“What will you study in college?”That’s probably the first thing people are going to ask you once you have completed your class 12 boards. This decision may be yours to make but it’s definitely not an easy one.
Most college aspirants find it hard to choose the right course for themselves but this doesn’t have to be a stressful task if you follow some easy guidelines. The trick to finding the best course is to ask yourself what you are passionate about, what your strengths are, and what you hope to achieve in the future.
As a college student, you are going to be flooded with opportunities, resources, and even challenges. You must take advantage of what the campus has to offer, and what your faculty has to offer, and figure out how best you can use the resources in hand.
Tips to select the best course for yourself:
- Educate yourself about all the options: Once you have decided on a college, you should take time to learn about the different course options that it offers. For instance, if you have a passion for science and technology, you should explore all the possible options in that field. For those having a creative bent of mind and an interest in filmmaking or media studies, the choices will be different.
- Look at your interests: If you don’t enjoy a subject, chances are high that you won’t excel in it. So, before you choose a course, consider where your interests are. Since you have to spend the next few years studying that course in-depth, it’s important that you have the urge to learn about it. If you find a career path that excites you, it’s easier to gain proficiency in that discipline. Those who are passionate about what they study end up enjoying campus life more.
- Consider your strengths: Not everyone is good with numbers. If you struggle with mathematics, it’s best to opt for courses that have less to do with numbers and more to do with logic and creativity. However, if you find a course that aligns with your qualities and strengths, you should go all out for it. With a little bit of commitment and diligence, you can ace it.
- Consider your future goals: Envision your position in the next 5 or 10 years, and ask yourself where you want to be and what position you wish to hold. Are you interested in managing personnel or diving headlong into research? Are you ready to launch a startup where you will be faced with challenges, or are you looking for a hassle-free career like a cushy job with a leading MNC? These are all pertinent questions that will dictate your choice of a degree course.
- Consider the coursework involved: Take some time out to research the coursework; see if the papers included excite or challenge you. You need to find an interest in the majority of the coursework if you have to study the discipline for the next 3-4 years. It’s not necessary to be passionate about the whole coursework but if you find much of it boring and not relevant to your future career goals, then maybe you should explore other course options.
- Attend trial classes: If you are still not sure about a specific college course, why not attend a few classes in those that interest you? These initial classes will give you an idea about the course matter and you can see if it aligns with your interests and end goals.
- Consider the earning potential: You don’t want your hard work to go to waste by deciding on a course that doesn’t have much earning potential. You need a high-paying job to lead a good life; so, it’s imperative that you choose a course that can guarantee you high monetary returns.
- Talk to peers or seniors: Discuss your course prospects with seniors or batchmates to find out why they have chosen the course. Find out what their career goals are and how they plan to achieve these. Advice and feedback from people who have graduated from a particular discipline can help you make the right decision.
As a newly-minted college student, your heart will be full of hope and ambitions. You want to achieve so much in those few years. At the same time, this is when you need to stay focused and put in a lot of hard work if you must achieve those dreams. Campus life can be exhilarating and challenging at the same time. So, choose your college degree course with a lot of care, making sure it’s the right stepping-stone for your future career.
