Q: I have no idea what I want to do with my life. I picked a major, but it’s not what I want to do. Any suggestion on how to find something I actually like? -Undeclared Undergrad

A: Your predicament is quite common and completely curable since you have caught it at such an early stage.
Some unfortunate students may get as far as graduate school (or, heaven forbid, actually working at a job) before they realize they’ve taken the wrong path for them.
So, since you decided that you’re undecided, it’s time to help you make up your mind.
There is really no foolproof method for figuring out how to spend the next 60-plus years of your life, but I do have a couple of suggestions:
What do you like to do now?
What do you do in your free time, or what would you do if you actually had free time? If you like to read, what kinds of books do you like? If you literature, try being an English major.
Yes, I know I’m advertising for my own department, but you really can do almost anything you want with an English major. English borrows theories and ideas from pretty much all other disciplines, giving you a well-rounded (and very enjoyable) education.
If you enjoy crime novels (or TV shows or movies), look into criminal justice.
Do you play lots of video games? Try digital media or even business . even if you don’t end up making the games, you can still work in the industry.
This is probably the best indicator of what kind of career you will find most fulfilling. Who wouldn’t want to get paid for doing something they love?
What will pay best and be most convenient? I know everyone says that you shouldn’t be concerned about the money if you’re doing something you love, but I think most people would be a lot happier if they had a good job and lots of money.
How important is it that you get out of school as quickly as possible?
If you hate going to classes, think before committing yourself to a career path that will require extended schooling (like medicine or law).
If the idea of graduate school makes you queasy, aim a little lower. These days, a bachelor’s degree is the equivalent of a high school degree in years past.
To really stand out in your future employer’s eyes, you need some graduate work under your belt. However, there are plenty of jobs that only require four years of schooling or less, many of which might be just your cup of tea.
Take an interest inventory or career placement test. ETSU has plenty of resources to help you figure out what you want to do.
Check out the ARC on the second floor of the Culp Center or the Career Placement and Internship Services office on the third floor of the Culp Center.
Both of these conveniently located offices can help you figure out what to do and even get you started on the path to your future career. You can also find several career interest tests on the world wide web just by using your favorite search engine.
Send your questions or comments to et_enchilada@yahoo.com.