9 answers
Natalie
Student
South Pittsburg, Tennessee
1
Question
Asked
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How did y'all choose your major?
I have a lot of different interest and I'm having a hard time figure what route I'd like to go. Do I focus more on what I enjoy or more on what would make me more financially stable in today's world.
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9 answers
May Christy
Digital Assurance and Transparancy
5
Answers
Salt Lake City, Utah
Updated
May’s Answer
I can totally relate to your dilemma as I faced a similar situation when deciding on my major. If it's possible for you to double major, that would be fantastic! I had a passion for teaching and dreamt of becoming a teacher. However, I also had a strong desire to ensure a comfortable life for my family. Growing up, my family faced financial hardships and I was determined that my own family wouldn't have to experience the same struggles. When I was in college, I wasn't aware that double majoring was an option. So, I opted for a safer choice and pursued accounting. But to my surprise, I found myself genuinely enjoying my accounting classes. I really loved delving into the subject.
Rosaline Lynch
Personal productivity coach
12
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Rosaline’s Answer
I had the same issue and mindfulness activities helped me with it, especially journaling. As I also had a few hobbies I thought how I could combine it - and started my journey to the world of project management and education.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1514
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Many students have similar question. I recommend you to focus on the careers you have interest first. Imagine you work in a job 8-10 hours a day and 5 days a week, it's really a disaster if you have no interest on the job. Also, you are young and do not have financial burden, why don't you chase your dream first?
Below are my suggestions:
1.Think about what you have interest, eg your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc and identify the related careers
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
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
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
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Daniel Chung
Project Manager
35
Answers
Fort Lee, New Jersey
Updated
Daniel’s Answer
Choosing a major can indeed be a challenging decision, especially when you have multiple interests and considerations like financial stability. Here are some steps you can take to help guide your decision-making process:
Self-Reflection: Take some time to reflect on your interests, values, and strengths. Consider what subjects or activities you enjoy the most, what you excel at, and what you're passionate about.
Explore Your Options: Research different majors and career paths that align with your interests. Look into the curriculum, job prospects, salary potential, and job satisfaction for each field.
Consider Your Future Goals: Think about where you see yourself in the future and what you want to achieve both personally and professionally. Consider how each major could help you reach those goals.
Assess Financial Considerations: While financial stability is important, it's also essential to consider how fulfilled you'll be in your chosen field. Evaluate the earning potential of different majors, but also weigh that against your level of interest and passion for the subject.
Talk to Professionals: Reach out to professionals working in fields you're interested in and ask them about their experiences, career paths, and advice for someone considering that major.
Seek Guidance: Talk to academic advisors, career counselors, or mentors who can provide personalized guidance and support in making your decision.
Keep an Open Mind: Remember that your choice of major doesn't necessarily determine your entire career path. Many people pursue careers outside of their field of study or change careers later in life. It's okay to explore different options and be open to new opportunities.
Ultimately, finding the right major involves finding a balance between what you enjoy and what will provide you with stability and opportunities for growth in the future. Trust your instincts, gather information, and make a decision that feels right for you at this moment in your life.
Self-Reflection: Take some time to reflect on your interests, values, and strengths. Consider what subjects or activities you enjoy the most, what you excel at, and what you're passionate about.
Explore Your Options: Research different majors and career paths that align with your interests. Look into the curriculum, job prospects, salary potential, and job satisfaction for each field.
Consider Your Future Goals: Think about where you see yourself in the future and what you want to achieve both personally and professionally. Consider how each major could help you reach those goals.
Assess Financial Considerations: While financial stability is important, it's also essential to consider how fulfilled you'll be in your chosen field. Evaluate the earning potential of different majors, but also weigh that against your level of interest and passion for the subject.
Talk to Professionals: Reach out to professionals working in fields you're interested in and ask them about their experiences, career paths, and advice for someone considering that major.
Seek Guidance: Talk to academic advisors, career counselors, or mentors who can provide personalized guidance and support in making your decision.
Keep an Open Mind: Remember that your choice of major doesn't necessarily determine your entire career path. Many people pursue careers outside of their field of study or change careers later in life. It's okay to explore different options and be open to new opportunities.
Ultimately, finding the right major involves finding a balance between what you enjoy and what will provide you with stability and opportunities for growth in the future. Trust your instincts, gather information, and make a decision that feels right for you at this moment in your life.
Thomas O'Shea
Live Sound Engineer, Music Producer, Musician
60
Answers
Madison, Wisconsin
Updated
Thomas’s Answer
This is a very specific case but I hope it will help you.
I would say ABSOLUTELY focus on what you enjoy. If you shoot for what you enjoy and work in that field, technically- TECHNICALLY you will never work a day in your life. it will all be filled with things you enjoy. Now that's a bit of an exaggeration because there's always a piece of something you won't love to do in even your dream job but that's what I focused on when choosing my major.
I'm an Audio Production/ Music Business Major also studying Composition and Piano. I chose my major because I've been playing music all my life. I started piano really young, loved it. Enjoyed all the music classes I took, and was surrounded by supportive music teachers and parents.
I was told that going into music is going to be SOOOOOO hard because it's SOOOOOO competitive. Yes, music is a tough industry to go into, however, like all industries- there are many many many different sides. Even if you want to go into something that seems like a smaller industry- like being a Lawyer there are still MANY different routes you could take.
Reflect on all the things you're good at or you're interested in, and choose the one you like the most. And hey, if you don't know yet. That's also ok. close to 50% of students starting college go in undecided. This means they haven't found that spark in one industry yet- but they WILL. Utilizing the vast amount of things you can study at a non-specialized college program.
Good luck! I hope this helps
I would say ABSOLUTELY focus on what you enjoy. If you shoot for what you enjoy and work in that field, technically- TECHNICALLY you will never work a day in your life. it will all be filled with things you enjoy. Now that's a bit of an exaggeration because there's always a piece of something you won't love to do in even your dream job but that's what I focused on when choosing my major.
I'm an Audio Production/ Music Business Major also studying Composition and Piano. I chose my major because I've been playing music all my life. I started piano really young, loved it. Enjoyed all the music classes I took, and was surrounded by supportive music teachers and parents.
I was told that going into music is going to be SOOOOOO hard because it's SOOOOOO competitive. Yes, music is a tough industry to go into, however, like all industries- there are many many many different sides. Even if you want to go into something that seems like a smaller industry- like being a Lawyer there are still MANY different routes you could take.
Reflect on all the things you're good at or you're interested in, and choose the one you like the most. And hey, if you don't know yet. That's also ok. close to 50% of students starting college go in undecided. This means they haven't found that spark in one industry yet- but they WILL. Utilizing the vast amount of things you can study at a non-specialized college program.
Good luck! I hope this helps
Enise Agel
141
Answers
Updated
Enise’s Answer
Hello Natalie,
In terms of finding your major in your life, it is mostly difficult to find your passion and talent without having volunteering, internship, and/or part-time job experience(s) in your life. You may request you to complete all tasks, including your work and extracurricular experiences in order to achieve your desired goals. Yet, when we talk about your desire and its needs to improve your ability skills, I would say that you have a long journey of your work career. When it comes to find your passion, you can test yourself once you ask these questions first;
What is my passion?
What are my talents when I do thing passionately?
What are things that you certainly do without hesitation?
What are your favourite activities and not tour favourite things in your life?
I could expand on those questions; however, it cannot be specific due to questions differs between the person who desires to be X in her/his career and the job you can be qualified. In order to achieve your goals and get the right job, you should ask yourself;
Have you previously experienced any of the extracurricular activities?
What are my strengths and weaknesses?
How can you improve your soft and hard skills as well as emotional intelligence once you have the job?
What are my expectations for the salary?
How can you tell the difference between a job and a career?
What do you think about the role that you will have the job in the future?
How can you expect from the company to do anything for you?
To answer this questions in your own time, think about the company you want to work for, and think of how you can improve your employability skills, and what you can do to make the most impact on your career, and what your career path will be in the future, and how you can challenge yourself in a new job. In addition to which pathway you can take, you should have your work career plan dor your interview preparation, and your upcoming job tasks. In this case, you should have your help from experienced people in your family or colleagues you may know.
I hope this helps
In terms of finding your major in your life, it is mostly difficult to find your passion and talent without having volunteering, internship, and/or part-time job experience(s) in your life. You may request you to complete all tasks, including your work and extracurricular experiences in order to achieve your desired goals. Yet, when we talk about your desire and its needs to improve your ability skills, I would say that you have a long journey of your work career. When it comes to find your passion, you can test yourself once you ask these questions first;
What is my passion?
What are my talents when I do thing passionately?
What are things that you certainly do without hesitation?
What are your favourite activities and not tour favourite things in your life?
I could expand on those questions; however, it cannot be specific due to questions differs between the person who desires to be X in her/his career and the job you can be qualified. In order to achieve your goals and get the right job, you should ask yourself;
Have you previously experienced any of the extracurricular activities?
What are my strengths and weaknesses?
How can you improve your soft and hard skills as well as emotional intelligence once you have the job?
What are my expectations for the salary?
How can you tell the difference between a job and a career?
What do you think about the role that you will have the job in the future?
How can you expect from the company to do anything for you?
To answer this questions in your own time, think about the company you want to work for, and think of how you can improve your employability skills, and what you can do to make the most impact on your career, and what your career path will be in the future, and how you can challenge yourself in a new job. In addition to which pathway you can take, you should have your work career plan dor your interview preparation, and your upcoming job tasks. In this case, you should have your help from experienced people in your family or colleagues you may know.
I hope this helps
Amrit Bhandari
Senior Data Analyst
8
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Amrit’s Answer
Absolutely focus on what you love doing and have a passion for. However, also think about how the major could help you achieve your career goals (PHD, Professional Career). My high school classes helped me build a passion for Economics. When I joined college, I loved my coding classes during my freshmen year. So, I eventually decided to Double major in Economics and Computer Engineering. Initially it looked very tough to complete the double major . As I had a passion for both the fields, I was able to manage the classes and complete the double major within 4 years.
Completing the double major also helped me find a job post college. As I had both the business and technical acumen, it really helped me stand out from my competition during the interview phases.
Completing the double major also helped me find a job post college. As I had both the business and technical acumen, it really helped me stand out from my competition during the interview phases.
Shelia Bereszniewicz
Seller enblement
62
Answers
Woodstock, Georgia
Updated
Shelia’s Answer
Hi Natalie,
Choosing a career is a significant decision, and it's crucial to find something you're truly passionate about. Understand your motivations and ensure your choice aligns with them. Never opt for a career solely based on others' expectations unless it genuinely excites you. Remember, you're the one who will be investing time and effort into acquiring the necessary skills or degree. Moreover, a career can span several decades. So, ask yourself, is this something you'd love to wake up to every day? If the answer is yes, then put your heart into it. Show up with a positive attitude, volunteer for projects, and actively engage with your team.
It appears you have numerous interests. Enise gave you some excellent tips on looking for volunteer opportunities or internships related to those interests. Or you can network to find someone to shadow in a field that you are interested in.
Remember, it's okay if the path you initially chose needs to be altered. Life can often surprise us, and you might find that a new direction suits you even better.
Choosing a career is a significant decision, and it's crucial to find something you're truly passionate about. Understand your motivations and ensure your choice aligns with them. Never opt for a career solely based on others' expectations unless it genuinely excites you. Remember, you're the one who will be investing time and effort into acquiring the necessary skills or degree. Moreover, a career can span several decades. So, ask yourself, is this something you'd love to wake up to every day? If the answer is yes, then put your heart into it. Show up with a positive attitude, volunteer for projects, and actively engage with your team.
It appears you have numerous interests. Enise gave you some excellent tips on looking for volunteer opportunities or internships related to those interests. Or you can network to find someone to shadow in a field that you are interested in.
Remember, it's okay if the path you initially chose needs to be altered. Life can often surprise us, and you might find that a new direction suits you even better.
Cary Wei
Consultant
10
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Cary’s Answer
Hello Natalie,
You know, when I first started out, I was really drawn to Computer Engineering. It was my passion! But then, the dotcom bubble burst and it made me reconsider my choices. During this time of reflection, I decided to switch gears and pursue Business Analysis instead. There are moments when I wonder what life would have been like if I'd stuck with my first choice, but overall, I'm content with my role as a Business Analyst. So, here's a little nugget of wisdom for you - even if you pick a major now and later realize it's not your cup of tea, remember, it's never too late to change! You have the freedom to explore and find what truly makes you happy.
You know, when I first started out, I was really drawn to Computer Engineering. It was my passion! But then, the dotcom bubble burst and it made me reconsider my choices. During this time of reflection, I decided to switch gears and pursue Business Analysis instead. There are moments when I wonder what life would have been like if I'd stuck with my first choice, but overall, I'm content with my role as a Business Analyst. So, here's a little nugget of wisdom for you - even if you pick a major now and later realize it's not your cup of tea, remember, it's never too late to change! You have the freedom to explore and find what truly makes you happy.