Choosing a major/Career? (degree, psychology, school, careers) - Colleges and Universities -Higher education - City-Data Forum

Blingnjkbling · 02-21-2009, 06:59 PM

I need some help choosing a career path.

I have about 2 year's of Gen Ed'/and a lot of business courses.

I really have no idea what I want to do for a career. I'm thinking maybe something with banking or financial advising.

I would describe myself as somewhat introverted, inquisitive,more of a natural observer, intuitive, curious (love solving things), rather systematic....

I also get bored doing the same task day in and day out. So I do like change.

Some of my interests are traveling, the media, sports, reading, doing research...

One career I don't want is SALES. I don't know why, I just don't want to do that.

Any suggestions on what degree/career path I should go after?

Some programs I'm thinking of are:
Economics/Finance
Psychology
Journalism

Any advice is appreciated!

K-Luv · 02-21-2009, 07:29 PM

My advice would be to take some time off, maybe a few years even, and think about it.

If you do not have an idea of what you want to do for a career or major then the "advice" from random strangers is not going to be of much help.

Blingnjkbling · 02-21-2009, 07:36 PM

Yeah I really just want to get my degree right now.

I think it will be a lot easier finding a job with a 4 year degree.

Most employers seem like they require them these days.

killer2021 · 02-21-2009, 10:47 PM

When I was choosing my major I found these two resources VERY helpful.

BLS.gov - May 2007 National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates

and this

Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH), 2008-09 Edition

You can use the above links to find out:

1. How many people are employed in a given field.
2. How much an occupation earns.
3. What education is required for that occupation.
4. What workers do on the job.
5. Working conditions.

Very detailed and what I've read it seems unbiased. If an industry is in decline or an occupation is in decline they will say why. They also list potential reasons the occupation could decline in the future. For example, one industry I was reading up on was carpet installers. They said the occupation could decline because of decline in home building and improvements in carpet technology (ie. carpets are made to last longer). You get the idea.

mjohnson4381 · 02-22-2009, 11:35 PM

I wouldn't recommend Psychology or Journalism.

Economics and Finance have potential, though.

Takes1 2 Know1 · 02-23-2009, 04:37 AM

I would recommend Economics. It seems that you like research, and solving problems may be counter intuitive.

BTW, I think financial advising does involve the selling of investment products if I'm not mistaken, so even though you don't like sales, you might end up doing just that.

akorosdc · 02-23-2009, 06:55 AM

I know I replied to your other thread, but after reading this I think you sound a lot like me. I basically guessed and fell into an economics program, and really ended up enjoying it. Psychology was my other choice, and a lot of economic studies are more behavioral now, which was another plus for me. Look up "behavioral economics" or "sports economics" online, or ask your professors. My roommate did her honors thesis on football.

As for choosing a lifelong career, I'm 2 years out of college and am still working on it. Of the interests listed above, I'd go for Econ/Finance or Psychology. These give you enough knowledge to get a job, yet aren't specific enough to pigeon-hole you in one career. Most people change careers a few times now, anyway, so don't stress on the idea that what you pick now determines the rest of your future. For now, choose something you like and can see yourself doing. Work hard, do your best, and you should be fine.

toobusytoday · 02-23-2009, 09:44 AM

If you are currently attending a college why don't you go to the career services center? They should be able to help you figure out a few paths to explore.

akorosdc · 02-23-2009, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toobusytoday

If you are currently attending a college why don't you go to the career services center? They should be able to help you figure out a few paths to explore.

Also, talk to the professors in the fields of your interest. Keep in mind that they will generally advocate their own departments, but they can still give you good information on what sort of career you'd be looking at (and what would be in store for graduate school, should you decide to go). Explain what you're interested in, and ask how the particular program can work to further those interests (i.e. specific coursework, research opportunities, etc).