One of the most pivotal moments in adult life is choosing a college major; however, making this decision isn't always easy or quick.
While some people have always known they wanted to become doctors, lawyers, or architects, many students graduate from high school unsure of what to study.
This uncertainty is completely normal—and more common than you might think. The pressure can make you feel like you have to figure out your future all at once, when in reality it’s a process of self-discovery that deserves your time and attention.
If you haven't decided what to study yet
Check out all the degree programs at ORT
Embracing uncertainty
When the number of possible paths to take feels overwhelming, the first step is to acknowledge that it’s okay not to have an immediate answer.
Accepting the fact that you don't always know what to study allows you to:
- Reduce the pressure
- Take your time exploring your options
- Avoid making impulsive decisions
A practical way to deal with this uncertainty is to set aside some time for personal reflection.
The key is to make informed and thoughtful decisions, rather than hasty ones.
For example, by asking yourself the following questions: What do I enjoy doing? What activities make me lose track of time? What subjects or projects motivate me the most?
Thinking about these questions can provide valuable insights into the available fields of study and which ones are the best fit for each person.
Relieve the pressure
We’ve all had to answer the question at some point: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” As children, our answer might have been clear, or it might have always left us feeling uncertain.
In any case, figuring out our path as adults can bring pressure from various sources.
Whether it’s family members encouraging us to follow a specific path, friends who think one career is more important than another, or even society itself, which forces us to consider countless factors before making any decision. Often, the pressure can even come from within ourselves.
Letting go of the pressure means learning to listen to yourself without judgment. Sometimes what we really want can be confused with what we think we should want.
One way to organize your thoughts is to take some time to write, talk to someone you trust, or simply observe your emotions as you imagine different options for the future.
It’s not about making a decision right away, but about listening to your inner voice. The more you allow yourself to connect with what you enjoy, the easier it will be to recognize which paths make the most sense to take.
And, in the meantime, let’s stop feeling like we have to have all the answers right now.
Explore options
When trying to decide what to study, it seems that the only viable options are the more traditional majors: medicine, law, engineering, psychology, and others.
However, the world of education is much broader, and today there are hundreds of emerging professions that are rapidly gaining popularity and that might better suit one's personal interests.
- Exploring new career paths: Today, there is a wide range of specialized programs available in fields such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, UX/UI design, renewable energy, environmental management, cybersecurity, and more.
- Consider technical or vocational programmes: Not everything has to be a multi-year college degree. Technical programs and diplomas often offer a fast track to employment and the opportunity to specialize in specific fields.
- Researching job demand: Reviewing current employment statistics and future projections can help you understand which professions are growing and which offer long-term stability.
- Listen to real-life experiences: Interviews and talks by professionals on YouTube, podcasts, or at college fairs can provide a more realistic view of each field of study.
The more you broaden your horizons with different viewpoints, new perspectives, and relevant information, the more likely you are to find an area of genuine interest that also allows you to grow personally and professionally.
If you still don't know what to study, visit
to learn about all the degree programs at ORT
The Importance of Knowing Yourself
One of the most common concerns when choosing a career is basing the decision solely on what offers the best job prospects or what’s currently in vogue.
Although these factors are important and should be taken into account, we must not overlook the importance of identifying the activities that people enjoy and in which they excel.
The process of figuring out what to study is also an opportunity to get to know yourself better.
Some strategies for getting to know yourself better include:
- Take vocational tests: They aren't a definitive answer, but they can provide an overview of fields that align with each student's personality and interests.
- Feedback from others: Asking family members, teachers, or friends how they perceive our strengths and weaknesses can be very helpful in gaining a perspective different from our own. Sometimes, others see talents that we overlook.
- Reflecting on past experiences: Think about the school projects, extracurricular activities, or hobbies that excite you the most.
Engaging in this self-reflection helps you identify patterns. For example, a student who enjoys explaining concepts might be interested in teaching, communication, or even marketing.
On the other hand, for those who find satisfaction in solving logical problems, programming or engineering might be paths worth considering.
Try it before you decide
Theory is important, but nothing can replace hands-on experience. A great way to take the pressure off when deciding what to study is to try out different fields without any commitment.
- Short courses or workshops: There are hundreds or thousands of online and in-person course options that take just a few weeks to complete and allow you to explore a topic without a significant investment of time or money.
- Volunteer work or internships: Participating in community projects or internships offers the chance to try something completely different and discover new sides of yourself.
- Personal projects: This is the perfect time for projects you're passionate about that involve learning a new tool or technique. You never know when it might come in handy in the future.
Trying something new, even on a small scale, gives you the confidence to decide whether you want to take it a step further. And most importantly, it eliminates the feeling that there’s only one possible choice.
Being open to change
Although it may seem otherwise, the choice of what to study does not define a person forever.
What someone dreamed of at age eight doesn't have to be the same as their life dream at eighteen.
Throughout life, there are always opportunities to change course. You can switch careers, supplement your education with short courses, or even discover a new interest later in life.
The choices you make today won't necessarily set the course for the rest of your life.
Choosing what to study shouldn't feel like being bound by an unbreakable contract, but rather like a step in a longer process that is shaped by experiences, lessons learned, and trials.
Growing up means changing, and changing also means rethinking your goals.
Tips and Reviews
Hearing the opinions of people who are currently pursuing or have already pursued a specific path can be very helpful when deciding where or what to study.
Talking to professionals or upperclassmen gives you real insights that go beyond what you find in university brochures or on their websites.
Some questions you might ask include:
- What do you enjoy most about your career?
- What challenges do you face on a day-to-day basis?
- What are the job opportunities really like?
- What skills do you consider essential for success in that field?
Often, these talks reveal aspects you hadn't imagined. A degree program that seemed very theoretical actually offers practical opportunities that can be motivating, or a field of work you knew nothing about can suddenly turn out to be fascinating.
In addition, there are career fairs, open forums, and social media platforms (such as LinkedIn or specialized forums) where you can connect with people willing to share their experiences.
Hearing firsthand what a career path entails will give you a much clearer picture than simply reading a curriculum.
Stay calm
Comparing your decision-making process to that of others isn't always helpful, as it can lead to anxiety and frustration. The reality is that everyone's journey is unique, and there is no single right or perfect answer.
A good exercise is to replace external comparisons with internal ones. Instead of thinking about what others have already achieved, it is suggested that you consider the progress you yourself have made in your own educational journey.
Taking your time is perfectly fine, too. Not everyone has to make a decision at the same moment or with the same certainty. Respecting your own process and staying calm is key to hearing what you’re truly looking for.
Reaching the end of this process doesn't mean you'll have all the answers right away, but rather that you'll learn to listen to yourself, explore your options, and take the pressure off yourself to make a hasty decision.
Choosing a college major can be overwhelming, especially when everyone around us seems to have made up their minds.
However, staying calm, taking the time you need to make an informed decision, and exploring different options can help you find a path that not only feels right, but also feels authentic and true to yourself.
Every action, no matter how small it may seem, brings you closer to discovering the right path.
If you still don't know what to study, visit
to learn about all the degree programs at ORT