I am a freshman in Community College (Community College is so lonely). My current major is Computer Science, I am taking an introductory computer science course. I do not like it. The course is not fulfilling. I do not have other options. Most majors outside of STEM do not ensure good pay. I wanted to keep options open to a patent law degree, I cannot do this without a science major, I don’t know what to do. Taking a trade is NOT an option, and dropping out of college is not an option either, although I utterly hate it. People say college goes quickly, is that really true? Thinking about having another four years to pull through depresses me, and the Community College culture is not one of making friends, but rather adults going through to get what they need, leave, go back to work, and sustain mouths to feed. I wish that Computer Science was not only compelling for the earning potential.
- Do you like anything right now? I ask, because if the answer is no, then maybe there are some depression issues.
- What don’t you like about CS? What exactly is the characteristics of a “fulfilling” course?
- Why do you want to be a patent lawyer?
- Sometimes you have to take some classes in an area to get background and to see what you do and do not like about a major. I was an Electrical Engineering major and had to take Physical Electronics (electricity at the atomic level) and I didn’t like it, but it is a basic course you have to take.
- Can you form a study group with students in your class? THat may be a way to make friends
During one’s freshman year it is wise to take courses in a variety of disciplines to explore & see what you like.
Have you tried a science course ? Might lead to an interest in a medical related field.
Do you like any other sciences besides CS? You could go into patent law in a variety of STEM areas, but you are correct you need an undergrad in STEM. Also, I assume you would need to transfer to a 4 year university after 2 years at community college and then 3 yrs in law school. Are you prepared for that path?
If you hate computer science, then you are not likely to do at all well in it. If you don’t do well as an undergrad, then getting into law school is at best risky and uncertain.
I am wondering why you want to be a patent lawyer. It does pay well, but if you hate computer science how confident can you be that you will like a career as a patent lawyer? Have you at least read enough patents to get some sense regarding what it would be like to spend your life writing more of them?
It is very common for students to change major during their first year or even first two years of university. There are a lot of things that you can major in, and then go on two law school or even go on to be a patent lawyer. At this point I think that the main issue is for you to find a major that you can tolerate, whether it be some form of STEM or not.
It sounds like you’re limiting your own options. Doing something outside of STEM is not an option. Dropping out is not an option. Going into a trade is not an option. You need to give yourself a break and find something that interests you instead of making decisions based on future earning potential. Getting a degree in a STEM field is not the golden road to financial security you may think it is and if you don’t like what you’re doing, you’ll be signing up for a lifetime of something you don’t like.
I started college wanting to be a doctor…until I took biology! I’m a software developer now. The idea behind college is going in with an open mind. A patent attorney is only one occupation out of millions and there are a lot of good paying non-STEM careers out there. You’re in community college. You have time to figure out what you like. Take classes, do some research, and do some soul searching.
Patent attorneys are needed in more areas than STEM, Biology and engineering come to mind.