High school graduates often face a dilemma when choosing the right degree that suits their interests. Here are some tops tips shared by the University of Wollongongin Dubai (UOWD) professors to help students select the correct degree for a successful career in the future.
1. Importance of a degree
In the current market, finding the right job opportunities can be tricky. Recruiters and employers are constantly looking for talented individuals and the one thing that remains constant is that every applicant must possess a university degree.
Having a bachelor’s degree is essential, but as competition increases, candidates can enhance their qualifications with various certifications and short courses to build their knowledge in their field of expertise.
Multinational companies look for talented, skilled and hard-working individuals but also the degree and the quality of the university they have graduated from
2. Opt for a double major
Doing a double major prepares students for several career paths and opens the door to a significantly larger number of career opportunities, especially when the majors complement each other. This is ideal for students who have multidisciplinary interests and who wish to expand their area of expertise. Choosing to do two majors also offers graduates a well-rounded education, an increase employability and a deeper level of knowledge and skills.
3. Seek guidance from a professional
If uncertain, students should consult with a career counsellor to help them choose the right career. Career counsellors are in constant contact with employers and well aware of market trends, and can help guide students in the right direction. Counsellors can also help students in identifying their strengths and how to achieve the best of their capabilities through aptitude tests, which are a great way to reflect on one’s career aspirations.
Students can also seek advice from alumni regarding employment prospects and which are the best industries to seek employment within. It is also crucial to assessa university through its partnerships with major industries and government departments as it can open doors to many more opportunities.
4. Research and gather all the information possible
Before deciding upon a degree, prospective students should firstly determine their career path and ambitions, and identify where they see themselves in the future. Secondly, explore emerging industries – due to the ongoing changes and developments in the different industry sectors, there are a variety of new careers to choose from that may not have been available previously.
In addition to these, traditional careers in management, law, medicine and engineering are still very popular career pathways. It’s advisable to research your desired degree and consider and the potential demand for these qualifications in the industry. Graduates will only begin working in three to four years so it is essential that students future-proof their careers by selecting a degree that will be relevant in the near future.
It’s always great to be able to turn one’s passion into a career and in order to determine that; the first step would be finding the right degree. The next step after deciding upon a career path, would be looking into programs that are suitable to achieve the desired career ambition as well as the right university. Lastly, admission criteria, fees, university rankings and accreditation are major factors that can influence your decision on which university and degree to select.
5. Select a university that offers more than just education
The accreditation of a university plays a major role in establishing its reputation, so it’s highly recommended to opt for a university degree that is accredited locally, regionally and internationally.
This will also help determine the employment options available to graduates and if they can work anywhere. One of the best ways to research about any university is to contact their alumni. These former students will have valuable first-hand experience of campus life from both an academic and social perspective. Alumni are best placed to advise on the kind of job opportunities available for graduates and whether the desired career path will lead to meaningful employment after graduation.
It’s important to look for a campus that offers more than just education within the confines of a classroom. A good campus with sufficient facilities will enable students to develop creativity, self-confidence, teamwork, and leadership abilities.
The location of the campus also plays a major role in deciding the right university, as travelling long distances can prove draining on a student’s time and energy. The campus location should ideally be near industry hubs and potential employers and at the same time be safe and convenient for students to visit.
