How Do I Choose a College Major?

Conlin is 17 and trying to figure out a college major and career and asks Dave what he suggests.

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[samroxeva]

Wait 2-4 years before going. Find a 9-5, and try different workshop classes/free library tech classes/apprenticeships/audit some community college classes. After 2 years post hs in the real world, I had a much better idea about what I was passionate about by then. Unless you are suuupppeerrr sure, don't waste you're time/money on something you think you like

[kansmill]

Go into Trades. Seriously. We're big fans of Mike Rowe's programs because he's right. Skilled tradespeople are worth their weight in gold as well as frequently end up being highly transferable around the country as well as potentially between countries.

[SeanAndersonTheth]

I should have saw this video 5 years ago.

[hangfire]

Just because you can get a degree in something does not mean you can get a job doing it. Research employment prospects for a field before committing to a degree plan

[sunset]

Or ....
A TECHNICAL COLLEGE
Which teaches a SKILL

[chestydevildonut]

Dude whenever I'm about to spend money I watch this podcast. And I am debt-free.

[InvestingHustler]

I personally would never go to college again made more money being self employed then I would working a 9-5

BUT if you really have to then make sure you chose something you’re passionate about cuz not only will u be going into a lot debt this will be a career path that I will have for the rest of ur life.

[DavidKirtley]

Only about 25% of an undergraduate education is in your major. Even the left handed puppetry and underwater basket weaving degrees have worth in giving a broad general education and teaching you to learn independently in your chosen field. Many people with degrees work in fields other than their major field. Should you go into crippling debt for it? No, but you don't have to either. Go to an inexpensive accredited school. Want to get into trades? Great. You can make good money doing that. Even if you are not going to get a degree, specialized knowledge from additional coursework or study can go a long way to furthering your career. If you are not willing to continue learning, you are not going to progress in any field.

[Forever_Bestowing_Incompetence]

Any job that can be outsourced is risky. I am a professional drug dealer as a Pharmacist and my job ain't what it used to be. Thanks

[JohnNovakovich]

Current undergrad at a top 10 US university here. My advice: stay in state unless your parents are funding your education with cash, or you can get substantial financial aid from an out of state school or outside organization. The top universities usually provide the MOST need-based financial aid, so if you have the ability and desire to go big, try and see how much they'll cover. I have a lot of friends who are PAID by my school to attend.

The $60k+ annual tuition price tag is absolutely not worth it if you're paying it yourself in full. Look at the best state schools. And as for what to study, if you have a passion that probably won't pay the bills, if you MUST major in it, also do a second major with more economic value. "Creative writing + Economics", "Art Theory + Chemistry", etc.

Good luck

[GaemingUnlimited]

I live at home. I’m almost 23 years old and have 143k saved with most of it invested. 3 yrs of working retail, 2 and a half working HVAC, 1 year at the post office, which is where I made the most money because I was mandated 13 days in a row of work per pay period. But I quit bc I had no life. And I saved 90 percent of my money bc no bills. But I still don’t know what to do for my career bc I hated HVAC. Too many arrogant and grumpy people in those jobs from my experience. so now I have a job making 16 an hour as a machine operator. Super boring job but no job interests me at all. I tried Ken’s stupid career assessment but got nothing out of it.

[aldelgado]

if you want to go to college pay it in cash, then you can study what ever you want.

[jdamourep]

If you don't know what you want to do, DON'T GO TO COLLEGE. Everyone wants to demonize college, but college can give you the necessary tools to pursue the career of your choice, but if you do go to school without a plan you will end up spending 10s of thosands of Dollars doing nothing when you could just invest a couple thousand in tech school or trade school. Learn to become a mechanic, do welding (this is for men and women don't put yourself in a box), plumbing, electrical work, construction etc. Don't get a degree that 1. You won't use or 2. Doesn't help qualify you for any jobs.

[subscriberswithNovideos-oiyv]

College is good if you are wise about you’re finances you should unless on scholarship go to community college and work for you’re first 2 years to eliminate potential debt.

[OscarMartinez]

Here’s how you choose don’t go, if it’s money you’re going for then that’s a terrible reason otherwise find alternative cheaper routes to pursue the same career. 🤔

[AWOLMAL]

How do you live on your own.. but with your uncle??

[junkalunk]

Big math nerd here going with a business major, about to enter my junior year. However, I’ve been perplexed at the amount of job listings regarding finance that don’t particularly require a bachelors within the related field (accounting etc). Most looking for experience. Never been interested towards an MBA since most of my research has proven that experience is more valuable, so why waste another two years when you can get out there and learn hands on? I’m feeling a bit stuck and find myself contemplating an applied maths degree. I like the versatility it offers for possible graduate programs since my interests do differ. Any maths majors out there?

[lesliemichelle]

I am currently pursuing a degree in history and anthropology, because 1) I like those subjects and 2) my dream requires that I have a 4-year degree.
I hate STEM courses, so I'm going to take what I like in order to get where I want in life. I disagree that liberal arts degrees are worthless. I'm confident enough in my beliefs - religious, political, and otherwise - to see through the liberal BS that is thrown my way.
Before judging or telling someone not to pursue a liberal arts degree, maybe stop and ask them why that's the degree they want.

[ej_l]

Hi Mr dave!!! I love your show and thankful that I've found it since last year and been a fan! So im going back to uni next year...and as a 21 year old...im still thinking if i should go to private one or state uni (btw im not from america)...
I wanted to go in medical field and again im weighing hard what pre-med should i take so in case of delated years...i have a backup if i made the right career choice.
You inspired me to be financially literate...peers in my age dont know about money...and being financially literate and free...its a liberating thing...as of now im starting to work for my business as a side hustle....I'll update you 2 to 3 years from now.
Thanks for being one of my online mentors together with GarvyV, Robert kiyosaki and DanLok....

[Austin-movy]

I’m interested in real estate(also 17) but wonder how to start? Should I get a degree or go to a an agency after highschool? Or how much would it cost, and how risky would it be, to open my own practice? Where should I begin in that profession if I choose to follow it?