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Choosing a Major

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nactor329

Greenlighter
Joined
Jan 22, 2009
Messages
41
Some of you may have read some of my other posts and know that I've kind of lost my way in school recently. I'm struggling to decide what I want to study because I find myself interested in something for a couple weeks at a time before quickly moving on to something else. How do I know what to study in school?

I've been considering:

Mathematics-(I'm good at it, but how interesting is it?)
Business-(What I'm "supposed" to do)
Economics-(see business)
Entrepreneurial Studies-(Like business but more of your own boss)
Hotel/Hospitality-(Seem like interesting work, encountering all kinds of people)
Pharmacy-(Pharmacology interests me like so many others on this board)
Psychology-(Learning about the way people think seems very interesting)
Music/Film-(Interesting but I'm just not that creative/naturally talented)
Computer Science-(Good at math, like computers)


So how do I know which one of these to focus on? I have been in school for two years, but have dropped several classes and not really been able to focus much on school. When I go back to school, I feel like I will need a plan and not have time/money/resources to test out several different majors and whatnot. I feel like all my friends and everyone I know, knows what they are doing and what they want to do and how to accomplish it. 20 years old just seems so young to be making a decision like this and to already have everything figured out.

Does anyone have any information on choosing a major in general and any experience with these majors specifically?
 
The ultimate question to ask yourself is "what do I want to do later in life?" While a tad bit cliched, it really is a question to ask yourself. I still often ask myself that freqently, and only until recently have I been able to answer it honestly without fumbling.

Mind you, I took quite a big chunk of time off from school, so I had time to decide or figure out some sort of plan.

Each of those areas of focus are quite a bit different from the next. Is there any one thing that you are ultimately interested in?
 
I guess my question is how do I figure out what I want to do? All of those areas seem interesting at least a little. If I choose one I feel like I will always be like what if.
 
some of the choices you listed seem like things you may be interested in as they seem to peak your interest at the moment, or even just a little aspect of it, but is it something you want to do as a career? you can always learn about some of these things on the side. :)
 
nactor329 said:
I've been considering:

Mathematics-(I'm good at it, but how interesting is it?)
?
Click to expand...

There's no future in math unless you become a professor. And if you were good enough at it to become a professor, several ivy league professors would have known you by name in HS, and would have discussed their programs with you.

I have a BA in math, and right now I fix air conditioners for a living.
 
Binge Artist said:
There's no future in pure/theoretical math unless you become a professor. And if you were good enough at it to become a professor, several ivy league professors would have known you by name in HS, and would have discussed their programs with you.

I have a BA in math, and right now I fix air conditioners for a living.
Click to expand...

Fixed ;)
 
This is what your first year of University is about. Take a year of courses in stuff you like, then declare at the end of first year.. or take a 2nd year in stuff you know you like, then declare at the end of that.

If you're looking at something vocational, then you just have to commit and stick it out. Personally I'd suggest the University route for the amount of flexibility and options, not to mention earning potential.
 
I'm surprised you're considering pure math and hospitality (???).

What binge artist said about jobs in math isn't true. I'm not trying to be rude, but all major communication companies have an insatiable need for maths researchers. Nothing to do with application, they have "other people" for that. A friend of one of my professors is at work for AT&T in this type of research position & speaks very highly of it.

I've also had friends with pure math degrees go into computer security work. There's oodles of cash there, I promise. Work isn't as abundant as it used to be, but it's not going anywhere.

I agree 100% with everyone who says to take a semester or two and overload yourself with awkward algebras & basketweaving until you find something that just clicks. Something you find yourself studying on your own time, beyond what's asked or relevant.
 
ingannilo said:
What binge artist said about jobs in math isn't true. I'm not trying to be rude, but all major communication companies have an insatiable need for maths researchers. .
Click to expand...

You wanna pick a fight with me?!?! Good, then you've got yourself a fight, buddy! =D

Those jobs at AT&T, Bell Labs, and what have you. Sure, they're all good jobs, BUT, and this is a BIG but, they're usually not given to folks with just a bachelor's. I mean, it DOES happen, but you have to be absolutely shit hot. Usually, you have to have a PhD. And usually, those jobs are for the elite PhD's. Also, when you think about it, those industrial research mathematicians are basically professors--only, they're lucky enough not to have to teach.

I think the best way to go with only a bachelor's, would be to pass a few actuarial exams, or something like that. Or fix air conditioners.
 
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