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What did you do to discern what career to pursue?

I’m a high school senior, and I’m currently undecided on what major to pursue in college. I’ve always loved playing guitar and singing, but I’m unsure if this will be a secure career for me if I’d also like to attend college. So I’ve looked to engineering, even though the most engineering I’ve done was during middle school. I’ve looked into sound engineering and also I’ve gotten curious about biomedical engineering, because I think it’d be cool to program robots or design new tech in the medical field. I just want to have a stable career after college, so I want to make sure I choose a major that I’ll love but will also grant me financial security.

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Kerri’s Answer

Sound engineering, biomedical tech, and guitar — your skills point to more careers than you think. Here is something worth knowing before you declare a major: most people working in their dream careers today did not start with a straight line to get there. Sound engineering is a legitimate and growing field — live events, recording studios, film, gaming, podcasting, and medical audio technology all need skilled engineers. A musical background is a competitive advantage. Biomedical engineering is one of the most in-demand fields in healthcare technology right now, and programming medical robotics is exactly as interesting as it sounds. These two paths are more compatible than they appear — audio processing is embedded in medical diagnostic equipment, hearing technology, and surgical robotics. Talk to an academic advisor about a double concentration or minor before you commit. Better yet, get out and explore before you decide — radio stations offer internships, concert halls take volunteers, and hospitals often have student shadowing opportunities. Real experience may tell you more in one afternoon than a semester of research. Career stability comes from expertise — aim for topics or subjects that hold your interest. You are already asking the right questions.
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Rebecca’s Answer

Thank you for your question.
Below are my suggestions :
1. There are many engineering, robotics related careers, eg electrical & electronic engineering, mechanical & robotic engineering, sound engineering, computer engineering, biochemistry engineering, c8vil engineering, manufacturing engineering, etc. You can find out more engineering discipline online
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Attend the information session hosts by engineering faculty of colleges
4. Seek guidance from your mentor, career counselors, your parents, etc.
5. Shortlist 1-2 careers yiu would like to pursue
6. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjexts in colleges
Hooe this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
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Robert’s Answer

In addition to the fine answers given, let add a few other ways to help you choose a career. What I did to discern my career followed along the lines of what Kerri said, “Most people working in their dream careers today did not start with a straight line to get there.” I started with interning in an electron microscope design group. This then led to a biomedical engineering research facility. From there I went to a manufacturing firm that built infrared imaging devices. For all these, I used the following to help me choose my field:
• Throughout I was a musician in a rock band, which I enjoyed but had little likelihood of paying well. I always kept my day job.
• I’d continue to seek out folks to talk with who were already in the next field I was interested in. I did this by joining student or professional local groups of the IEEE and ASHE (American Society for Health Care Engineering).
• As I looked to my next job choices, I’d use my own personal “wake-up test”: I’d imagine in detail waking up and going to that job in a work environment that was inviting. How would you FEEL rolling out of bed going there to work everyday? Do that for each one. Choose whichever makes you smile the largest.

Remember, with your total skill set you can always change fields later. A now-retired friend of mine, who was a successful medical software engineer, now runs an equally successful custom wooden picture frame shop.
Best of luck, Erik!
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Sahida’s Answer

Dear Eric,

You are not confused; you are curious, and that's a wonderful thing. Many students feel pressured to choose a career by age 17 or 18, but remember, some of the most successful people explored different interests before finding their path.

Your passion for playing guitar and singing shows what truly brings you joy. That's a big clue about what matters to you. Your interest in sound engineering, robotics, and biomedical engineering shows you love creating and understanding how things work, not just using them.

You are wisely asking not only what you enjoy but also if a career can support the life you want. The great news is you can find a balance between passion and stability. Keep music as a key part of your life and explore engineering through hands-on experiences.

Don't rely only on YouTube or brochures to choose a major. Spend the next 60–90 days trying things out.

If Biomedical Engineering interests you:
- Take a free introductory biology course.
- Learn basic Python programming.
- Try simple robotics projects.
- Read about medical devices and prosthetics.
- Watch engineers talk about their work.

If Sound Engineering excites you:
- Download free recording software.
- Learn audio mixing.
- Record your own music.
- Experiment with microphones and sound editing.
- Talk to professionals in studios or broadcasting.

In a few weeks, you'll have real experiences to guide you.
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Cynthia’s Answer

You are the only one who truly understands your passion and how much you're willing to invest in it. Becoming an entertainer can take time and effort, and success isn't guaranteed. Many entertainers travel a lot and play in small places. It's great that you're open to other career paths and have some fantastic ideas. You can work in a job that provides financial stability and still perform on weekends. Some of my IT colleagues also play in bands, showing that it's possible to balance both.

A former colleague played in metal bands during his IT career, and now he travels with the band internationally in retirement. Other coworkers also balance their professional careers with their musical interests.

Good luck!

Cynthia recommends the following next steps:

For any career, ensure time investment in AI as this technology in becoming a strong part of every career.
Talk to your guidance counselor about your areas of interest. Are you taking classes that compliment your interests?
Get to know people in the field through professional groups. You can also leverage tools like LinkedIn. Study those who are ahead in their fields along with their education and career path.
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