I’m really kind of second guessing myself right now with what I want to major in college. Kind of daunting realizing that this could potentially be something that I’ll do for the rest of my life. BUT, anyway, I wanted to get some advice from others who may have so experience with this.
I come from a super poor family from Mexico, and so naturally, I want to take advantage of college and hopefully be able to find some way out of poverty through education. Right now, I’m thinking about going into engineering. Specifically, I want to major in civil or environmental engineering. Or possibly electrical. But definitely not computer engineering (I live in the Bay Area, I’ve had enough of the silicon valley). But, I really want to be able to do a lot in the future. My hopes are to get a really good job and make enough money to like buy a nice house and be able to travel a lot while I’m kind of young.
So my question is: am I making the right choice financially by pursuing engineering? I’ve heard many people say that you should try to get a MBA and an engineering degree in order to have money. What should I do? I do like engineering and I got the smarts for it, but I just want to make sure I’m making the right choices now instead of regretting them later.
First, take a look at a wide range of possible majors and ask yourself “Is this something I would want to do during my lifetime?” If the answer is yes, put it on a list on a piece of paper. If the answer is no, don’t. Do this with a good chunk of majors so you get a general idea.
Once you’ve done that, do an online quiz where you can determine which major would be for you. Do an actual one that asks questions like “How much do you want to be involved in the arts?” or things like that. Don’t do any of those stupid quizzes which ask “What’s your favorite color?” or “What is your favorite TV show?” because these won’t even tell you anything.
I agree with @simberry2. Find what appeals to you. Yes, it’s best to find a major that’ll lead you to a high-paying career, but pick something that you know you’ll enjoy and land you with a nice job.
Since I’m a health science/physical therapy major, I can’t give you advice from my own life. Instead, what I can tell you is reach out to schools that you’d like to be at or just those within your area and see what they have to offer. Talk to people who are in the majors that you want to be in. See if they are happy with what they’re doing.
This sounds similar to my accounting professor. He told my class that when he was in the military, he was able to pursue a degree in civil engineering and then two (I think?) MBAs for management and finance after he left the military. He then went on to own an extremely successful construction business in Philadelphia.
Why am I telling you about my accounting professor? He just happens to be the success story with the majors you described. However, take the time now to see what you want to do in college. I know I love being a physical therapy major. What do you love to do? Would you be able to pursue your hopes in college?
I really hope this helped! Best of luck with everything! You got this
