Hey everyone! I’m a high school senior trying to figure out my college major and future career path. Right now I’m doing an internship at our local hospital working on marketing stuff and I’m pretty confused about what direction to go.
My Background
I’ve taken computer science classes for 4 years including some AP courses. I’m decent at programming but not sure if I actually like it that much. I’m really outgoing and love being around people, playing sports, and going out. Money is important to me because I want a comfortable lifestyle.
My Main Concerns
Computer Science Path: Everyone says this makes good money and I could work remotely which sounds cool. But I’m worried I’ll hate sitting at a computer all day since I’m such a people person. Also keep hearing the job market is terrible right now and AI might replace programmers.
Marketing Route: I’ve been running my school’s Instagram account and got it to 700 followers out of 800 students. The marketing work at my internship was okay but not amazing. Not sure about salary potential though.
Starting My Own Business: Always thought about being an entrepreneur but have no clue where to start or what kind of business to create.
Finance Career: Investment banking seems like guaranteed money but the hours sound brutal.
I really don’t want to spend more than 4 years in college. Has anyone been in a similar situation? What would you recommend for someone who wants good money but also enjoys working with people? Any advice would be super helpful since I graduate in a couple months!
Your Instagram success shows you’ve got real marketing chops! I’d look into studying business with a marketing focus - you’ll get the people interaction and creativity you enjoy, plus build a solid foundation for your career.
Your people skills plus CS background? That’s actually a killer combo for tech sales or product management - roles most people don’t even think about. You’re looking at $70-90k starting, easily $200k+ with experience, especially at SaaS companies. You’d work with clients, solve their problems, and use your tech knowledge without being glued to code all day. Tons of successful tech sales reps have CS backgrounds because they can actually talk shop with technical buyers. Also consider digital marketing strategy - companies are dying for people who get both the technical side of marketing automation AND customer psychology. Your Instagram success proves you understand audience engagement, which is gold. Best part? These paths let you use your social strengths AND technical credibility while making serious money.
Check out business consulting or corporate strategy roles - they’re perfect for mixing your tech background with people work. Consulting firms love hiring CS grads because every business decision revolves around tech these days. You’d analyze how companies operate, pitch solutions to executives, and roll out changes across the org. Pay’s solid too, often matching finance roles but with way better work-life balance than investment banking. Your coding skills give you instant credibility with data, and your people skills help you manage client relationships. Plus, consulting exposes you to tons of different industries, which is gold if you want to start your own business later. Lots of successful founders cut their teeth in consulting to learn how various markets work. Career path’s pretty straightforward too - analyst to associate to principal, with salary bumps at each level. This route uses all your strengths while keeping doors open for entrepreneurship, corporate leadership, or diving back into tech roles.
Man, you sound exactly like me in high school! I was torn between similar paths and went with business/marketing - one of my better decisions. Here’s the thing: you don’t have to pick one lane forever. I started in marketing, moved to business development, and now I’m in a hybrid role that pays really well. Your CS background will be huge even if you don’t code professionally - I wish I had those skills when dealing with dev teams. Want to try entrepreneurship? Start small in college. Maybe consult for local businesses on social media since you’ve already grown an audience. Don’t stress about the “perfect” choice - your people skills will carry you far whatever direction you pick.
Another “I want money but also people” post lol. Drop the career anxiety - you’re overthinking this. The “AI will replace programmers” stuff is mostly fear-mongering from people who don’t actually work in tech. Entry-level market sucks right now but it’s temporary. Honestly, you’d probably hate pure development with your personality. Why not double major in CS + business? Gives you options and most schools let you finish in 4 years if you’re not lazy. Worst case? You end up as a product manager making bank while using both skill sets.