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[Forgotten Ancient]

I figured I should direct all of life's important questions and dilemmas to the all-knowing GAF forum.

I'm trying to figure out what to major in, but no matter how many random classes I take I just can't seem to decide. It's not that I overly hate any of the classes I've taken...it's more than I lack the drive and confidence to focus on one centralized area of study. I'm not particularly great at anything, but - outside of construction and auto-mechanics - I'm not a complete retard either.

This board has a wide range of people - though I'd say the demographic generally consists of 14-30 year olds. Many of you seem to be rather intelligent and have your shit together, so I was wondering how you do it. Did you take any personality or proficiency tests to help you decide what your major was? Did you just know it off the bat? If you were in a situation like the one I and many others are in, how did you finally figure out "what you want to do when you grow up"?

 

[demon]

I pulled it out of a hat. Might as well have.

 

[xsarien]

I saw a poster. Also, I got money for helping boost the enrollment numbers in a new major.

 

[MetatronM]

I took my major in the only academic field I felt I could tolerate taking for four years.

 

[Drensch]

I changed at the last moment from marketing to art. If you don't really have an idea of what you want to do, pick something that is really strong jobwise-you can alwyas supplement it with something else. But don't lock yourself into something you won't like.

 

[RevenantKioku]

After three years of Comp Sci, I went to International Business. And while I'm still working to that business degree, I still feel sometimes like I'll end up teaching.

 

[bjork]

Saw a job posting at my work for a position that was roughly 4x what I made at the time. All I needed was the degree.

Now I don't work there anyway, but I want to finish anyway, just so I can be one of those high and mighty college grad types who think their opinion really matters.

 

[DarienA]

Uh I use to erase my father's HD periodically when I was young... and I use to play lots of computer games.... there ya go.

 

[ChrisReid]

Don't be afraid to double-major/degree. You'll be in school 25% longer, but have virtually 100% more to show for it. If you're undecided, roll into something you like or something that's easy. You might wind up in doubling in a related field if you like it. I'd personally recommend Political Science or Communications as "lighter" fields that are fairly practical in the real world. Economics for something a little more technical. There's always the good old English major too.

 

[Pimpwerx]

I would never have gone to college undecided. I figured it out before. It was a choice between aerospace and computer engineering. My guidance counselor told me the aerospace industry was failing and a bad idea. She might have been right, but I've now learned that you don't shit on someone's idea. It was what I was meant for far more than computers. I really should have done a dual-major in mechanical and aeronatical engineering and I wouldn't have had to spend any extra time for it either. And I would be a lot happier now. I realize now I need to work with my hands, so it was a bad idea listening to my guidance counselor. I got a computer engineering degree, but I have no intention of ever using it again except maybe to start an e-business. PEACE.

EDIT: To answer your question, study what you love. Job satisfaction may not be guaranteed, but at least it will make job hunting and stuff much better later on in life. You won't have to look through the paper for jobs that you don't like, but have to apply for b/c of your degree.

 

[Dan]

Umm, start by figuring out what you might like to do for the rest of your life. Cross that with possible majors and go from there. And yeah, if you can afford it, don't be afraid to do two majors/degrees, that's what I'm doing. Usually a little more time in college, but a whole lot more to show for it.

 

[MIMIC]

Here's how I chose: what will ultimately make me the most money.

(and fuck the bullshit about choosing something that you "have a passion" about. What can't you have a passion about being highly successful later in life?)

 

[fennec fox]

(and fuck the bullshit about choosing something that you "have a passion" about. What can't you have a passion about being highly successful later in life?)

Well, it doesn't mean you shouldn't study what you like in university. I was computer science, but became ambivalent towards CS near the end and ended up tacking a Japanese minor on that degree. That CS major now allows me to, uh... I don't know... follow assembler code when I'm trying to cheat in NES games, mostly.

 

[MIMIC]

Well, it doesn't mean you shouldn't study what you like in university.

Exactly. I'm not knocking that, though.

 

[impirius]

"Hey, I like computers, and boy oh boy are jobs in the computer industry really taking off! Yay!"

Dammit.

Once I finally decided to make the hurting stop, I switched over to a Journalism/Computer Science interdisciplinary major that I'm now greatly enjoying.

 

[Forgotten Ancient]

Also...do any of you have any experience or knowledge concerning online universities such as Phoenix University? I'm currently attending a community college (don't laugh) but will be transfering to the local Univeristy (Western Michigan University) over the summer. However, I've been considering the idea of taking online courses if it truly is a viable alternative to a traditional campus.

 

[Celicar]

I took an accounting class in high school and liked it. Then I took intermediate accounting in college and hated it. Go figure.

 

[TheDuce22]

(and fuck the bullshit about choosing something that you "have a passion" about. What can't you have a passion about being highly successful later in life?)

I dont agree with that. You spend the majority of life either at work or asleep, you need to choose something you can tolerate or maybe even enjoy doing IMO. If your doing something you love you will probably end up just as successful anyway.

 

[yoshifumi]

$$$$$$$

 

[Spike Spiegel]

Biochemistry --> Computer Science --> Visual Arts --> General Studies.

Biochemistry: For years I'd told people I wanted to be a doctor or medical researcher, just to shut them up so I could get back to being a teenager. After a while, I think I started believing the sh*t I was shoveling. Then when I got to college, well... let's just say it didn't take long for me to realize the mistake I was making and bail.

Computer Science: After taking some time off from college, my family was riding my ass to pick a new major and go back to school. I panicked, and chose CS without really looking into it, because I "liked" computers and I could make a ton of money. One year later, I was bored to tears and looking for the exit.

Visual Arts: The technical majors were a bust, so I thought I'd try something more creative this time. I'd always loved to draw, so it seemed natural for me to learn how to improve at doing something I loved and turn that into a lucrative skill. A few semesters later, the very sight of a sketchpad was enough to literally make me nauseous. That's a pretty good sign you're not cut out for that major.

General Studies: The perfect major for people who don't know what they want to do. I graduate in December.

You don't want my advice on majors. Living up to others' expectations proved to be a disaster, chasing money wasn't a smart choice, and following my passions didn't work either.

 

[demon]

You don't want my advice on majors. Living up to others' expectations proved to be a disaster, chasing money wasn't a smart choice, and following my passions didn't work either.

And the moral of the story is.....don't try.

 

[Crimson Dragon]

I just knew. I always liked messing with computers, so ... went into a computer science major. It's what I enjoy doing to .. so thats a bonus .

 

[Forgotten Ancient]

What can you do with a General Studies Major? Really, my 2 biggest concerns are what I'm going to study, and if I'll be able to get a job after I'm done studying.

 

[Lhadatt]

What can you do with a General Studies Major? Really, my 2 biggest concerns are what I'm going to study, and if I'll be able to get a job after I'm done studying.

After going to school 7 years to get a 4-year degree (I switched majors and bounced around schools a few times) and going through the melee of the job market for a year trying to find a decent IT gig (with a MIS degree - business, not programming), I have come to this conclusion:

Don't go to school unless you know what you want to do.

I was undecided when I got out of high school. The theory was I would find what I wanted to do while at community college, then get to a "real" school and burn through the rest.

Getting to that "real" college actually didn't give me any more of an idea of what to do than my time at community college. It took me a solid 2 and a half years out of high school before I knew what I wanted to study.

What I wish I had done, and what I suggest to you:

Do what your peers are not. Take off for a year. Travel to Europe, backpack in Germany, stay in youth hostels or something. Don't know the language? Get some tapes and a translator book -- you'll pick it up via total immersion. Go to Japan. Hell, travel around the US a while, see all those states you've never been to. Maybe along the way you'll find what it is you're looking for.

The stage you are at right now is pretty crucial as far as decisions go. The biggest objective you have is to find what you want to do -- if you don't even have a clue, then don't jump into college. It's a waste of time to do so, and you may find yourself utterly demoralized form your lack of direction.

 

[BlackSalad]

talk to an advisor?

 

[Wellington]

I wanted to be able to build a giant cannon that would give me leverage in taking over the world. All I need now is uranium.

 

[Property of Jumpship]

If you are still within the first two years you should just concentrate on General Education requirements anyway. I switched majors about 5 times within the first two years before deciding on a degree in philosophy. Now Im happy but I still dont know what I want to be when I grow up. I do know that I want a Ph.D so I will probably wind up teaching.

 

[LakeEarth]

Went into Biochemistry for pharmacy, figured I actually liked the research aspect more fun... bam! Biochemist.

 

[Sirpopopop]

Depends on the person. (How to decide on a major) I will tell you what I did though.

I would say go to the school and just start working on your core reqs. Take a variety of classes and see what you're interested. That's what you seem to be doing. Eventually, you'll find something. If all else fails - go for the money/ or a field which you seem to have an affinity for.

For me, I took some communication courses, and I was piqued by the journalism aspects of these courses. That's how I decided on my major.

 

[way more]

International Affairs just sounded cool.

 

[demon]

Do what your peers are not. Take off for a year. Travel to Europe, backpack in Germany, stay in youth hostels or something. Don't know the language? Get some tapes and a translator book -- you'll pick it up via total immersion. Go to Japan. Hell, travel around the US a while, see all those states you've never been to. Maybe along the way you'll find what it is you're looking for.

Not that I don't really, really wish I had done this when I had the chance (sort of), but how exactly does that help you decide what you want to do for a career? Seriously, I'm curious. I've never done anything remotely like that, and being a couple months away from a bullshit degree after five and a half years with zero idea of what I want to do with my life and a gpa that is far too shit to get into grad school I'm sure, maybe it'll help me out.

 

[mightynine]

Went into college wanting a degree in Mass Communication with a focus on journalism. Wanted to be one of those music magazine writers.

Before I applied to work for the campus paper, I applied to work at the campus radio station because I'd always wanted to work for a radio station and wanted to get it out of my system.

In the process, I discovered I really love radio, but was not a big fan of journalism. So I changed my focus to electronic media.

Now the irony: I'm working for a news/talk station, doing the news. So I ended up with a little bit of both.

I guess my advice would be have a general idea of where you'd like to go with your career, but don't be afraid to change your mind once you get there.

Oh, and don't feel like you have to finish in four years. I somehow did it in four years and one summer semester, but I sometimes wonder how.

 

[nitewulf]

i studied electrical engineering because i like math, physics and electronics. it's odd though, as i have an intuitive leaning towards chemistry, i have always done well in chemistry even without studying. so the perfect path for me would have been chemical engineering--->bio-medical engineering (MS).
but i dont like chemistry!
since i liked physics and electronics instead i went for electrical. could have done mechanical as well, but once i started with control systems and semiconductors engineering, i didnt look back, as that was my calling.
initially though, its hard to figure out what you want to do, i'd suggest declaring something you are interested in and going in that route but taking classes general enough for you to switch if you feel that your chosen major isnt really working out. but you never know without delving deep into your major courses though. i hated my first circuits course and wanted to switch, but i hung on. and all of a sudden it got better and better.

 

[Forgotten Ancient]

Heh, there's definitely no way I'm finishing school in 4 years. I'm at about 35 credits right now, and because of work I really can't take more than 2 classes a semester.

Sometimes I just wish I could quit my job and go full time. I think that'd help me figure things out a lot easier

 

[GDGF]

I majored in what I always loved (and had a talent for) throughout my life. Art.


(and if I don't 'make it', I can always teach or go back for another go)

 

[Property of Jumpship]

but don't be afraid to change your mind once you get there.

.

Thats great advice. If you dont love what you are doing get out of it. Nothing worse in my opinion than going to a job you fucking hate.

 

[Wellington]

I've always liked math and physics, and I wanted to work at NASA. Aeronautical/Aerospace engineering wasn't viable at any of the schools that I could go to (geographical issues), and I had heard anyway that it's tough to find job with a major so specialized, so I went for the broader mechanical engineering. I love thermodynamics and fluid mechanics, so I guess it was a fit. Right now I am working in construction, but I am skilled enough to go anywhere else.

 

[Forgotten Ancient]

I hate my job

Really...I'm in kind of a shitty situation. The job I have pays pretty well for my education (18/hour + as much overtime as I want) and I get to surf the web all day and the company pays for up to like $7000 a year towards tuition. But...I really don't learn anything new here and the crazy workload makes going to school full-time out of the question.

I used to want to be a pharmacist or forensic pathologist. But, at the time, my GPA wasn't stellar in High School (3.2), my parents were (and are) dirt poor, and I just felt that going to school full time was going to be an financial impossibility. Now...I'm kind of spoiled by my current job and it's gotten me pretty lazy. I've taken 3 English courses (two writing - 1 communications), I've only taken one math class, and classes in accounting, economics, business law, children's literature, philosphy (I stupidly dropped the final week), intro to business, and a Business Software applications class. So...it appears I'm leaning towards business, but that seems very "generic". Like...everyone goes to school for a business degree.

I fucking quit!

(yeah, that's the spirit)

 

[Seth C]

Biochemistry --> Computer Science --> Visual Arts --> General Studies.

Biochemistry: For years I'd told people I wanted to be a doctor or medical researcher, just to shut them up so I could get back to being a teenager. After a while, I think I started believing the sh*t I was shoveling. Then when I got to college, well... let's just say it didn't take long for me to realize the mistake I was making and bail.

Computer Science: After taking some time off from college, my family was riding my ass to pick a new major and go back to school. I panicked, and chose CS without really looking into it, because I "liked" computers and I could make a ton of money. One year later, I was bored to tears and looking for the exit.

Visual Arts: The technical majors were a bust, so I thought I'd try something more creative this time. I'd always loved to draw, so it seemed natural for me to learn how to improve at doing something I loved and turn that into a lucrative skill. A few semesters later, the very sight of a sketchpad was enough to literally make me nauseous. That's a pretty good sign you're not cut out for that major.

General Studies: The perfect major for people who don't know what they want to do. I graduate in December.

You don't want my advice on majors. Living up to others' expectations proved to be a disaster, chasing money wasn't a smart choice, and following my passions didn't work either.

So glad I'm not alone on this.

 

[Property of Jumpship]

Another thing to consider is that some people are not even in careers that they majored in. My wife teaches seventh grade math but was a business major; she hated the corporate world, although doesnt like the government one that much either.

Its funny to me how much you spend on college but you might not even get the full value out of it.


Did you like the philosophy class?

 

[Lhadatt]

Not that I don't really, really wish I had done this when I had the chance (sort of), but how exactly does that help you decide what you want to do for a career? Seriously, I'm curious. I've never done anything remotely like that, and being a couple months away from a bullshit degree after five and a half years with zero idea of what I want to do with my life and a gpa that is far too shit to get into grad school I'm sure, maybe it'll help me out.

Well, it won't magically reveal all that is to know.

It may, though, help you get a clearer outlook on the way the world works and possibly clue you in to who you really are or want to be. Your parents tell you one thing, high school beats a completely different idea into you by force, then college warps your perceptions around again into something completely alien to the other two -- but none of those forces really give you the straight answer.

You pretty much find out for yourself once you get out of college. Unfortunately, that's usually at around 23-25, so you're almost out of the prime age to do this. No one really holds you to responsibilities until you take them on by yourself when you start to get out of college, yet it's kind of hard to just leave everything behind for a while once you get started.

Kids used to do this sort of thing -- our society's focused for quite a while on taking responsibility and finding work once you get out of school, so taking a break longer than a month is pretty irregular. As a result, we've got quite a few uncultured twenty-somethings running around these days.

 

[crestfallen]

Yesterday I changed my major to English from physics, actually. I started exploring the creative side that has always been struggling to get out. I've begun writing a lot more, trying to keep up with my journal when I have time, reading a bunch of books, and overall I'm happier. I soon figured out that I can't sit in a quiet lab, toiling over equations and data for hours upon hours at a time. I haven't even taken a physics class yet; just Gen Chem, an Astronomy class, and Calc 1 (Even though I aced the AP test I'm retaking it to have a class I don't have to really worry about). I was convinced that I was going to be a scientist before I entered college. I guess that didn't work out. =/ I'll tell you, 6 weeks of soul-searching through your own personal hell will give you a better idea of what you really want. Oh yeah, and finding what you don't like usually leads to what you do like. Just keep exploring and don't be afraid analyze yourself a little bit. You'll eventually find your niche.

Edit: BTW, I'm a freshman at UF.

Edit 2: I'll be minoring in philosophy.

 

[videogamer]

Went into Biochemistry for pharmacy, figured I actually liked the research aspect more fun... bam! Biochemist.

Are you in grad school yet? And if you are or have already finished it, are you going to be a tech or PI or what?

 

[Property of Jumpship]

Yesterday I changed my major to English from physics, actually. I started exploring the creative side that has always been struggling to get out. I've begun writing a lot more, trying to keep up with my journal when I have time, reading a bunch of books, and overall I'm happier. I soon figured out that I can't sit in a quiet lab, toiling over equations and data for hours upon hours at a time. I haven't even taken a physics class yet; just Gen Chem, an Astronomy class, and Calc 1 (Even though I aced the AP test I'm retaking it to have a class I don't have to really worry about). I was convinced that I was going to be a scientist before I entered college. I guess that didn't work out. =/ I'll tell you, 6 weeks of soul-searching through your own personal hell will give you a better idea of what you really want. Oh yeah, and finding what you don't like usually leads to what you do like. Just keep exploring and don't be afraid analyze yourself a little bit. You'll eventually find your niche.

Edit: BTW, I'm a freshman at UF.

Edit 2: I'll be minoring in philosophy.

My first major was math and my second major was English but I realized that I was just so much more interested in Philosophy.

 

[Ecrofirt]

I played Zelda on NES as a 5 year old kid. That got the ball rollin.

Then I found QBasic on my old PC when I was in 7th grade. That pushed the ball down a hill, and it's been gaining momentum since.

Comp Sci for me.

 

[Pimpwerx]

To add to what I said, everyone has an affinity for something. As a kid growing up, I loved taking things apart and sometimes getting it back together. I'm a MechE through and through. At RPI, I had the most fun when I joined the FSAE team and spent over 300hrs in the machine shop making parts for the car. But I was stuck with computers b/c the market was "on fire" and b/c my scholarship required that or an EE major. I'm good at computers, but you should seriously consider what kind of work you'll be doing in that field. A computer job is a desk jockey position. You spend hours coding and little time working with your hands. You don't get to do much with design or building...physical stuff. I could just as well quit my teaching job and go work as an auto mechanic. That's how bad I have it, I've seriously considered doing that. You don't want to do that. Lucky for me, I got pretty much a full ride. Most people end up running up huge college debts and get majors they don't like. Make a serious decision weighing your skills, your passions, the market climate and more importantly, the type of work you'll be doing after you get out. Hindsight is 20/20. Foresight is damn near blind. PEACE.

 

[fart]

i was just destined to flip burgers. what can i say?

ps, FSAE is awesome. my friend worked on the davis car a couple years ago, says it was the best project of his life.

 

[nathkenn]

always wanted to make video games

 

[marko]

Well, decide what is important for you in a career. For a career, I wanted to make a good bit of money, I wanted to do something I enjoyed and was capable at, wanted to choose a career where there were plenty of jobs. Well, the best combintation of those three things at the time was a computer science major. There were other majors I would of preferred, but job opportunies/pay was not very good. Now, for cs, job market is not as good, but pay is still good. If I had to pick a major again right now, not sure what I would pick.

 

[djtiesto]

I loved to program on the computer and try and make games (mostly using antiquated game creation systems)... so CS was an obvious choice for me

I learned that CS isn't nearly as fun as what I thought it would be... but I struggled through and now I have a good job that's pretty fun so it's all good

Seriously, if you go to any CS class in America, ask 90% of the non Asian/Indian kids why they signed up for it, they'd say because they love games and wanted to make their own.