How to Choose a University Program: Your Strategy for the Right Major and Future Career
- World Vision Academy
- 22 hours ago
- 2 min read
What do you prioritize when choosing a university program?
A major you love?
A major that will lead to a good job?
A university that's well-known?
Which one are you? Many of you are probably wondering how to pick a university program that will make your university life enjoyable and set you up for a successful future career and salary.
Here are some factors to consider when choosing a university program.
What are your areas of interests?
Your areas of interest are one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a university program. Studying subjects you're interested in makes university life much easier and more enjoyable. Knowing your interests can make choosing subjects easier, but for some students, it's not always easy to pinpoint exactly what they want to study.
To help, some universities offer programs that combine multiple interests, such as Arts and Sciences, or Environment and Business and Science and Aviation programs. Determining your general areas of interest will narrow your search to universities that offer programs you're interested in.
Connect your major to a career.
Make a list of universities and programs, then look up the program prerequisites or subjects you'll study on the university websites. Then, research and organize information about the careers connected to each major.
For example, if you've only taken the required high school courses for a Computer Science major but never took Biology, and you find that Biology is a first-year university course, you might need to remove that university from your list or take Biology in advance.
University location and distance
For instance, if you think your child isn't independent or lacks motivation, a university close to home might be better. Conversely, if they are responsible and determined, a university in another province would be perfectly fine.
Co-op programs or Internships
Co-op programs can be suitable for some students but not for others. People who don't mind extending their graduation to gain practical experience and build their careers generally prefer co-op programs. However, the downside is that you typically lose your summer breaks because you'll be studying or participating in co-op during those times. If you want to gain work experience or build your career early, co-op programs are highly recommended.
Even after considering these factors and choosing a program and university, you might start your studies only to find that it doesn't suit your aptitude, you can't keep up with the coursework, or you find it difficult to cope with loneliness. In such cases, it's perfectly fine to seek advice from a university advisor or senior students, and ultimately, based on your own judgement, transfer universities or change your major. It's better to make a quick decision than to stay in a situation that doesn't fit you.
I hope this was especially helpful for students starting university this September. I expect that many students who have received offers from multiple universities or are awaiting offers are grappling with significant decisions about their university and faculty choices. If you have any questions or inquiries, please feel free to ask anytime!
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