Your college years are a time for exploring ideas and possibilities and finding out more about yourself. Plan to keep your course as broad as possible for as long as possible. Talk with a broad range of people about your selection – parents and whanau, teachers, tutors, careers advisor or Careers New Zealand advisors.

Keep in mind the following;

INTEREST:

It is important that you are interested in and enjoy the subjects you choose.

* Which subjects do I like doing now?

* Which subjects am I interested in doing next year that I haven’t already studied?

* What do I like doing outside school (e.g. playing music, helping people, thinking creatively)? Do any subjects include these activities?

GOOD AT:

It is important to consider subjects that you are going to do well at.

* Which subjects am I strongest in?

* What subjects do others say I am good at?

NEEDED FOR THE FUTURE:
It is important to consider what subjects you need for your future career ideas.

* Which are the must-have or most useful subjects for each of your career ideas?

* Some subjects which are not strongly related to a particular job may provide a base for a lifelong interest or hobby.

* Some subjects develop specific and generic skills, not just content knowledge.

RECORD OF LEARNING:

* How do the subjects contribute to my overall Record of Learning?

* Can I complete NCEA Level 1, 2 or 3?

* Am I meeting literacy and numeracy requirements?

* Can I achieve University Entrance?

* Am I meeting the requirements for tertiary courses / apprenticeship opportunities?

Remember, it’s OK if you're unsure what you want to do in future, studying a broad range of subjects will keep your career options open.
Keeping up with English and Mathematics is highly recommended.

Please note:

*Some students’ courses may not fit the timetable when it is prepared so you may be contacted and asked to re-choose.

* If you do not make sufficient progress in the remainder of the year (i.e. in your derived grade exams, course work and end-of-year exams),
you may not be accepted into the subject of your choice

Who should you talk to about subjects and career choices?

Your mentor knows your work and attendance patterns.

Parents & whanau know you best. Talk to them!

Your Dean know you and what you are good at.

Your subject teacher has taught you and knows your ability and potential.

Heads of Department and Teachers in Charge of Subjects can advise you on course demands and assess your potential if you have not met prerequisites

The Careers Advisor knows about careers and the qualifications you need. You can also check www.careers.gc.ac.nz.

Research - visit the Careers Room, use the internet to find the latest information.

Consult www.careers.govt.nz which has information about jobs, careers, training and much more.

Use http://youthguarantee.net.nz/vocational-pathways/profile-builder/ to build up your vocational profile.