How to Choose Your University Course
I once had a friend who, under the influence of her parents, studied Traditional Chinese Medicine for 4 years. Just before graduation, she realized that she had no intention of becoming a Chinese physician and switched courses. Not only did she waste 4 years of school fees, but she also spent 4 years of her precious youth studying something she didn’t want. It was an extremely costly mistake that could have been avoided if she and her parents had received the right advice while selecting her major.
Now that the A Levels results will be out soon, it is time to choose your child’s university major! We at Bright Life want to help you and your child avoid the same fate as my friend. After all the Math practice papers, H2 chemistry tuition classes, and long nights, there’s just the small matter of choosing a university major. This choice pretty much decides your child’s career (life).
No pressure
Many students will find it EXTREMELY tough to make this choice, but Bright Life will try to make it a little easier for you. We have listed a few factors that you should definitely consider. It is important to consider not only what interests you but also how you can marry your skills with potential employment opportunities within the sectors in which you wish to work. We hope that through these tips, you and your child can make a well-informed decision.
What Do You Enjoy Doing?
Think about how your child likes to spend their free time, and then consider how this may be applicable to their studies. If they like to read and write, then courses like Law, Literature, or other Arts courses may be of interest. If they are interested in the natural world then science courses would keep them engaged. Someone who likes math and physics would do well in Engineering courses. If you choose university courses based on your interests, then you are more likely to stay engaged and be dedicated to both attending class and completing homework, and they will constantly be thinking about the subject in a new light because it will keep them curious.
What You Are Good At
Don’t just choose potential university courses according to what they want to do, but also to what they are good at. Take a moment to think about what they are naturally good at. Are they comfortable with numbers? Perhaps accountancy and finance might suit them well. Do they like to argue?
Law definitely. If they tend to do well in Biology and Chemistry? A career in medicine or dentistry awaits. Think about what comes easier to them compared to their peers.
This shows they have an aptitude in this area, and you should choose a course that highlights their strengths and hides their weaknesses, not the other way around! This way, they’ll find themselves having a much easier time at university!
Talk to Industry Professionals
If your child is thinking about studying Medicine, make a trip to your GP and get some advice. Also if he/she is interested in digital marketing then you can consult with digital marketing agency experts. Chances are, they would have advised many people before you and will be able to offer some valuable insights like what personality traits are required, etc. This is a fantastic way of getting the information that you need and
I’m sure it will be beneficial to you and your child. Alternatively, you could talk to Career Services people in the Universities before you apply. They also have the necessary experience and industry knowledge that will be extremely helpful.
Which Sectors Are Hiring
If you are still undecided, a more pragmatic solution would be to look at which sectors will be hiring. While not our favorite method, you don’t ever want your child to end up studying something they have no interest in or are not good at. However, it is still worth taking a look at.
After all, the main purpose of getting a degree is to get a job. A quick evaluation of the economic market will let you know what areas are most likely to offer good returns on your educational investment. Think about which sectors will continue to do well in Singapore and keep that in mind.
Hopefully, these 4 tips will make your decision easier and help you and your child choose a suitable major. Still undecided like Morgan Freeman? We have created an infographic of the various professions in Singapore that will help shed more light! Check it out!
