<p>Hey everyone. This is my first thread on this forum and I'm sorry if I'm in the wrong place. Anyway, I'm a current undergraduate student and I will have been in college for two years after this semester is over. I am currently majoring in Idustrial Engineering, but lately it seems more and more like maybe I'm in the wrong place. When I started college I had no idea what I wanted to major in and to be honest I still feel that way. I just chose Industrial Engineering to be in something while I was getting the basics done. Well now I'm starting some of the IE classes and I feel out of place. My heart just isn't in it and I don't think I can handle all of higher level math. So I'm trying to take a step back and see if I can find a major that matches me better than IE. This is my self-evaluation...I love history, but would like to stay away from a history major because I've heard good jobs are hard to find and I don't think I want to teach. I like to write, read (if the book interests me), computers, keep things organized, applied math, have clear goals to meet, and working alone. I am quiet, private person and do not like speaking in front of a lot of people. I know all this may be vague, but if anyone has any suggestions for a major I would appreciate it.</p>
<p>Take an online Myers-Briggs test. Then go get a book that discusses careers and personality types. You will probably be surprised at how accurate the test is. You seem to have a pretty good idea about what you like and don’t like and the career book may give you even more direction.</p>
<p>Maybe you might like accounting? The math isn’t especially high-level (it’s more immediately practical than some of the more advanced mathematical didsciplines), you don’t necessarily have to be flamboyant to be an accountant, many firms have and use computers extensively to maintain databases, and the work is very routine. </p>
<p>But don’t let me tell you what to do! Do you have a course catalog for your college? It might help!</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies. I really appreciate it.</p>
<p>MD Mom those tests are really interesting! I just took three online and ended up being an ISTJ “Inspector” or “Trustee” all three times and their definitions fit my personality almost perfectly. I’m definetly going to look into my results more.</p>
<p>Jahaba accounting is actually a major that I’ve had in the back of my mind for some time now. I took the entry level class last semester and found it pretty interesting. I’ll research accounting some more, as well as information technology and law based on my friends recommendations.</p>
<p>Your college counseling or career center may do free assessments about what kind of jobs or careers would best suit you.</p>
<p>I wish I could help you focus a little, but I’m not sure this will help…</p>
<p>“I like to write, read (if the book interests me), computers, keep things organized, applied math, have clear goals to meet, and working alone. I am quiet, private person and do not like speaking in front of a lot of people.”</p>
<p>This is a tough call. Initially, I’ll second the accounting. The math is not abstract or difficult (in fact, as a math major, I get insulted when people say, “Oh, so you’re studying math. You want to be an accountant?” Actually, no! If I wanted to be an accountant, I’d be an accounting major!) There is really only elementary math in Accounting. It’s about learning procedures, techniques, law/regulation, and business. So that might be for you. They also use computers, are organizers. HOWEVER, I’ve heard that nowadays, accounting is less bookkeeping (the boring, keep to yourself kind of job) and more business, because computers automate a lot of the tedious work. So you will have to make presentations to business people, and work together with a team. But you’ll have to do that whatever you do, if you want to make money. Of course, truck drivers get to spend lots of time alone…
I suggest a public speaking class (most colleges offer one), that might help. I’ve seen shy people who the class worked wonders for. Also, look for a local Toastmaster’s chapter (google it) or maybe Dale Carnegies books/ classes.
Another major I just thought of is MIS/CIS, or whatever your school calls their IT major. Anyhow, good luck deciding, and enjoy!</p>
<p>MathematicsMajor I’ve heard the same thing about Accounting. My intro professor said it’s nothing now like it was when she was in college. And I’ve already taken the public speaking class at my school. Here it’s required for everyone. I ended up with a high B in the class. I can speak in public, I just don’t like to. The IT and business department here have a degree that’s looking pretty appealing to me. It’s bachealors in business administration and information systems. All it is is a regular business administration degree with an MIS minor. It seems to be the best alternative for me that I’ve found so far.</p>
<p>Update:</p>
<p>I’ve narrowed my choices down to either a BBA in Accouting or a BBA in Management Information Systems. They both look like they could lead to good careers. In my research I’ve found that accountants are always in demand and with experience can earn a very nice salary. I’m getting mixed reviews about MIS though. Some people say it’s very prospective and others say its hard to get hired sometimes because someone with an engineering or computer science major is more likely to be hired. So far I’m leaning more towards accounting, but I’m still not sure.</p>
<p>I’d advise that when choosing a major, either optimize on your interests or on making it useful. However, if you do both, you might accidentally end up with the worst of both worlds!</p>
<p>Personally, I’d look at it from the interest perspective. Both MA and MIS give you good pay – enough to let you live a comfortable life. Financially speaking, neither is truly that much more lucrative than the other. Now, look at the other aspects – which one will you enjoy more? Choose that one.</p>
<p>While the MIS positions are likely to go to engineering / CS majors, just remember that there’s a large amount of leadership and social skills required in that area. Many engineering / CS majors fail badly in both areas. As long as you have a propensity to understand and follow up with new tech, while having great leadership and social skills, you shouldn’t have to worry too much about competing with an engineering / CS major.</p>
<p>If you feel like you don’t belong… then you probably don’t. I would change it even if your major isn’t that particularly useful perhaps?</p>
<p>My brother changed from physics to mechanical engineering which he absolutely hated - ended up taking the long road around and had to take extra classes in computer engineering instead (to get his masters in computer engineering) without fin aid. Cost alot, took more time, but he’s much happier because now he’s doing something he likes.</p>
<p>just drop out of college and learn a trade such as carpentry</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies. I’ve been talking to some of my friends in my universitys business department and I’m going to go talk to a few advisors sometime this week. So far accounting looks the best because they are always in demand and I would probably be able to find a job close to home. I haven’t been able to find any first hand information about MIS jobs in my area so far.</p>
<p>And Proton dropping out of college is not an option. I already have almost all my basics done and I’m too far into it. Plus my dad has been a carpenter since he was 18. He’s 52 now and I’ve seen first hand what it’s done to his body. He also has zero job sercurity. My mom is a teachers aid and she really wants me to get a degree too. Nobody in my family has ever had the chance to go to college. I want to make them proud and not let their support go to waste.</p>
<p>well i was being sarcastic about dropping out but i’ve should have known better that plain text does not contain facial expressions or tone of voice.</p>
<p>haha. It’s all good proton.</p>
<p>“…professions to which ISTJs gravitate are similarly oriented toward achieving practical and tangible results, and include such careers as general surgery, law, and accounting” -<a href=“Page Not Found - 404”>Page Not Found - 404;
<p>and this link tells you about careers for ISTJs:
"<a href=“ISTJ careers (based on research)”>http://www.teamtechnology.co.uk/careers/istj.htm</a></p>
<p>I know this is jobs and not majors, but you could work backwards to figure out what you should major in. You know?</p>
<p>Good luck! I hope you will find something that you love:) Now I shall look up majors/careers for INFJ…</p>
<p>Thanks for the information AndromedaGal.</p>