How to choose what to study

 

Selecting the Right Career Path: 9 Strategies to Simplify Your Decision-Making Process

Uncertain about what to pursue in your studies? The Aleit Academy is here to assist you. We’re dedicated to helping you uncover your passion, align it with a career, and provide guidance when the two don’t perfectly converge.

While some individuals may have clear career aspirations from a young age, many struggle with making this important decision. Others may know their interests but find it challenging to turn them into a sustainable profession. In this guide, we’ll explore key considerations when choosing a career, such as identifying your passion and ensuring financial viability. We’ll also provide recommendations for instances when these elements don’t align perfectly.

How to Choose Your Field of Study: Deciding on Your Specialisation

Ready to embark on this journey? Consider the following factors when selecting your field of study:

1. Revisit Your Childhood Aspirations

Take a trip down memory lane and recall your childhood dreams – those answers you had when adults asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” These childhood aspirations might hold clues to professions that are somehow related to the real world.

2. Reflect on Your Current Passions

Consider your present interests and activities. If you could spend every day doing something you love, what would it be? Use these insights to guide your search for a relevant academic program.

  • What are your skills and talents? What are you good at? What do you enjoy doing? What sorts of things are important to you (in your life and in the wider world)?
  • What are your interests? What motivates you? What kind of work would be interesting for you?
  • What sort of lifestyle do you want? Will the job or area of study that might interest you let you achieve that?

3. Factor in Other Life Goals

Life goals beyond your career aspirations can influence your choices. Whether it’s living on a remote farm or buying a house in an expensive area, these considerations can impact the available career options and lifestyle choices.

4. Analyse the Numbers

Before finalising your decision, use tools like Indeed and LinkedIn to explore salaries in your chosen industry. Additionally, assess the market demand for positions related to your potential degree or diploma. Consider regional variations in opportunities by conducting online research or consulting professionals in your chosen field.

5. Gain Insight into Your Future Position

Spend time on job sites, read job descriptions, and explore profiles of individuals who have graduated with a similar degree or diploma. Use platforms like LinkedIn, Google, and YouTube to understand the day-to-day experiences of professionals in your desired field. Try to complete job shadowing or even go for different information sessions at tertiary institutions to see if you can see yourself at campus.

6. Explore Tertiary institution Resources

Delve into tertiary institution’s websites to find detailed information about your prospective field of study. Read course descriptions, and watch videos of real lectures to gain a sense of the academic experience.

7. Seek Advice from Those Who Know You

Consulting with friends and family can offer valuable insights, as they know you well and have heard you discuss your dreams. However, remember that the final decision is yours, and their perspectives should be considered but not definitive.

8. Consult with Professionals

If you find yourself struggling, consider seeking guidance from career consultants, life coaches, or taking aptitude tests. A professional can help guide you toward making a well-informed decision aligned with your aspirations.

9. Find a Balance Between Passion and Practicality

Not every profession may be highly lucrative, but that doesn’t mean you can’t pursue your passion. Find creative ways to merge your love for a particular field with the demands of the marketplace. For example, a portrait photographer can explore opportunities in advertising or event photography to ensure financial sustainability.

Once you have the correct field of study, what’s next?

What Qualification do you need?

If you know where you want your career to go, the next step is to choose the qualification to help you get there. Think about:

  • What qualification you need to get the job you want. If you aren’t sure check the job’s requirements on Indeed or LinkedIn.
  • If there isn’t a specific qualification needed for the job you want, think about what qualifications line up with your career goals, skills and interests.
  • What level of qualifications you need – certificate, diploma, degree?
Mode of study

Now that you’ve determined the qualification required, it’s essential to pinpoint the critical factors you wish to incorporate into your chosen course:

Duration – Consider the amount of time you’re willing to invest in your studies.
Mode of study – Consider if you want to do your studies in-person, hybrid or online.
Credit – Assess whether you have prior experience and aim to reduce the course duration.
Subject – Define the skills you are eager to acquire.
Work Experience – Evaluate the significance of practical work experience in your decision-making process.

Refine Your Choices

After compiling all the information, it’s time to narrow down your options to 4 or 5 courses. Create a list detailing the pros and cons of each course, incorporating both your research findings and input from your parents and peers. Upon identifying approximately 5 courses you’re interested in, a crucial step is to assess your eligibility for admission.

Initiate the Application Process

Once you’ve determined your preferred course, it is time to start the application process. Here, you will need specific documents, including your most recent results, proof of address, and ID. You will complete all the necessary information on the online form. Afterward, you will meet and greet the team, and your acceptance letter will be sent to your email address. The Aleit Academy processes your documents and information in about two weeks in order for you to know if you are accepted and for you to start with your bold future plans.

Do you think Event Coordination / Project Management is for you? Don’t hesitate to book your information session with one of our esteemed faculty members, or even start your application process here: APPLY NOW!

Our final thoughts

The Aleit Academy would like to encourage all learners to make decisions about their futures earlier rather than later, and with this, to remember that deciding on one’s future shouldn’t be determined based on where a friend goes or where a parent has previously completed their studies.

If you are unsure of what you are interested in, enrol for a course that offers a few different career outcomes in line with where your interests lie or take some time building experience before making such a big commitment.

We hope that this article will make your life just a little bit easier when it comes to applying to The Aleit Academy.