Picking a Degree That Suits You

It can be very daunting to choose what you are going to study for as your degree course. Before that, students pretty much know what they are expecting in their day-to-day academic journey. But once they reach a certain time when they have to choose the path they want to go, it can be nerve-wracking, not to mention this is also one of the most significant decisions you will have to make. It can even be more difficult if students have various interests in those times or they may have no idea what career they actually want yet.

In any case, when deciding on a future career, most people tend to want to work in a place that will provide them with enough financial stability or provide an outlet for them to nurture their passions. Regardless of what your career goals may be, choosing carefully as to what degree you will study in university is essential. However, how do you exactly do that? Well, worry no more. We have a list of a few things that should help you choose what to study for your undergraduate degree.

Questions to ask yourself before choosing a degree

Singapore is brimming with the best universities in Asia, however, some students are still finding their way and questioning what to take for their undergraduate degree. Some are still not sure what they want to pursue while others can’t choose which ones they want to pursue. If you are one of these students, we have some helpful questions you may ask yourself before choosing the degree for you.

1. What are you good at?

Before diving into a college degree you want to take, it’s always a good idea to know and understand what your strengths and skill sets are. This will help you understand what you also want to pursue better. As such, in knowing the things you are already good at, it will also make it easier for you when you are already taking in the classes for your degree. If you are already familiar with what you are good at, you will also know the key areas you will excel in and this can be used to highlight more on why you should pursue this degree and in turn, the career.

Review the subjects that you are good at or even confident at and research about degrees that are in line with those subjects. You can also try looking for degrees that need a specific skill set or talent such as with baking, cooking, or designing.

2. What are you interested in?

In relation to the first question, just because you are good at something doesn’t mean you should immediately pursue it. There are many cases of students “settling” for a degree in line with the subjects they are doing well in or getting good grades in but they really don’t have the passion for it. While it is a good way for you to utilize your talents and skills, if you have no passion or interest in a certain field, you may end up regretting the degree you took later on.

The educational system does offer many opportunities for students to explore and develop their strengths and also their own unique interests. This also allows students to find different programs they are more suited for that match their learning styles as well as lets them enjoy greater successes in their future careers. Of course, many students are also confused in identifying their own unique interests and it can be easier said than done. But there are also many resources you can use to get to know your own interests such as online tests. You can also try out different things and stick with the ones that hold your interests.

3. Will the degree lead to a high-paying job?

Let’s be honest, aside from all the good stuff about strengths and interests, another major factor that should be considered is whether the degree will lead you to a field that will offer financial security. While passions and skills are important in choosing a course for your future career, you might also want to keep in mind the practicality of your chosen path.

As an example, these are some of the most lucrative professions in Singapore right now: general counsel, investment banking, general and specialized practitioner, and IT. Choosing a course that will allow you to work in these fields will increase your chances of obtaining financial security later on in life. It’s still better to combine practicality and realistic goals with your passions and strengths for better chances of success.

4. Will you be able to pass the degree?

Some degrees will be harder to complete than others. This is why it’s important for you to understand your strengths and also be aware if you have the necessary knowledge and skills to finish it. It will be a waste of time and effort if, by the end of the first semester, you won’t be able to pass the degree simply because you are not up for it.

There are factors that will affect the difficulty level of degrees such as the homework to be done and the exams given. There are also some degrees that may have a wider scope than others, while some will be dealing with more subjects than others. There will also be cases of degrees having increasing difficulty levels as years go by. Remember that you will not be taking this degree for only a year, it will take years to finish a degree, so you also have to consider whether this will be harder for you to pass now and in the coming years.

5. What if you can’t choose yet?

There are a lot of degrees to choose from and there are about a million things to consider in choosing which path to take in university. It can get very overwhelming for students to do this as well as daunting since this would also affect your future. However, if you are still having a difficult time choosing, why don’t you turn to trusted figures to help you out.

As an example, you can as your teacher for some advice as to what undergraduate program to take. Teachers may also give you a more objective perspective as to what your strengths and weaknesses are, which in turn will help in choosing which path to take when pursuing higher education. They can also lend a hand when applying for highly competitive universities or courses since they will be able to write recommendation letters to boost your application chances. Teachers may also share some of their experiences with higher education to also give you more insights as to what to expect as well.

Aside from your teachers, you can also seek advice from other adults whose opinions you trust and care about such as your parents, friends, or family members. The more perspectives you have, the more chances you would be able to see aspects of this decision you might not have before. It can get confusing and overwhelming during times like this but you can ask for advice and maybe you’ll be given more clarity about your choice.

6. Can you switch degrees later on?

The good news is, you can’t be tied down to just one course. If you do find the degree to be too difficult for you or not suitable for the career path you want at all, you are free to change your degree. However, this is only recommended if you have the means to do so. Transferring into another program takes a lot of resources and effort, which makes it really not advisable. So, it’s really better for you to have a stronger grasp as to what you want to do for your career and what path you want to take in the future before applying for universities. This is to avoid putting all effort and resources to waste. However, if you really believe that the course you have chosen is really not suited for you, you can look into other courses that may be better for you.

Conclusion

Choosing which degree to take is a major decision for every student pursuing higher education. It serves as the door you are to take that will lead to the path to your future. Overall, it’s always best to choose a degree that you’ll be determined to pursue, no matter what. As we mentioned, studying for a degree could take years. It’s best to avoid external pressure from influencing your choice since you will be the one dealing with the consequences of your decisions and actions. This will also help in avoiding any potential regret you may have because you let the external influences and pressure get to you.

If you are having difficulty in choosing which path to take, it may be a good idea to ask yourself the questions we have above to help you see a clearer and more suitable path for you and your future.

Carelle

Carelle is a teacher who has been through the ups and downs of the teacher and learner life. She wishes for every learner to gain educational satisfaction that will help embody the people they want to be in the future.

Picking a Degree That Suits You

Questions to ask yourself before choosing a degree

1. What are you good at?

2. What are you interested in?

3. Will the degree lead to a high-paying job?

4. Will you be able to pass the degree?

5. What if you can’t choose yet?

6. Can you switch degrees later on?

Conclusion

Carelle

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