I'm 19 years old and in the midst of beginning
the 2nd year of my program (Environmental Biology) at a college away from home.
Problem is, I find it pretty boring and am not sure it's what I want to do long-term.
At the moment, I can't decide how to decide what to do with the rest of my life.
On one hand, I want to work in zoos (unfortunately, my program is not really
related to that at all). On the other hand, I want to work with computers
as I love them. And on the third hand (see, I really am in trouble), I don't
know if any of them are right for me. Any advice on how to decide on what
to do?
eddiebauer: Bad major? No problem. Decide on something
reflexible...like law. There's corporate law, trial, etc. But the point
is: focus in on an area, then look for an occupation or major which allows
for flexibility. For instance, don't major in EE for you're not sure that
you want to go into computers. If it's a toss-up between that and
Business, then try MIS -- it incorporates the two. There are many programs
out there that incorporates two majors, there's another choice you have.
Your problem, though, is computers and animals. Liking computers really gives you a
lot of options, as virtually EVERYTHING is going technical nowadays. My
advice? Go with computers, then specialize in something Zoo/Animal related
afterwards. That might work, whereas if you concentrate on your ZooKeeping,
you can forget about computers altogether.
cgutjahr: Don't worry. You are not your major. There is nothing which says that you need to doing anything even remotely related to your major after you are done. Example, Micheal Eisner was a theater arts major.
JiveMonkey: I am facing the same problem; I was a computer Information Science major and have changed to business administration, with an emphasis in marketing. I don't really want to be a business major but I have no idea what I am to do. I plan to be married in less than a year and money might become an issue in the very near future, I want a job that will support a family. I know God will take care of me and I guess that is the only way I will be successful in life.
Rainbird: I think the important thing is to be able to think after you graduate from college. I suggest taking courses which challenges your mind (also which you have an interest in, of course). Getting a degree in one area does not mean you HAVE to spend the rest of your life in that profession. It is more important that you learn your reading, writing, and thinking skills so you will be able to have more options later on in life. Hmmm...I am sort of stuck between choosing Graphic Design and Illustration myself. But I decided to go after both because I like the way Graphic Design challenges my thinking process and the way Illustration draws upon my art skills. I am still a student too. Just my little opinion.
Bj_rn: Don't stress! I had the same problem. My major is information systems but that doesn't even touch on my main interest, Web programming and publishing. However, it will get my foot in the door. Try instead and see how a zoo might need the skills of an environmental biologist. Maybe combine your computer skills and do some sought of research for a zoo. Most imoportantly, don't get down-hearted.
