When looking to join a university, selecting the best degree programme for yourself may be the most important decision you have to make thus far. It can be challenging to choose from the many degree programmes offered by many institutions of higher learning.
Throughout your decision-making process, do take into consideration your personal passions and your parents' recommendations. But don’t stress out too much. Bear in mind that countless people have undergone the same decision-making process and survived just fine. To make your decision-making process easier, here are five things you need to be aware of before selecting your ideal degree programme:
1.Decide on your real interest
A smart place to start is by selecting your ideal degree by weighing the courses according to your interest, budget, and career route you wish to take.
Even if the typical salary in the field you are interested in may be on the higher end of the scale, it does not necessarily mean that you will make that much on the get-go. You may need to work for a while to reach that expected income, depending on the industry you choose. A more precise estimate of your possible starting salary may be available if you search for your preferred employment position in job search engines.
That said, don’t let money dictate your decision-making process. Well-known American author, Mark Twain once quipped: "Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life." That being said, even the hardest and most tedious jobs will look easy and fun when done by a passionate person. You may achieve the same satisfaction yourself while pursuing a job you’re passionate about, regardless of how much money you make.
2. Identify important factors within the degree programme
Once you have decided on the job and industry you wish to enter, another challenge is choosing between identical courses offered by different universities. Consider these factors when choosing:
a) Programme duration – Your estimated age when you start working will be affected by the length of the course. Consider that your initial salary will be entry-level when you start working, regardless of your starting age.
b) Subjects offered – Select elective subjects that interest you, and which you are certain to do well in because they will significantly impact your cumulative grade point average (CGPA).
c) Work/internship experience – Getting to know people who are already employed in your industry of interest is the best way to obtain helpful information regarding actual job experiences. Better yet, sign up for an internship or part-time working experience at the organisation of your choice if the option is available.
3. Seek different perspectives
When you already have a selection of degree programmes in mind, you may seek counsel from a third party, such as your parents or your school’s guidance counsellor. They might be able to offer an opinion or have a different perspective than you do on what course you should be taking.
Don’t rush into making your decision, as enrolling in a degree programme is an investment in your time and money. Also, remember that regardless of other people’s opinions, the person who will enrol in the degree programme is you; therefore, understanding yourself and your genuine interest is crucial.
4. Research the job market, and what to expect.
It is essential to do plenty of internet research on the degree programme you are interested in. You can broaden the scope of your research by reading blogs and browsing forums. The next step is to visit the university of your choice when you have finished your online research. To avoid having to make more than one trip, prepare a list of questions to ask the college advisor in advance.
5. Don’t overthink!
Sometimes, overthinking might lead to the creation of hypothetical difficulties. Making a leap of faith when selecting your degree programme and professional route is important. There may be days when you aren't at your best, but it is a normal part of the journey to being a professional in your field. The more you learn about the programme of your interest, the more enthusiasm you may have for it.
However, keep in mind that if one day you would change your mind about what you want to do in life, it’s still not the end of the world. There are many people who took one-degree programme and ended up working in an entirely different field! Keep an open mind, and just have fun learning!
Building a strong foundation: Bachelor Degree programmes at James Cook University, SingaporeIf you are a student in Singapore, you would know that James Cook University (JCU) is ranked top 2% in the world in the 2023 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings and 2022 ShanghaiRanking Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU). *
Students from JCU's Singapore campus earn the same internationally recognised diplomas and bachelor’s degrees as their Australian counterparts at the university's Australian campus. In addition to other popular academic specialities in Singapore, JCU provides a wide range of disciplines, including Business, Tourism & Hospitality, Information Technology, Education, and Psychology.
Throughout their degree programmes, students will develop practical skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, effective communication, and familiarity with information technology, while gaining the credentials required to enter the global workforce. Additionally, the University equips all of our graduates with the skills they need to ace the crucial interview process to get the job of their dreams!
Discover how to obtain a JCU degree in Singapore by looking through our undergraduate programmes. Please call us at +65 6709 3888 or send an email to our admissions department at [email protected] if you require any additional help.
*As a percentage of higher education providers in the International Association of Universities (IAU) database.