What higher institution should I go to? Which course should I choose to study at the university? What degree should I get that I’ll be happy with years from now? These are questions almost every young person will have to answer at a critical stage of their life. You want to choose a field of study that your future self will thank you for. So in today’s video, you’ll learn 25 expert advice, step by step, to help you choose the right course to study at the university or college. If you are new to the After School Africa channel, you’re welcome. Be sure to subscribe to this channel to continue discovering opportunities. Now, let’s get to it…
Table of Contents
1. Consider a field based on abilities
Firstly, abilities are what you can do. Understanding what areas you have skills in and which areas could use work is a great way to start the elimination process when choosing a university course of study.
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2. Consider a field based on values
However, choosing a course based on your core beliefs will normally lead to work that is more rewarding and encouraging. However, university is a time of experimentation and self-discovery, and most people solidify their values during their college years.
3. Consider a field based on interests
Your interests are a fine way of determining which major to choose in college. I mean, if you like doing something, why not get paid for it, right? Just remember that your interests may change over time.
4. Consider a Field based on passion
Additionally, at first glance, your passions seem just like interest areas, only stronger. But this is quite an understatement. Passions are areas of deep interest, but they also incorporate your values and abilities into something that becomes a burning, lifelong desire. Following your passions is one of the best ways to choose a major.
5. Speak to Your Close friends About Your Abilities, Values, Passion, and Interest
If you have close friends who know you well enough, about your personality and interests. They might agree, or they might think you’re crazy. But they might just help you decide what to major in.
6. Consider the Practicability in your country
Studying petroleum engineering when you live in a non-oil-producing country may not be a profitable decision. You want to consider how practical it is to put your education to use.
7. Consider the Future
So, what about the future? Is the field of study that is lucrative today likely to be as juicy in the next 5, 10, 20 years? This is an important question to answer.
8. Will you still enjoy it years from now?
But what’s to stop you from switching positions or changing your mind? Who’s to say how you’ll feel even 10 years from now – not to mention 20 or 30 years from now? If you’re not sure how to answer this question, consider something more general or broad in scope.
9. Is it employable?
Furthermore, will you be able to easily and readily find employment in a related field or even start a business after you earn the degree? Consider a broader field of study rather than something super niche.
10. Will it be around later in life?
We live in a time of unrelenting technological progress and innovation. Artificial intelligence and automation are changing the game right now, and it’ll only be more so in the future. It might be employable today, but will it stay that way for decades to come?
11. Will it pay?
However, you might be the most adamant when saying that money doesn’t rank high in your decision-making process when deciding which major to pick. But let’s be honest – money does matter. Moreover, nobody wants to struggle financially later in life. So it is important to keep compensation in mind.
12. Choose the Right School
All universities and colleges are not created equal. Some schools are more recognized than others. You may not be able to get into the best of the best schools, but you shouldn’t settle for the worst either.
13. Consider your potential Alumni Network
Does the school have a strong alumni network or potential professional contacts? Getting a certification is only one part of going to school. The network you build could turn out to be even more valuable.
14. Are there enough scholarship opportunities
While you don’t have to make career decisions just because of scholarship opportunities; if you have difficulty in paying for your education, you may want to consider the possibility of getting a scholarship in your chosen field.
15. Can I learn this without formal education?
Besides, many global companies no longer prioritize college or university degrees when hiring candidates; and there are courses you can learn through less formal education like programming, graphic designing, photography, etc. You may just realize that you can achieve more in four years without a college education.
16. Consider taking a college major assessment test
Personality Assessment quizzes can help you decide on a field that suits your personality by asking several questions. A popular one to take is the Myers & Briggs MBTI Personality Type Test, which separates people into 16 psychological types. These often are a great way to figure out if a particular field of study, or career choice is right for you.
17. Have a professional interview
Do you admire someone who is already practicing what you plan on studying? Reach out to them and ask to learn from their experience about the profession.
18. Meet with Advisors
Who better to help you decide how to choose a course of study than the college advisors whose main job it is to do so?
19. Book Time with Career Advisors
This is one of the ways you can determine a course of study and a career path. Additionally, many universities (and high schools, even) have career counselors on top of their academic advisors. Meeting with these career advisors might be helpful, as they can give you a long-term view of how a particular degree will translate to a career down the road.
20. Talk to Your Peers
Moreover, your friends and peers are often a source of great inspiration and ideas. Though they might not have the overall knowledge like the professional advisors, your friends, and peers know what you’re going through. But don’t rely too much on their knowledge. They are mostly inexperienced.
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21. Chat with Your Parents
Before determining the course to study at the university, you can talk with your parents. Your parents have been there for you these last couple of decades. So far, they seem to have your best interest at heart. But, avoid parents’ suggestions if they start becoming too insistent on a particular path for you. You must do what you want to do, rather than worry that it bothers them.
22. Determine how likely you’ll be to switch majors
Many students switch their majors and change their minds throughout their university studies. While it’s not a disadvantage, it could cost more and take more time to achieve the degree.
23. If likely to switch, how rigid are the prerequisites?
If your first choice is medicine, but you have an inkling that you might want to change to financial management later down the line, the electives and core classes will be completely different. So you’ll be starting from the very beginning should you decide to switch.
24. Don’t overspecialize
Also, for your undergraduate studies, avoid choosing a major that is too specialized. Your career prospects and job outlook would remain all too narrow.
25. How will I be affected after I finish the program?
Make sure that you understand the costs, the future job market, and the locations you may have to relocate to advance your career.
In summary, choose a path that will give you a degree that you’ll be proud of and that fits with the idea of the direction you are heading. Separate prospective courses into ones that fit your abilities, values, interests, and passions. Also, take an educated guess on which majors will stand the test of time and offer gainful careers far into your future. If you found this video helpful, thumb up and share it with someone. If you are yet to subscribe to After School Africa, this is likely a good time to subscribe. Until next time, YOUR SUCCESS MATTERS!
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