10 Tips For The Undecided Or Multi-Interested Student

There’s a difference between feeling anxious when you’re a multi-interested student trying to decide on your college, a major, or a career. Each represents a big, life-framing decision. Anxiety causes an unhealthy amount of worry and freezes our progress. It prevents a person from moving forward, investigating, trying new things, and eventually taking a stand. Don’t allow indecision to have a death grip. 

On the other hand, pressure indicates that a big decision needs to be made within a certain timeframe or else you will fall behind. Like a treadmill allows you to choose how fast or slowly you move forward, you get to choose. Just make sure that as a multi-interested student, you’re moving forward and not on a treadmill going nowhere. 

Move toward your future at a pace you’re comfortable with until your multi-interested student interests narrow down and help you choose a major.

10 Tips For The Undecided Or “Multi-Interested” Student.

1. Slow down. 

Don’t allow yourself to be hurried, but be intentional by putting a date on the calendar when you plan to have your college majors and careers narrowed down to 3 options.

2. Keep moving forward. 

Think about trying to turn a corner in a car that isn’t moving… Impossible! You must keep moving to gain self-awareness and external decision data for future direction. Research, talk to relatives, teachers, mentors, or be even more intentional and seek professional counseling.

3. Pretend. 

Yes, make believe you have decided on a college major or career field and learn as much about it as you can. Something especially helpful is informational interviews with people succeeding in the areas you’re considering

4. Keep doing the next right thing. 

Be sure to study, earn good grades, take college entrance tests, and stay confident that you will find your true purpose. Find ways to contribute to the world and grow in an ever-changing and increasingly complex environment. Be ready to encounter your future direction around the next corner.

Don’t beat yourself up and do not allow yourself to get anxious or panic about this. It’s your one precious life after all. 

5. Avoid the 2-year college option if at all possible. 

It’s fine to take a few courses at the local junior or community college, but you won’t find a real college experience there. Unless your goal is to enter the trades such as plumbing, electrician, HVAC specialists, etc. Or unless you take college prerequisite courses with an intention to transfer to a 4-year college, don’t opt out for a 2-year college. 

6. Be open to your calling and actively seek it. 

Have an open mind when it comes to choosing a college and career. It’s okay to feel lost and a little bit confused. Some people will know exactly what they want to do, but you may not. It’s normal. But once you find something that you enjoy, research, take on internships and get more involved in the discussions that surround it.

7. Have conversations with people who work in fields that interest you.

It’s important to network with others who are in or will be in the same field. Having others who hope to work in the same field could one day be fantastic co-workers or offer job opportunities when you need them. Speaking to professionals in your field offers the same benefits with an added bonus of experience to go with it.

8. Read.

Crack open a book and take in any type of knowledge that you can. Read from those who have the work experience you’re looking for. Catch up on memoirs of people who inspire you. And dive into a fun and creative adventure every once in a while.

9. Listen to podcasts.

There are a ton of podcasts out there that can provide you with the insight you need to make the most of your college experience. Ask your professors if they have one. Contact graduate students about their favorite podcasts. You can also talk to your peers and listen to podcasts that you may never have listened to otherwise.

10. Join TED talks.

Take part in expanding your view of the world with engaging conversations like TED Talks. You’ll be able to open yourself up to new opinions, ideas, and perspectives you may have never heard before.

No matter what you’re doing, remember to always move in the direction of your future.

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