Struggling to choose a course?
While many people already have a general idea of the field they want to enter, selecting the right course from the large selection of options available can still be a hard decision.
Withdrawal of students in the first year is usually because they are unhappy with their chosen course. Considering that every course and every university is different, and that students have their individual preferences, here are four things you should consider when choosing the right course:
Your strengths and goals
Spend some time to reflect on your interests and skills. By doing this, you are in a better position to figure out what courses will suit you.
You can start by choosing a field that you are interested in, and from there, think of a course that will match your skills, values and personality type. For example, if you are interested in the health care industry, courses on offer include nursing, midwifery, physical therapy, aged care and pathology.
Research
Create a list of courses to explore and research each course. You can source information on the internet, through online programs and prospectuses offered by the different universities or schools, or even through your family and friends.
Take the time to visit college websites to explore not only the subjects included in your course but also to find out the content of each module per subject.
Career opportunities
There is little point in doing a course unless it sets you up for a successful and fulfilling career. If changing your career path is the reason for studying, it is crucial that you take into consideration the kind of career you wish to pursue.
"Time out”
Taking a break can be a good option if you have the resources to do so. You can use this break to travel, gain some work experience, and figure out what career is right for you. This allows you to have some time to weigh up your options and make a more informed decision.