[JerRocks2day]

After having a long discussion on what I want to do in college or major in with my brother, I've come to realize that I don't have an idea at my high school level yet[junior year]. Are there any suggestions on what I should do right now because I know my talents, but the only thing I've been focused on is starting a band.

[tigerfan88]

Hey, don't feel bad, I was the same way. My junior year of college I was still not positive on what I wanted to major in. At that point I leaned toward either Accounting or something in the Computer field. I took a little bit of time and went to BLS.gov/oco, which basically gives descriptions/education requirements/expected income for pretty much any career there is. I ultimately decided I wanted to become either a Systems Analyst or a Software Engineer, which led to my pursuing a Computer Information Systems degree.

What helped me to decide what to do for a living was considering my talents, as well as my passions. I've always been good with computers, enjoy working on issues such as personal finance as well as accounting, have a deep love for music (and a desire to start a band myself), as well as an interest in athletics. Ultimately, I reached the conclusion that I'd be happy and feel fulfilled as a Systems Analyst, should my goals of becoming a rock star not come true.

The chances of becoming a successful musician, or even athlete, are very slim. That's not to say it doesn't happen, but it's always a good idea to have a back-up plan in place. In this case, it's college. If you have this back-up plan in place, it's going to help you stay focused on your band and hopefully make your goal of starting a successful band a little easier (because you won't have to struggle quite as much since you'll have a decent paying job regardless).

[Sean]

Originally Posted by JerRocks2day

After having a long discussion on what I want to do in college or major in with my brother, I've come to realize that I don't have an idea at my high school level yet[junior year]. Are there any suggestions on what I should do right now because I know my talents, but the only thing I've been focused on is starting a band.

I didn't have any idea what I wanted to do until I was 4 years out of high school. If you had told me when I was 18 that I was going to end up a Bible college graduate with an education major who is working at a church, I probably would have thought you were crazy. But that's where I'm at 8 years later.

It's very unlikely that you do know all of your talents yet. There are some programs you can do which supposedly help you discover your ideal job, but really, you just have to do different things until you figure out what works for you. Sometimes it just takes years to discover what works.

On the flip side. Some people know what they want to do from a very young age. My sister always wanted to be teacher. Once she graduated from college she taught for two years, and then she gave it up to have kids. So even when people know what they want, that doesn't mean it's going to last.

[Yoda_me07]

in australia, they have this 'ADF' (australian defence force gap year),
basically, for one year only, you get to feel what its like to be in the millitary.

the good thing about this is that you can think about what you want to do.
even if you hate the millitary, you'd be out within a year,
and you'd have about $30 000 in your pocket.

see if there is anything similar to this in the united states.

[ibanez_dude]

Same boat here. In the beginning of high school I had an idea, but by senior year, I already didn't want to do it. I went to school anyway and tossed around some ideas, did 2 changes of major in freshman year, and by the end of freshman year I knew what I wanted to do. No matter where you go, most of freshman year will be general requirements, so you don't have to make up your mind yet. I officially switched majors twice in freshman, and I am in perfectly good shape to graduate in 4 years like usual.

[Jfool]

Sorry to revive an old thread, but it is still at the top...

Anyway, you won't have just one "career"... you may not like to first one you pick, or the second...

You may have numerous careers in your life and love them all.

My point, and my opinion is, do something that you feel passionate about. If you end up washing dishes on the side, that's okay for a while... don't ever stop exploring though. Because it will be frustrating just sitting and trying to "figure it out".

If you are focused on starting a band, a college degree in music will be very, very useful. Your knowledge and talent will grow. And you can always switch to investment banking if you want to.

[Epaphras]

If you haven't figured it out by this time next year (halfway through your senior year), consider:

a) Taking all your gen-eds at a local community college. This will save you money and also clarify what you are and aren't interested in pursuing. It will also give you a taste of the "college life" to see if that's what you want to do.

b) Take a year off and serve on the "mission field" (although I hate that term). A year of service will really clarify things for you I think. The same goes for working right out of high school for a year: it will either lead to a career while you go to school part-time, or it will confirm your calling to higher education.

Whatever you do, don't go off to college without any way to pay for it and without a plan. You may adapt and succeed but chances are you'll get burned out and/or drop out, and be in debt on top of it.

[Sean]

Another advantage of community college is you can take courses which relate to your interests and discover if you have a future in that direction. When I was at community college I was also playing in several bands. So I decided to take some music industry courses and studio recording classes. The classes were tons of fun, and I still use the stuff I learned in the recording class, but I also discovered that I don't really have the personality to pursue a career in the music industry or running a studio.

Community college always you to explore your interests without spending $1,000s.

[Grasshopper359]

It's not something to lose sleep over. Most people change careers three to four times during their working lives. I'm nearing the end of my contract with the Canadian Forces (six years) and I feel that it may very well be time to move on to something else. And very few people in high school actually do know what they'll be doing later in life. When I was 17, if someone told me that I'd be in the Army, that I'd be teaching unarmed combat, that I'd ask to be posted to a base in Quebec, and that given the choice to make more money by going to Edmonton, I'd choose to stay in Quebec, I'd have told him he was crazy. A lot changes in ten years.

[Jenacen]

I've switched majors a few different times before I figured out what I wanted to do. Going into college, I didn't entirely know what I wanted to do, though it eventually all unfolded in its right time. You will get there, and looking back, it's not as perilous as it might seem. Stay in prayer and seek God's guidance, and you will know what to do.

Tigerfan mentioned BLS, and I agree it's a great resource. You want some general ideas for business pathways, write me up. I'm no decent substitute for a career counselor, though I might be able to give a little help.

[j0s1ah]

You're likely to change your mind a hundred times. Don't worry about it, just make sure you get something. You will be a different man when you graduate than the man you were upon commencement.