Me and my over-thinking things...What exactly should I major in?

College Majors
1

<p>Hello there, my screen name is RoboticMe. I am graduating High School soon, and I still have not decided what to major in. I am a year ahead in school, so I was not legal to work since now and I have no money for college. I am an A student, on Student Council in my school, I am finishing all of my AP classes, and the President of my HS Robotics team; so I shouldn't have much of a problem getting a scholarship.
Problems arise constantly in my gigantic mind. I have changed majors 2 times now, and I don't know anymore what I want to do...which also means - I don't know what college to apply for.
So my life begins...
I obviously enjoy engineering - being on the robotics team, but I am not quite sure I want to be an engineer of any type. I want my life work to consist of something I LOVE not just currently enjoy. I don't want to go to a cubicle everyday to type up some documents until my brain will blow, and I don't want to be so adventurous that I will be away from home 6 days a week. </p>

<p>I am trying to think long term. What if I marry? What about when I get to my elderly stage? How much money will I be making for my family? These are all questions that I can't stop thinking about. </p>

<p>I love flying in planes. I have taken some introductory flight lessons and have loved them. I have talked to commercial pilots, and I have had my mind set on becoming an airliner pilot. I have heard the tales from several airliner pilots in how to get in successfully, and I find it exciting. BUT - the thought of being away from home for up to 6 days a week just kills me. I love flying planes, but 6 days a week away from family? wow. So, my major hunt is back on.
I love designing things as well. I have drawn up designs for homes over and over, I have designed costumes, websites for certain people, backyards, you name it. That is me.</p>

<p>I have worked with vendors and sold items at shows or fairs, and I do enjoy this very much. I am social, I like to get the words out of my head and into others.
This is a good segue into my favorite area: politics.
I am very interested in politics. I can spend hours a day watching my favorite news stations to see what is going on in the world. I have directed a documentary on gun control, I have a website (but I guess nowadays - everyone does), I designed my own page art. I can't see myself on the pc all day designing art for the rest of my life though. I love being a leader. I dream of becoming a Senator or the President of the US but I know the odds.</p>

<p>It is funny that my interests seem to be the same as my blood relatives. My bloodline consists of what I like: My grandpas brother was a Airplane engineer; my Grandpa was a engineer; my grandpa on the other side of the family engineered cores. Then my creative side: My grandma created clothing; my aunt was going to become a interior designer; my dad was known for his displays as a manager of a large chain; my uncle is a CEO of a company. All of my skills run in the family. </p>

<p>I want something that would be interesting, social, fun, and challenging. Journalism is a dream, but pay is around 30k(too low). I have thought of teaching History, or becoming a salesman, but a salesman's job is risky and a History teacher's job seems quite boring. I have been told I am patient with kids so possibly a school counselor?</p>

<p>Help me as soon as possible!!!</p>

<p>(Excuse my spelling errors, I'm in a hurry)</p>

2

<p>Your major doesn’t determine what you do for the rest of your life. This is an important point that many high school students seem to miss. You can major in engineering and then decide to be a journalist, salesman, or teacher.</p>

<p>However, some majors will limit your choices later on in life. For example, if you major in English, it will be much harder to change your career and become an engineer a decade later.</p>

<p>I recommend majoring in something that’s upwind (a major that leaves you with as many choices as possible). You seem to have many interests, and it’s likely that you’ll change career paths several times in your life.</p>

<p>Engineering and computer science are both majors I think of as more upwind. The science, math, and problem solving skills you learn in an engineering or computer science major apply to areas outside of engineering and computer science. Math and programming are really important skills in today’s economy. An engineering or computer science major would leave you with many options later on, and it will also give you greater job security. If you enjoy and can handle the work, I would recommend engineering, computer science, or another applied STEM major that’s math heavy.</p>

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<p>Thanks for the reply. I do understand that I can change my mind, but I was hoping for the least amount of time and money wasted. Great point on the upwind majoring.
One question… Did you mean any form of engineering is a good upwind major (aerospace, computer, etc.) or just plain engineering?
Thanks,
Roboticme</p>

4

<p>Any engineering major is pretty upwind in general. I’d consider some engineering majors more upwind than others, though.</p>

<p>Mechanical engineering is known for being very upwind and versatile (mechanical engineers also end up in aerospace and civil roles). Computer science is also very upwind, since programming skills are useful nearly everywhere now.</p>

<p>One thing to note - one advantage of very upwind majors is that it will be easier to switch majors if the first one doesn’t work out. For example, it’s much easier to switch from mechanical engineering to English than from English to mechanical engineering.</p>

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<p>You don’t have to nail this down before you pick a school. Just make sure that the schools you look at offer a wide variety of things you think you might be interested in and look for programs that will help you narrow your interests down.</p>