What is the Best Way to Decide on Which Area of Study to Persue?

If you are open to the idea...I would recommend you do two years at the Community College and then transfer to the University. Those two years you will come into yourself so much and it is less expensive.

You can do trial and error to see what is a good fit and what is not.

Good luck to you!

I think the best approach to identify what you want to study is to do some soul searching about what you are passionate about, what you seem good at doing, and areas you want to improve. Next, talk to as many people as you can about what they do professionally. Additionally, Identify individuals who seem to do careers that are interesting to you. Finally, find every opportunity to career shadow. This should at least get you in the right direction.

First, learn to spell pursue. Then, work in a kitchen of a large restaurant that actually employs a real chef. Wash dishes if you have to, but have your ears and eyes open.

If you pursue marine biology, you must major in all the life sciences you can get, have strong math background, especially statistics and probability, and geology. All the physical sciences are important as well, depending on which branch of marine biology you find most interesting.

The best universities for M-B are UC Santa Cruz, U. of Mass. at Wood's Hole and Scripps Institute of Marine Biology in San Diego.

Agree with Trina, the first 2 years of any University is getting the basics out of the way so getting that out of the way with a Community College will be less expensive. Then you can also use the community college resources to help you figure out what you really want to do for a career. Remember it's okay to start with one thing, and change to another.

This is so normal for your age. The great thing about college is you have 2 years of basic classes that no matter which major you decide will benefit. Definitely, utilize your college advisor once you choose a University. Let them know your 2 career passions and they will ensure you only take classes those 1st 2yrs that will apply to both careers. In addition, college also has "electives" so you can take an entry marine class 1 semester and then an entry culinary class another semester.

I would recommend talking to as many people as you can find in these various fields. Better yet, ask them if you can intern/volunteer to see what these jobs are like. Sometimes we have an idealized vision of a job and in practical application it is not what we end up wanting to do. The reverse is true as well - you may find you love a career path in which you never envisioned yourself! I also think that working in a field that you like/are passionate about is important. If you start there, you will be excited about your work and want to do better always. Hope that helps and best of luck!

HI!!!!! I think giving it a shot first, would help you get a good idea of what to expect. Also asking your local chefs how they like their job and maybe if you can shadow them - it would be a great idea. Visit your local college/university and looking into their culinary programs would be awesome way to get advice and see what it takes. I wouldn't worry too much about getting your career wrong at first, it took me a bit to find my ideal job, and I started off in another career all together. In most universities, besides your core major, you are made to take minors and electives. Try as many things out - and reasearch!!! Best way to find out your interestes. Remember - money isn't everything - but passion will take you everywhere.

Hi there,

Great question. Given your stated interest I might suggest that you find a job at a local restaurant where you can observe and engage with a chef. This will give you better insight as to what the culinary profession could offer for you and whether or not you are truly interested in committing your money and time to study it.

Marine biology is a completely different field with several different paths you could take. You would study biology during your undergrad program and would likely want to go to graduate school if you were hoping to become a researcher.

Given that each of these career options entail a very different path, I suggest that you think about your interest and ask yourself "why do I want to do this?" What are your motives for entering either of these professions? What would be your goals for each of them? Is this something I want to do as work everyday? How passionate am I about this?

I know it's difficult to make these life decisions at your age with no real working experience. I personally worked a few year prior to going back to college which gave me time to experience the workforce and decide what path I wanted to take. Once I decided I made a plan and stuck to it.

P.s. It's alright to begin college without knowing exactly what you want to do. Many students find what they are truly passionate about while they are at the University. If you find yourself interested in a variety of things, take an elective in each to get exposure and help you decide if it's something you wish to pursue.

Good luck in the future!