Success is defined as the accomplishment of a goal or purpose, and when you look at the many successful people both famous and around you, you can’t help but wonder what it took to reach that far in life. And, like most high school graduates and first-year students, they look at their chosen courses as tools to further build their skills, equip them with the necessary knowledge, and prepare them to attain success in their own right.
However, one of the biggest challenges they face is being undecided. Many people are left unsure about which college courses they should take, even after finishing their first semester. Plus, with the proliferation of social media, all it takes is to scroll for a couple of seconds only to find people of your same age-bracket ahead in life, placing unnecessary pressure on your mind. Which begs the question, how do you overcome the struggle of choosing a college course?
Take Your Time
Now, before we look into the specific aspects and what steps you can take to help choose, remember that the most important thing to note is that you’re allowed to take your time. You’re the sole person in charge of your life, and no one gets to decide for you on what career path you go down or what passions you pursue.
So, don’t be in a rush to have a decision ready by midnight, some of us take longer to figure things out, and that’s perfectly fine the way it is. We’re all moving forward one way or another, and no one can get mad at you if you take a little longer than the rest.
#1 A Good Long Look At Yourself
When it comes to choosing what to major in college, you can’t go off and make decisions just because you’ve got friends in that course or blindly trusting the advice of family. Understand that college is completely voluntary, and no one’s going to be forcing you to do anything, so you’ll want to be in a course that reflects who you are and what you want to achieve.
- Career Preparation: If you already have a career in mind, your choice of college course should be a relevant degree that will serve as proof of your competence and teach you applicable knowledge. Say, for example, you’re interested in pharmaceuticals and drug development, you’ll want to specialize in things like microbiology or pharmacology.
- Consider Your Interests: If you don’t have a set career in mind, a good rule of thumb is going over your general interests and letting them be a basis for choosing. People who find themselves good with numbers might lean toward an accounting degree or something statics related. And for those who enjoy literature, you might want to consider literary studies.
- How Much You’ll Earn: Lastly, another important aspect you must consider is the earning potential and the demand. Sure, a lot of people like to keep money out of the equation, but when it comes to being realistic, sheer passion won’t pay your bills or get food on the table 99% of the time. Align your chosen major with a career that offers sustainable professional growth, both in tenure and financial security.
#2 Take A Gap Year
As we’ve mentioned before, we recommend taking your time and not jumping into any rash decisions because the last thing you’ll want is to get a degree in something you don’t particularly enjoy and end up wasting financial resources. On that note, if the challenge is proving more difficult to gather your thoughts on, we suggest taking a gap year and using the time to get your life and thoughts straightened out.
- Get To Know Yourself Better: Don’t worry; your friends, peers, and relationships won’t magically go away at the thought of you not pursuing college immediately. In fact, students are finding it even more difficult to conduct studies in this nearly 100% virtual learning model. A year-off would allow you to work on yourself and help make a decision you won’t regret.
- Do Part-time: If you dislike the thought of doing nothing at home or find yourself bored out of your mind, use the gap year as a chance to earn a bit on the side and try looking for a part-time gig. The little bit you earn can be invested in your hobbies or even forward that money for the course you choose in the future.
#3 Try Career Alternatives
Lastly, if nothing in higher education interests you, then you might be among the people who don’t really need to go. Remember, going to university is voluntary, and no one’s going to stop you from skipping college life. In fact, there are numerous success stories and famous people who agree that you don’t need a college degree to be successful.
If you’re the type who’s into business or has a marketable skill, then thrust yourself directly into the world and learn by experience! You could also be an apprentice and learn under a professional while making a very respectable income. Overall, numerous career alternatives don’t require a four-year degree, so don’t forget to include them in your options.
Focus On Personal Growth
We all live unique lives, and college is yet another chapter that we all experience differently. So, don’t be afraid, go at your own pace, and try any of these three methods for overcoming the struggle that suits your needs best.
