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I still don't know what I want to do. Is it a waste of time to try out different majors in college to see which ones I like and which ones I don't?

I still don't know what I want to do. Is it a waste of time to try out different majors in college to see which ones I like and which ones I don't?

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Chirayu’s Answer

It is not a waste of time to explore different majors in college to see which ones you like and which ones you don't. In fact, it can be beneficial to explore different fields of study before committing to a specific major or career path.

Many students enter college without a clear idea of what they want to study, and that's okay. College is an opportunity to explore different subjects, take classes in a variety of fields, and gain exposure to different career paths. By trying out different majors, you can get a better understanding of what you are interested in and what you are not. This information can help you to make a more informed decision when it comes to choosing a major or career path.

It's important to keep in mind that your major does not always determine your career. Many jobs require skills and knowledge that can be developed through a variety of majors. Also, many people change their careers multiple times in their lifetime, so the major you choose now may not be the field you end up working in forever.

So, it's not a waste of time to explore different majors, it's a wise investment in your future. It's important to find what you're passionate about, what you're good at, and what you can see yourself doing as a career.
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Steve’s Answer

It's never a waste of time to explore your curiosity. However, traditional in-person university is expensive. So you might want to leverage free or less expensive online curricula instead of paying full tuition.
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Lisa’s Answer

Hi Ikram,
It is not a waste of time to try different courses the first two years. Most people will change their careers several times in their life time. As a parent with a daughter in college and a son starting in the fall, there are financial reasons why you may want to pick a major and so that you can graduate on time. Work with your guidance counselors , use the career center resources and find an internship to get some real hands on experience to help you decide. Network with professors in some of the areas you are considering. Be true to yourself, reflect on what you really enjoy doing, and what you value. Remember, many people will change their careers a few times throught their career.
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Bhavna’s Answer

No, it's not a waste of time. Trying out different majors in college is a great way to explore different academic interests and help you figure out what you want to do in life. You may find that the things you are interested in change over time and that is ok. College is a great place to experiment and explore different options before making a final decision!
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Robert’s Answer

Hi Ikram,

Its never a a waste of time to try different classes from different majors. In your first year of college most of your courses will apply to all majors so get those knocked out first. This will give you time to decide which major most interests you. I suggest connecting with a guidance counselor to help you decide which direction to go. It possible you can sit in on a class to check it out for a few days to help with your decision process. My son switched his major 2 times in his freshman year but all the courses he took applied to all the majors he chose. Best of everything in your endeavors!!!
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Colleen’s Answer

Unless you have unlimited income, this is probably not a good idea. Start with basic classes that most majors require, such as writing or math. Make friends with people from different majors and gain insight from them. Try volunteering in areas that you might be interested in. For example, if becoming a nurse or doctor is on your list of possibilities, volunteer at a hospital. If teaching is of interest, volunteer to tutor. Law? You can go to the local court and sit in on cases. It's a great way to get your foot in the door if you do decide it's the path for you. It's also a good way to gain life experience even if that field doesn't fit. Remember, a degree in a field does not narrow your career options, it expands them. If you earn a nursing degree you could go into nursing informatics or become a nurse legal consultant and never provide direct patient care.
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A. Michelle’s Answer

College is a time for exploration. I recommend trying different classes rather than majors. You also have the option to have a minor, which allows you to develop your knowledge and skills in a complementary or completely different area. Good luck!
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Jennifer’s Answer

Hi Ikram,

No, it's not a waste! College is a huge investment, and you want to enjoy what you study and what you're going to turn into a career.

One of the best ways to explore AND get a good return on your investment is to start the exploration process at a 2-year community college.

Your first degree could be a 2-year general education degree. You can knock out all of your pre-requisites any 4-year and beyond will require and fill your electives with explorative courses! Something is bound to stick out, and you can base your 4-year around whatever you discovered that you love, and then specialize with Master's and beyond (if you choose to go that route).
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Andrew’s Answer

Go ahead and explore. College is a great place to figure things out. Speak with career counselors. Consider minors you can add to your major. Think about what really interests you. Ask teachers for advice. Speak with your peers. Attend lectures and events, etc.

It can seem like a lot, so figure out a way to simplify things for yourself. Make a pro and con list of different careers. Where can you see yourself in the future. Take small steps to find what fits you and know that it’s ok to change your mind. Good luck!
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Rebecca’s Answer

Thank you for your question. This is a question that many students have. Hopping on different majors in the college is not recommended indeed. You can consider what you have interest & what you want to do in the future.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest (e.g. your hobbies, favorite subjects)and related careers, e.g.
If you are interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, banker, engineer, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc.
If you are interest in music, would you like to be a composer, musician, singer, music producer, music 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 counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you have interest
5. Explore the entry criteria of the relevant subject in the college
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
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Eric’s Answer

I apologize if I missed this in the previous answers, but I recommend looking for opportunities to shadow with people in careers you are considering. That's a great way to see what a typical day in that field looks like, and they will likely be very happy to give you advice based on their experiences. And do not be discouraged if you look at something and decide it it not for you - crossing things off your list is still progress.
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Tex’s Answer

No it is not a waste of time to take different courses in college. The best way to find out what you like is to put yourself in classrooms that interest you so you can figure out what is the best area for you. The best thing you can do is talk with your guidance counselors, align your hobbies and interests with courses that supplement them and research what career you want to have and see what courses will prepare you. With that said, it is also important to develop a plan that allows to minimize your education cost so you don't find yourself staying in college for a long time.
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Nancy’s Answer

Ikram,
No, it is not a waste of time to take courses from different areas or majors in college. It helps you find out what you love and what you don’t like to learn about. Both types of information are valuable! If you need help to find out what graduates do after earning their degrees in different majors, go to your career center for guidance. You can also take a vocational interest test at the career center to help guide you in a career path. It’s okay to not be certain yet! Many people change course successfully after trying out a major.

Nancy recommends the following next steps:

Use your guidance office in high school to help you narrow options
Use the career center in college to further define what fields are a fit for you
Thank you comment icon Thanks for the advice. Ikram
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