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How do I narrow down my interests to help choose a major and ultimately, a career?

I love to learn and before this has not been an issue but now I am finding that it is making it incredibly difficult to make up my mind as to what path I should take as far as a college major and future career. I have so many interests that I feel like I am being pulled in many different directions. I like English, math, history, science, economics... the list goes on. How do I focus in on my interests and pick something that I'll enjoy doing? #undecided #many interests

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Blue Shield of California’s Answer

I had a terrible time between 16 and 22 with the whole college and career thing. Entry level jobs all seemed dull to me when I was young. I was lucky that a new technology came along that I was unusually mentally prepared for, and it fascinated me... it was the early days of using computers for graphic design and I started a business providing that service at 22. It was new to everyone and that gave me an opportunity to stay a little ahead of everyone else's learning curve... so people sought out my expertise. These moments come and go... right now, constructive use of AI might create opportunities, if you can find an application for it that makes things easier, faster or better. There's plenty of information online to self-educate. All you need is a computer, and any old one will do. Other opportunities: How we produce and deliver energy is changing. If you have strong interpersonal skills, sales can make you a lot of money if you sell high-ticket items, but look for something that makes the world better. Manipulating money (finance) can make you wealthy, too. But always do it to make other's lives better; always deliver as much or more value than you take. Having basic skills allows you to be useful (worth hiring). Having advanced skills makes you a more rare kind of employee. But showing up, on time, ready to work, minimizing complaints and maximizing solutions makes you someone everyone wants in their organization. Learn your basic skills: Communication and leadership, data and math, design and structure, processes and procedures, people and relationships... these are all building blocks. Along the way, you might stumble on the thing that fascinates you most, which in turn leads you to expertise in that subject, or maybe you just find the right group of people who you love working with. Stay kind and supportive of everyone along the way. That always pays off in the most valuable currency; friends.
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Jackie’s Answer

Hi, Sofia. Rachel's answer is great!

Honestly, I'm more concerned with what you want to DO for the hours your at work.

If you haven't done so, I recommend completing a career interest assessment to find careers that match your interests. With your results, you usually get a list of careers that match how you answered the questions.

If your school doesn't offer any career interest assessments for free, I've included some links for you here:

Careeronestop.org/ExploreCareers/Assessments/self-assessments.aspx

Mynextmove.org/explore/ip

Humanmetrics.com

Exploring your interests in college is part of the college experience. Allow yourself time to explore your interests in college so you can have new experiences. Sometimes you need to "try out' several careers before you decide (and you'll change your mind along the way - which is ok!). Volunteer, get part-time jobs, do internships, work on projects, etc.

Keep in mind that there may be multiple majors that worked get you to a career path, and there are many careers you can do with certain majors. Overall, remember that it will be ok! Best of luck!

Jackie Gill, M.A.
Faculty Counselor
Hillsborough Community College
Tampa, FL
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Blue Shield of California’s Answer

Choosing a career can be overwhelming and even more confusing if you have diverse interests. I would use the "5 Why's" technique to help what motivates you. Is it financial stability, work-life balance, daily satisfaction due to the sense of helping others, etc. Additionally, look for internship, shadowing, and even volunteer opportunities in the various fields as these can provide hands-on experience and clarity without long-term commitments. Good luck in your future endeavors, Perla, and thanks for asking this very important question.
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Blue Shield of California’s Answer

When unsure, sometimes it is just best to get your foot in the door of a company you admire or are interested in learning more about. Then learn all you can. The more you learn and experience, the more you can determine what career is best for you and what areas you know you don't want to pursue.
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Rachel’s Answer

<span style="background-color: transparent;">Collegeboard.org is a great resource for this! I poured through the pages of universities all over the U.S. when I was a senior in high school. Collegeboard was my go-to site! They put all of the information in one place and it is very easy to use. They even have various filters you can apply to see only colleges that have programs you are interested. To determine academic rigor, look at the admissions requirements, G.P.A. of past admitted applicants, SAT/ACT scores, class rank etc. This will give you an idea of what scores and grades you need to be accepted. However, don't be discouraged your application will be reviewed based on the full picture! College-board will help you get an idea of what is most important to the specific school you are applying to.</span>


This professional recommends the following next steps:

  • <span style="background-color: transparent;">Chat with your Guidance Counselor</span>
  • <span style="background-color: transparent;">Create a Collegeboard.org account</span>
  • <span style="background-color: transparent;">Start using CollegeBoard as a resource to look up schools.</span>
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