How to select the most suitable course for yourself following your SHS completion.
Once you complete your senior high school (SHS), you will have reached a significant milestone; however, this accomplishment also presents a very difficult decision for many students: what course would you like to pursue? Many students are forced to decide on a course within a limited timeframe, with much of the influence coming from peers, family members, or societal trends. Nevertheless, choosing the appropriate course is not merely about keeping pace with the trend. Rather, it’s about developing a greater understanding of who you are as a person, your personal strengths, and how they align with your long-term career objectives.
Making the correct selection as soon as possible will result in saving both time and financial resources, thus minimizing stress. The remainder of this article outlines a series of easy-to-follow steps for identifying the most suitable course for you based on your preferences and needs.
Determine your interests.
Which subjects do you have an interest in?
The first thing to think about when trying to determine the best course of action is what subject(s) I find the most enjoyable to learn about. Oftentimes, your interests will lead to viable career options.
For example, if you enjoy biology and chemistry, then nursing, medicine, or pharmacy could be some of the most suitable options for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy mathematics and physics, then engineering or computer science may be the way to go.
Your interest in a particular subject will help keep you interested in studying that subject. Therefore, when you’re enjoying a particular subject, it becomes less difficult to maintain focus while continuing to achieve academic excellence.
Resist external pressure
Why shouldn’t I be influenced by my parents’ or friends’ ideas of what courses I should pursue?
While suggestions made by friends and/or family members can be useful sources of information, ultimately, they should serve only as additional references and not be used as the sole basis for making your educational choices.
If you were to select a course simply because it was trendy, respected, or highly sought after by others, you would likely develop feelings of frustration once you began pursuing it. Ultimately, the course that provides the greatest opportunity for another individual may not provide the same for you.
Assess your personal strengths and capabilities
Know what makes you stronger than others
Knowing what interests you is just one part of determining which course would be best suited for you. Another equally important factor is knowing what your strengths are. As mentioned previously, take a look at your SHS transcript and evaluate each subject area in which you received a grade. Identify those areas in which you received the highest grades.
For example, if you consistently receive high grades in social studies and English language arts, there is a strong possibility that either law school, journalism school, or education college would be an ideal place for you to attend. Similarly, if you consistently receive high grades in your math and science classes, it is probable that attending college in a related field of science or technology would be beneficial.
Be honest with yourself regarding areas where you may experience difficulty
Each course offered at every university/college/technical institution has varying levels of difficulty. Therefore, being truthful with yourself regarding areas of potential difficulties will allow you to prepare accordingly. It is not necessarily about avoiding challenging coursework; rather, it is about preparing adequately so that you may successfully navigate through any potentially difficult material presented throughout the course.
Conduct research on potential career paths
Think past the course.
In addition to taking into account where your chosen course of study will take you professionally, researching career paths associated with specific fields of study will enable you to make informed decisions.
As an example, graduating with an accounting degree can lead to various positions, including auditor, accountant, financial manager, or business manager. Conversely, earning a degree in Information Technology can provide numerous career pathways, such as developer/software developer, network administrator/cybersecurity specialist/data analyst, etc.
Consider job market trends
Passion is necessary; however, job market demands also play a role. Some industries are experiencing increased demand compared to others. Prior to making your final decision, therefore, examine current employment trends along with projected future prospects.
Again, this doesn’t mean completely disregard your passion, but instead allows for a balance between your passion for the course and the realities of finding employment in that field.
Examine all available institutions offering similar courses of study
Study the differences between colleges and universities
Universities are not the only institutions providing post-secondary education. When selecting which institution to attend for your post-secondary education, take the time to research available universities, colleges, and technical institutions.
When comparing available options, look at variables such as curriculum content, facilities, accreditation status, and overall institutional reputation. A structured educational program will greatly enhance your educational experience.
Consider practical factors such as tuition fees and distance from home
Additional factors include whether or not tuition costs are affordable for you and whether or not housing near campus is feasible. Consider these practical issues prior to making your final decision.
In conclusion, choosing the right class or program after high school (SHS) is a decision that has many components. You have to be able to identify your interest in something. Identify what you do well at. Find out about how jobs really work. Finally, be willing to consider all of the ways you might get there, whether it’s by going through college, getting an apprenticeship, etc.
There isn’t just one “right” way to do this. What matters most is finding something that fits who you are and where you want to go.
