Choosing the right degree is the first step on your career ladder. When you are deciding what area to major in, you may find yourself stressing about the wide array of options. The degree that you opt for now will help to scope your future career path. That means that the decision you make before you attend college will have a direct impact on your life after you are a student. You must approach this decision in a logical and straightforward manner. Remember, you must not let your emotions rule your head. You should make this decision based on what is best for you and your future. You must never choose a degree on a whim or because you think it sounds interesting.
Researching your degree before you sign up, means that you will understand what the course entails and what you will need to do. Make sure that you have weighed up all the pros and cons of the course you are about to take before you do anything at all. Here are some vital things you should consider when choosing a degree.
How much will your degree cost?
Degrees are never cheap. The cost of gaining qualifications is on the rise, and so you should consider the cost before you sign up to any courses. How are you going to finance your education? You might be lucky enough to have a college fund that will help you to cover the costs of your studies. If you don’t, where will you get the fees? There are student loan systems that might be of help, but remember that is not free money. You will have to pay back your loan the moment you start earning a decent wage. You should also look into scholarships and funding schemes that might be able to help you cover the costs.
What jobs and opportunities will the degree afford you?
Some degrees are worth more in the working world than others. Arts degrees are a lot of fun but mean that your work opportunities are cut down. You are more likely to get a job if you study something more technical. You will find that a scientific degree opens more doors, than a degree in arts or media. One of the best degrees you can get in the current climate is in political science. So, what can you do with a political science degree? Well, you will likely be able to work within the government when you graduate, meaning that you will have a stable job for years to come. Make sure that you look into your possible job prospects before you choose a degree. You want a job that’s stable, and so you need to find a solid degree to match.
What is your earning potential?
It may sound like a cynical question, but it is one which you need to consider. How much will you earn in your prospective job roles? You are going to pay for a degree, and so you need to decide whether it will be worth your trouble. If your degree doesn’t make much difference to how much you will earn in your first job then you have to consider whether it is worth it.
How long will the degree take?
Most college degrees take three years to begin with, but it doesn’t stop there. For example, if you want to be a solicitor, you will need an undergrad degree and a specific training qualification. That will take you more like six or seven years. Architects can expect to study for around seven or eight years before they qualify. Even after that, they will need to complete an unpaid placement within an architecture firm. Look into how long the degree will take and when you can expect to start earning money once you have graduated.
What are your interests and passions?
If you could choose one thing to spend your time doing, what would it be? It may sound like a bizarre question, but it is one you need to answer. When you sign up to a college degree, you sign up to years studying the same subject. If you have little interest in your chosen course then you will not succeed. Make sure that you choose a degree that suits you and your passions. You will give yourself the best chance at succeeding if you choose a degree that suits you.
Where do your best skills lie?
Once you have identified your passions, you need to make sure that you have the right skills. Where do your skills lie and how can you use them for you career? It is all well and good loving a subject, but if you aren’t talented in the area, you will not succeed. You need to be honest with yourself. If you don’t have the skills necessary to complete the degree, you will fail. That will mean that you waste time and money, attempting to complete a degree that doesn’t suit your skills.
Where are the best schools and colleges?
You should consider whether you are going to need to move home to attend college. The best college for your chosen degree might be the other side of the country. Relocating for your studies is a big deal and one which you should spend a lot of time considering. It may be worth taking your second-choice course in a more accessible location.
How does one course compare to other courses?
When you have decided what area you want to study, you need to start considering different courses. The English literature curriculum at one college will differ a great deal from the same course at another college. Make sure that you spend some time researching your options. Some colleges offer extras, such as a year abroad or a year in the industry, as part of their course. You need to ensure that the course criteria suits your working style as well. Some courses will put a strong focus on taught learning whilst others will expect you to be more independent. Make sure you research the courses at different institutes before you sign up for a degree.