How to Choose A Degree for the Job

When you’re at school, you need to carefully consider your degree based on numerous things, including your interest in the subject matter, your career plans, and your lifestyle. These are important considerations to address before and not after you’re well on your path for college study. When you look at your course of study, ask yourself what you want to do in the future. You may not know these answers immediately, but having an idea of what you’re passionate about will help.

What’s the best school to go to?
This is a very open-ended question, and it could rely on several factors: the best programs for your study interests, the best schools that accommodate certain financial situations (or programs, such as full-time or part-time study), the best location to further your academic and career interests, and more.

What’s my intended career path?
Sometimes you know you won’t be the next doctor and you will know that math isn’t your strong suit so accounting is out of the picture. On the other hand, it might be a possibility for you. You may have broader interests, like arts and humanities which really gives you a lot of open reign for choosing your classes. Seek out upperclassmen and get ideas of where their futures are bringing them. Speak with professors and guidance counselors that are available at your school. Your university has these resources, so take advantage of them.

What are the market trends for careers?
While this may not impact you right now, once upon a time circa 2001, there was a dot com crash that affected a lot of computer science people. If you’re looking for job security, make sure that the jobs that exist today will exist tomorrow. Do additional research outside the classroom and seek out professionals who are thriving and doing well. Go to career events and ask people how their businesses are doing. Look at companies that are heavy on the layoffs and try to avoid the industries that are overwhelmed with employees.

How much time are you going to devote to your coursework and related experience?
Depending on your financial situation, this answer may differ for you. If you’re a recent high school grad who has no tremendous financial obligations, you probably have nothing to lose and everything to gain by pursuing a full-time degree with possible related work. If, on the other hand, you need to fulfill a lot of financial obligations, you may not necessarily be able to pursue the related study avenue and will only focus on coursework. If you’re coming back to school with a few college courses and may already have a family, your full-time status as a student may be even further strained, so you need to realize what you’re looking for before you jump into a heavy course load.

What degree do you want?
Most of you will be getting Bachelor’s degrees. Some of you may be getting Associate’s degrees. Others will be going for a Master’s and perhaps beyond in some Ph.D. or graduate study. Check out the courses available to you: some colleges combine Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in a 5-year program. You’ll need to know what you’re doing early to commit to such programs. And if none of these sound ideal, look for certifications in certain subject areas that may further your career.

The important thing is to realize that you’re going to be going through this for years, so don’t be afraid to ask questions and network while you seek out the best schools and careers for your needs.