesting enough that you want to explore deeper topics on your own?
If the answer is yes, then you’re probably closer to the right path than you think.
Also, majors like real estate and Finance are not completely separate worlds. Finance knowledge is actually very valuable in commercial real estate, and many professionals combine both areas throughout their careers.
Experience usually removes uncertainty faster than overthinking does. The fact that you are already reflecting seriously about your future shows that you care about making a thoughtful decision, and that’s a strong sign in itself.
Updated
Diego’s Answer
I believe that practicing over time will give me the certainty I need to know that I am making the right decision. There will surely be setbacks and errors at the beginning, since we must understand that one is not born knowing, one learns as one goes on.
Updated
David’s Answer
It’s great that you already have a direction of where you want to have your career. A real estate major will certainly give you an education aligned with that direction. A finance major will be more broad and flexible that can open lost of doors, including commercial real estate. So going in that direction wouldn’t limit you from pursuing real estate as a career, it just might give you as much industry specific knowledge.
If you aren’t fully sold on a career in real estate, one very valuable thing you can do is get an internship, either over the summer or maybe even during the school year. This will give you a better picture of what it is like day-to-day to work in that industry.
If you aren’t fully sold on a career in real estate, one very valuable thing you can do is get an internship, either over the summer or maybe even during the school year. This will give you a better picture of what it is like day-to-day to work in that industry.
Updated
Jomi’s Answer
You are not wasting your time by majoring in real estate, especially if commercial real estate is what genuinely interests you. A real estate major can be a strong path because it gives you direct knowledge of the industry, including valuation, development, investment, and market analysis. Finance is also a great option, but the truth is that your major alone will not determine your success as much as your skills, internships, and network will. If you are unsure, you do not necessarily need to switch majors right away. You could keep real estate as your major and add finance classes, a minor, or electives to strengthen your business background. That gives you both specialization and flexibility. The best next step is to get real exposure through internships, informational interviews, or student organizations related to commercial real estate. That will help you figure out whether this is truly the right fit far better than making a decision based only on uncertainty.
Karen Laidlaw
Executive Development, Program Manager, Talent and Development
3
Answers
Updated
Karen’s Answer
Focus on what you love doing effortlessly, where time flies by and you would do it even without pay. Spending 40 hours a week on something that looks good or pays well but doesn't excite you can be tough. Notice what truly excites you and find ways to turn that passion into a career.
For example, I love learning, reading, helping others, speaking in public, and exploring ideas. For 25 years, I've taught leaders how to improve, combining all these passions. I could retire, but I continue because I genuinely love what I do.
For example, I love learning, reading, helping others, speaking in public, and exploring ideas. For 25 years, I've taught leaders how to improve, combining all these passions. I could retire, but I continue because I genuinely love what I do.
Updated
Vianne’s Answer
Choosing between real estate and finance doesn't have to be an either/or decision. In commercial real estate, finance plays a big role. Many careers in this field develop over time by adding skills, not by choosing the perfect major right away. You can focus on real estate while gaining finance knowledge through electives, internships, or by learning how deals work in practice.
The most helpful advice is to get hands-on experience. Talk to people working in commercial real estate, try to get an internship, even if it's small, and see what the daily work is like.
The most helpful advice is to get hands-on experience. Talk to people working in commercial real estate, try to get an internship, even if it's small, and see what the daily work is like.
Updated
Lisa’s Answer
Hi Vera,
You've gotten some great advice already. Here's my take: if you enjoy what you're learning and find it interesting, you're on the right track. Try talking to people in the field with different backgrounds and ages. Also, get some real experience, even if it's just shadowing someone for a day.
Remember, the skills you're picking up can be useful in many areas. Careers evolve, and you'll use what you've learned in new ways as you grow.
Good luck!
Lisa
You've gotten some great advice already. Here's my take: if you enjoy what you're learning and find it interesting, you're on the right track. Try talking to people in the field with different backgrounds and ages. Also, get some real experience, even if it's just shadowing someone for a day.
Remember, the skills you're picking up can be useful in many areas. Careers evolve, and you'll use what you've learned in new ways as you grow.
Good luck!
Lisa
Updated
Hanisha’s Answer
Hi Vera,
Feeling unsure about your major is perfectly normal in college. You're not wasting time just because you don't have all the answers yet. Many students change their paths, and that shows they're learning more about themselves.
If you're interested in commercial real estate, majoring in real estate is a great choice. It can lead to jobs where you learn about property, markets, investing, and development. If finance interests you too, that's fine—it's a useful skill, but you don't need to switch majors right away.
To figure out what's best for you, think about:
What classes make you curious?
What kind of work seems fun, not stressful?
What do you want to learn more about?
You can also explore by talking to professors, meeting people in commercial real estate, and trying internships. Often, experience gives the clearest answers. And remember, you can always gain finance skills later through classes, clubs, or a minor.
You're free to explore and change your mind. You're not falling behind. Keep going!
Feeling unsure about your major is perfectly normal in college. You're not wasting time just because you don't have all the answers yet. Many students change their paths, and that shows they're learning more about themselves.
If you're interested in commercial real estate, majoring in real estate is a great choice. It can lead to jobs where you learn about property, markets, investing, and development. If finance interests you too, that's fine—it's a useful skill, but you don't need to switch majors right away.
To figure out what's best for you, think about:
What classes make you curious?
What kind of work seems fun, not stressful?
What do you want to learn more about?
You can also explore by talking to professors, meeting people in commercial real estate, and trying internships. Often, experience gives the clearest answers. And remember, you can always gain finance skills later through classes, clubs, or a minor.
You're free to explore and change your mind. You're not falling behind. Keep going!
Updated
Nicoleta’s Answer
Life is a journey, and you often need to try things out before you know whether they’re right for you. You’re not expected to have everything figured out from the start.
If I were starting over, I would follow two main principles:
1. Choose a career that fits your natural strengths.
When you play to what you’re already good at, you’re more likely to succeed and enjoy the work, without feeling like everything is a constant struggle. If a career goes completely against your strengths, it can become very frustrating over time.
2. Be realistic about money.
Passion matters, but so does income. Understanding how much a job can pay is important too, because it affects your lifestyle, independence, and future choices. Ignoring this can create stress later on.
In short: do what you’re good at, try things early, and don’t forget to think about the practical side of life as well.
If I were starting over, I would follow two main principles:
1. Choose a career that fits your natural strengths.
When you play to what you’re already good at, you’re more likely to succeed and enjoy the work, without feeling like everything is a constant struggle. If a career goes completely against your strengths, it can become very frustrating over time.
2. Be realistic about money.
Passion matters, but so does income. Understanding how much a job can pay is important too, because it affects your lifestyle, independence, and future choices. Ignoring this can create stress later on.
In short: do what you’re good at, try things early, and don’t forget to think about the practical side of life as well.
Updated
Gaia’s Answer
Hi Vera!
Here’s my advice. I’m 24, and almost as soon as I graduated from college, I started sending out my CV on LinkedIn. Six months later, I got hired—indirectly—by HP as an international sales representative, working in B2B sales with a set client portfolio.
I studied economics, which touched on sales but not in great depth. Still, my best advice is simply to try. LinkedIn is the best platform for job searching: you can set filters for job roles, locations, work settings, and more. And remember, when you apply for jobs, you’re also evaluating the company. During interviews, pay attention to the interviewer and the environment they describe. It becomes easier to imagine yourself in that role, and that helps you decide whether it’s the right fit or if you should keep looking.
I’m sure you have some inner spark that pulls you toward a certain path. You’ll discover what that is through different experiences—often outside of work—and once you find it, you’ll know.
I’m still figuring out what I want in life too. This is my first real job, and it has helped me grow immensely. Don’t forget that you’re young and you don’t need to have everything figured out right now. Even if you’re not 100% convinced after interviews, just try. Life is all about trial and error. If you never make mistakes, it means you’re not trying. When an opportunity appears, go for it. Even if it doesn’t seem exciting at first, it might turn into something great. There is no right or wrong path, your own path is unique.
My life motto is: “From something, anything can born.” If you get the chance to open a door for yourself, don’t close it. It’s always worth giving it a try.
Here’s my advice. I’m 24, and almost as soon as I graduated from college, I started sending out my CV on LinkedIn. Six months later, I got hired—indirectly—by HP as an international sales representative, working in B2B sales with a set client portfolio.
I studied economics, which touched on sales but not in great depth. Still, my best advice is simply to try. LinkedIn is the best platform for job searching: you can set filters for job roles, locations, work settings, and more. And remember, when you apply for jobs, you’re also evaluating the company. During interviews, pay attention to the interviewer and the environment they describe. It becomes easier to imagine yourself in that role, and that helps you decide whether it’s the right fit or if you should keep looking.
I’m sure you have some inner spark that pulls you toward a certain path. You’ll discover what that is through different experiences—often outside of work—and once you find it, you’ll know.
I’m still figuring out what I want in life too. This is my first real job, and it has helped me grow immensely. Don’t forget that you’re young and you don’t need to have everything figured out right now. Even if you’re not 100% convinced after interviews, just try. Life is all about trial and error. If you never make mistakes, it means you’re not trying. When an opportunity appears, go for it. Even if it doesn’t seem exciting at first, it might turn into something great. There is no right or wrong path, your own path is unique.
My life motto is: “From something, anything can born.” If you get the chance to open a door for yourself, don’t close it. It’s always worth giving it a try.
Updated
Mehek’s Answer
Hi Vera, I understand the uncertainty you're feeling. I started in real estate, working with properties and clients, and later found joy in public accounting and finance, which let me explore various industries, including real estate. What helped me find my path was not knowing everything from the start but gaining experiences and discovering what kept me interested and challenged. If commercial real estate genuinely interests you, I would not view your major as a waste of time. Real estate and finance are closely linked. I suggest focusing on gaining practical experiences, as these will give you more clarity than just classroom choices. Good luck, Vera!