Advice for academically strong, but directionless daughter

InfiniteWaves
Wed, 01 Jul 2020 14:30:45 +0000

I went to college thinking I’d major in psych. Switched to journalism. Loved my theology classes so much that I ended up with a minor in that. I attended a Jesuit college that let us explore.

My career has taken me all over the field of communications. I’ve worked as a journalist, PR rep, corporate marketing copywriter, internal communications specialist. @gouf78, I ended up getting a master’s in UX design a few years ago and now work as a UX content strategist.

The point here is that there are certain skill sets that apply across different “jobs.” I enjoy, and have natural talent for, communicating. I also enjoy human behavior. And writing. So the things I enjoyed while exploring in undergrad make sense looking back.

Perhaps your daughter can consider what her natural inclinations are along with her interests. I decided to respond here because she sounds a bit like me. Over the years, I’ve almost gone to grad school to become a librarian. And a high school English teacher. But all of those things map back to communicating, writing, reading, human behavior. Things I enjoy.

She can major in psych. Or communications. Something “bigger” that stimulates. And then take an internship in a “job” that sounds interesting. Leaning into her broader skill set and interest is what will carry across as she tries different things throughout her undergrad AND professional life.