Feeling Lost? What to Do When You Don’t Know What to Study
We’ve all been there: staring at a list of college majors, scrolling through endless career options, or sitting through family dinners where someone inevitably asks, “So, what’s your plan?” If you’re undecided about your academic path, you’re not alone. Uncertainty about what to study is more common than you might think—and it’s okay. The pressure to “figure it all out” can feel overwhelming, but this phase is also an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. Let’s explore practical steps to navigate this crossroads with confidence.
1. Start with Self-Reflection (But Keep It Simple)
Before diving into research or degree requirements, take time to understand yourself. Ask:
– What activities make you lose track of time? Whether it’s coding, painting, debating, or organizing events, these moments often hint at your natural interests.
– What problems do you care about solving? Climate change? Mental health stigma? Educational inequality? Passion for a cause can guide you toward meaningful fields.
– What skills do others praise you for? Maybe you’re a great listener, a creative problem-solver, or someone who thrives under pressure. These strengths might align with specific careers.
Don’t overcomplicate this step. Jot down ideas in a journal or talk them through with a friend. The goal isn’t to find a “perfect answer” but to identify patterns in your interests and values.
2. Explore Resources Beyond Google
While online quizzes like “What career suits you?” can be fun, go deeper:
– Take free online courses: Platforms like Coursera or edX offer short classes in everything from psychology to data science. Test-drive subjects without commitment.
– Shadow professionals: Reach out to someone in a field you’re curious about. Most people are happy to share a “day in the life” overview.
– Use career assessment tools: Try the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) or CliftonStrengths for insights into how your personality aligns with certain roles.
One student, Maria, thought she’d hate engineering until she attended a robotics workshop. “I realized it wasn’t just math—it was about creativity and teamwork,” she says. Exploration often reveals surprises.
3. Embrace the Power of “Trying On” a Path
You don’t need to declare a major or enroll in a four-year program to test the waters. Consider:
– Internships or part-time jobs: Even entry-level roles in retail, hospitality, or administration teach transferable skills like communication and time management.
– Volunteering: Nonprofits often need help with writing, event planning, or tech support. It’s a low-risk way to build experience.
– Dual-enrollment or gap years: Some students take community college courses or work/travel for a year to gain clarity.
James, a recent graduate, recalls how a volunteer gig at a animal shelter shifted his goals: “I went in thinking I’d study business, but now I’m pursuing veterinary science. Working hands-on changed everything.”
4. Challenge the Myth of the “One Right Choice”
Society often frames career decisions as permanent, but the reality is more flexible:
– Many careers don’t require specific degrees: Marketing, entrepreneurship, and tech roles often prioritize skills over majors.
– You can pivot later: A biology graduate might end up in science journalism; an art history major could thrive in museum tech.
– Lifelong learning is normal: Certifications, workshops, and online resources make it easier than ever to shift paths.
As author Emilie Wapnick notes in her TED Talk, some people are “multipotentialites”—thriving in multiple fields. If you have diverse interests, that’s a strength, not a flaw.
5. Manage External Pressures Gracefully
Well-meaning friends and family might push you toward “stable” careers like medicine or law. Here’s how to handle it:
– Acknowledge their concern: “I appreciate your advice—I’m exploring options that align with my goals.”
– Set boundaries: “I’m still figuring things out, but I’ll share updates when I’m ready.”
– Focus on your timeline: Comparing yourself to peers who seem “certain” adds unnecessary stress. Everyone’s journey is unique.
6. Reframe Uncertainty as Opportunity
Indecision isn’t a weakness—it’s a sign you’re taking the choice seriously. Use this time to:
– Build a growth mindset: View challenges as learning experiences.
– Develop resilience: Navigating ambiguity is a valuable life skill.
– Stay curious: Ask questions, attend lectures, or join clubs unrelated to your current interests.
Final Thoughts: You’re More Than a Major
Your academic path is just one chapter of your story. Whether you choose anthropology, engineering, or a hybrid field that doesn’t even exist yet, what matters most is staying true to your values and staying open to evolution. Careers are rarely linear, and many successful people attribute their achievements to detours, not a rigid plan.
So, take a deep breath. Experiment, ask for help, and trust that clarity will come with time. As poet Rainer Maria Rilke once wrote, “Live the questions now. Perhaps then, someday far in the future, you will gradually, without even noticing it, live your way into the answer.”
Please indicate: Thinking In Educating » Feeling Lost