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THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING YOUR COURSE OF STUDIES IN UNIVERSITY
When finding the courses of your future studies, there are certain factors that you may want to consider first. Before you actively search for your future careers with the methods listed down below, here are some facts you must acknowledge to ensure you find the right fit.
➊ ARE YOU INTERESTED IN IT?
This is the most important factor you should consider.
Although you are good at it, and your strength towards that field of study is also important, if you are not motivated or intrigued to continue your studies in university, you may have a difficult time in keeping up. Or find the motivation to keep up and thrive.
If you are unsure whether you are interested in it or not (for example, in a field like law), you can keep searching more information about it by joining a related CCA, job shadowing, volunteering in communities related to your field, or you can also explore by focusing on different areas of studies!
It is important for you to feel passionate and enthusiastic about the course which you are selecting.
➋ ARE YOU GOOD AT IT?
While there are some areas of studies you are passionate about, there are also areas of studies that you are really good at.
It is the best case when the two match together, but sometimes, it doesn’t.
Soon will come the time for you to decide what you want to study.
If you choose to study what you're best at, working even harder may help you find interest in it, or, on the other hand, you can study what you are passionate about and strengthen your skills in it.
It is never too late to start. Keep and open mind and know that many careers that exist today never existed 5 years ago (e.g. AI Ethics Specialist, Remote Work Coordinator, Sustainable Energy Technician and many more).
➌ IS IT CONNECTED TO YOUR FUTURE CAREER PATH?
It may sound like something that is far, far away from now, but the time when you have to decide your career will come.
Your university major will significantly influence your future career path. Although some people end up in jobs not directly related to their college studies, those who choose careers aligned with their interest and studies often have great benefits and advantages (e.g. headstart on networking, learning from industry practitioners who arrive on campus as lecturers/guest speakers etc). What you are studying now will affect your choice of major, and your major will impact your career path. Explore what you are interested in to achieve the job you desire.
SO, HOW CAN YOU FIND OUT WHAT YOUR INTERESTS ARE?
➊ EXPLORE DIVERSE ACTIVITIES THROUGH CCAs AND CAS
From Year 1 onwards, the school provides many CCAs for you to join, including competitive and recreational sports CCAs, arts CCAs, and interest group CCAs.
These CCAs offer you numerous opportunities to explore your interests.
CAS (for all IBDP students) is a fantastic way to try out different projects, work with diverse teams and in areas you feel passionate about. Through CAS you will also sharpen your skills, identify your interest areas and what's important to you.
➋ JOB SHADOWING
In Years 5 and 6, you should start thinking about which industry you would like to explore. With this idea in mind, you can choose the industry you're interested in for job shadowing, which is a great chance for you to learn more about the industry.
➌ VOLUNTEER WORK
In addition to CCAs and job shadowing, another effective way to discover your interests is through volunteer work. Volunteering allows you to contribute to fields you care about while simultaneously exploring different sectors, such as healthcare, education, or environmental conservation. This experience can be profoundly rewarding and can reveal passions you may not have considered before.
➍ ACADEMIC COURSEWORK
Academic coursework is another way to explore your interests. Pay attention to the subjects that catch your attention and excite you. Projects for each subject allow you to have more research opportunities, which can deepen your understanding and spark a passion for specific topics. IBDP Students, this can also be in the form of your IAs and EEs .
➎ WORKSHOPS, SEMINARS, AND CONFERENCES
Attending workshops, seminars, and conferences is also beneficial. These events expose you to current trends, innovations, and thought leaders in various fields. Working together with professionals and peers during these events can provide inspiration and new perspectives, helping you refine your interests and aspirations. Higher Ed and Careers Department organises regular workshops and publicises external seminars as well via email.
➏ PERSONAL INTERESTS
Taking time to assess your hobbies is also a crucial component of discovering your interests.
Journaling about your experiences and thoughts, for example, can help you recognise patterns and preferences that indicate your true interests.
➐ ONLINE RESOURCES
Online resources, such as podcasts, webinars, and online courses, can also broaden your perspectives. The internet provides lots of information, allowing you to explore different fields at your own pace. Platforms like Coursera, Khan Academy, and TED Talks offer valuable content that can ignite new passions and curiosities.
Another highly recommended tool is Personal Assessments. Higher Ed & Careers has a granted access for all our students to take free personality assessments via our Bridge U Portal. (Login via your ACS Intl login and click on Assessments)
➑ SEEK ADVICE FROM OTHERS
Lastly, seeking advice from family, friends, and counselors can provide additional perspectives and guidance. They can offer insights based on their experiences and may suggest opportunities you hadn't considered. Open discussions with those who know you well can help you gain clarity and confidence in your interests and potential career paths.
In summary, finding your interest is a multifaceted journey that involves exploring various activities, seeking practical experiences, engaging in self-reflection, and utilizing available resources and support systems. By actively participating in CCAs, CAS, volunteer work, academic courses, and professional events, you can uncover your passions and make informed decisions about your future career.
WHAT DOES THE HIGHER EDUCATION DEPARTMENT PROVIDE?
Job Shadowing Opportunities
Counsellors you can talk to
Alumni talks
University visits
Join our IG @highered_acsintl for upcoming events
And more!
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF WHEN DECIDING BETWEEN STUDYING LOCALLY VS. ABROAD
➊ HOW WELL CAN I HANDLE ISOLATION?
Arguably one of the toughest aspects of studying abroad, isolation is a likely emotion you’ll experience when placed in a new environment and surrounded by strangers (or future friends!) for the first time. If you’re not used to four seasons, seasonal winter depression might intensify these negative emotions. Nonetheless, many students are eventually able to adjust and overcome this, but it is vital to be conscious of this potential side-effect when choosing to study abroad so you can better handle it if need be.
➋ AM I INDEPENDENT?
Studying abroad means you’ll have to take care of yourself, including doing laundry, changing bedsheets, finances, managing illness and in some cases, even cooking. This requires daily effort to ensure your well-being when no other adult is there to do so for you. Perhaps you’re ready or maybe you’re not, and it’s okay to acknowledge that not everyone is on the same path — just be aware of what responsibilities come with studying abroad.
➌ AM I ADAPTABLE?
Studying abroad means immersing yourself in a completely new culture, languages, people, places and more. While this can be an enriching experience, it can also bring about challenges such as communication struggles.
➍ AM I CURIOUS?
Perhaps you’re eager to explore the outside world after living in your home country for your entire life. If so, studying abroad can open new doors and provide new perspectives and experiences for you! On the other hand, if you prefer sticking within your comfort zone or aren’t quite ready to leave home just yet, then studying locally might be the better call.
REMEMBER TO TAKE ONE STEP AT A TIME!
Lastly, there are two important pieces of advice for those who are motivated to know themselves better.
Get some help from the Higher Education office in the Library Block Level 6. The counsellors will happily assist and give you a detailed explanation on your questions.
It is important to slowly find out who you really are and what your strengths are.
If investigation of this topic is done in a rush, it will only be an obstacle.
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