23, Picked the Wrong Major: How to Pivot When You Miss STEM

Ever get that sinking feeling that you’re in the wrong place—but you’re not sure where else to go? Picking a college major at 18 feels like such a huge choice. But what happens if you wake up at 23 and realize you picked the wrong major? Especially if you once loved science but ended up somewhere else?

Let’s unpack what happens when you miss that spark of curiosity from technical fields—and how you can actually switch gears without losing years of progress.

Why “Wrong Major” Isn’t a Dead End

It’s surprisingly common to feel lost after graduation—especially if anxiety or uncertainty pushed you into a “safer” path. Switching from Biological Engineering to Mass Communication might have felt right when every direction brought anxiety. Now you’re in a corporate communications job (maybe in digital advertising), but it just isn’t lighting any fires.

The good news is that picking the wrong major doesn’t mean your interests or skills are wasted. In fact, many employers value creative communicators who understand complex ideas—especially in technical industries. Your background could be an unexpected asset.

If you’re longing for more intellectual challenge—a return to that “progress through knowledge” feeling—you’re not alone. Countless people feel stuck selling products they don’t care about or surrounded by uninspired coworkers.

How Others Have Pivoted Back Into STEM

Plenty of folks have found their way back into technical fields after working elsewhere. Here are some practical steps people take when they realize they want more challenge:

• Explore bridge roles: Look for jobs that combine communication and science (like technical writing or science marketing).
• Consider certificate programs: Short courses in data analysis, coding (Codecademy), or food science (Coursera food science courses) can help build new skills.
• Leverage your network: Reach out to alumni or friends working in fields that interest you. Ask about their day-to-day work.
• Try project-based volunteering: Join open-source projects or volunteer for research groups—even remotely—to get experience and contacts.
• Research hybrid careers: Some roles blend law with science (like patent law), healthcare with tech (health informatics), or food innovation with communication.

Switching careers doesn’t always mean starting over from square one. Sometimes it means finding a bridge between what you know (storytelling, digital strategy) and what excites you (STEM challenges).

Navigating Doubt When You’re 23—and Beyond

It’s easy to feel like time is running out if you’re only a year or two into your first “real” job. Truth is, most people switch jobs—and even industries—multiple times before they find something truly satisfying. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, young adults typically hold several jobs before age 30.

Here’s an anecdote: A friend of mine majored in English because she was anxious about chemistry classes. She worked as a copywriter but missed solving tough problems and eventually took night classes in public health statistics. Within two years she landed a job as a medical data analyst—using both her writing and analytical skills every day.

That pivot didn’t mean she wasted her original degree—it made her stand out among candidates who only had one skill set.

Finding Your Bridge Back Into STEM

If you’re drawn toward fields like food science, product innovation, or even healthcare law—good news! There are more paths than ever thanks to online education and hybrid careers.

Here are some steps that help clarify your next move:

• List what energizes vs drains you: Is it solving puzzles? Explaining concepts? Managing projects?
• Research entry points: Look up “entry-level” roles in areas like food tech (Institute of Food Technologists career resources) or health informatics.
• Test-drive with side projects: Try an online course (edX) or hackathon before committing big money or time.
• If law appeals: Explore paralegal certificates or legal assistant jobs focused on science topics before investing in law school.

No matter which route you pick, remember—it’s not too late at all! Many professionals hit their stride by combining seemingly unrelated skills.

Your Next Chapter Starts When You Say So

Feeling adrift after picking the wrong major is way more common than anyone admits in college brochures. The important thing isn’t what degree is on your diploma—it’s whether your next step brings back that spark of curiosity and growth.

What’s stopping you from exploring just one class or reaching out for one coffee chat this month?