Is there a "I need to die cause I'm just done" thread?

Career Opportunities & Internships
1

Because I really really do. I’m a junior and I have no idea what I want to do with my life and it seems everyone else knows exactly what they need to do. And there’s so much pressure because I have to pick a college but oh no no can’t pick a culture without at least a freaking clue what I have to do.

Then everyone expects you’re going to do something amazing because you’re “smart” and being “smart” obviously means you know everything, especially what you’re going to do with the rest of your life.

Im sorry for the rant. I’m just really just having a meltdown and this is just stupid, but there is a point. I guess my question it, how did you figure out what you wanted to do in life? Like specifically. Don’t just say “you will find your way” or any of that crap because it’s not helpful.

2

You are a junior in high school? Calm down then… Here is an approach someone I know took a couple of years ago, and it worked for him:

  • Get a copy of the Book of Majors (CollegeBoard book, your GC or library may have a copy)
  • Go through it with a pack of post-it notes. Mark majors and associated careers/jobs that look interesting to you. Use green for "Yes!" and something like yellow for "maybe".
  • Look back through and see if you see patterns or groupings that stand out. That can give you some idea of areas to explore further.
  • Pick out and visit some colleges that offer the top few major choices you have on the list.
  • Once you get to college, try to take a couple of classes each in a few of the majors that interested you. One class might sway your opinion positively or negatively (great prof, terrible textbook, boring part of the subject, cute person sitting near you, etc.). You have a better idea after two.
  • Go to the career office at your college and explore what types of jobs/post-undergrad experiences students are having from each major that interests you.
  • Explore options to intern or research in one or more of the areas.

You should be better equipped to pick a major and make a plan for post-undergrad work once you have gotten through this process. The other thing to know is that you aren’t necessarily “stuck” if you think you want to major in one thing your first year, but change your mind. Or even if you get a degree in something, and decide to change careers. People do it all the time.