Are you thinking about studying in 2021 but have no idea which course you want to sign up for? We are here to help. Choosing the right course is a huge decision that will have a big impact on your life and if you choose one that doesn’t suit you, then you are unlikely to get through it – and if you do, a rewarding career won’t be waiting at the end.
There are a number of things you need to consider before choosing your course. Are you looking to expand your horizons in your current industry? In this case, you should select a course that is relevant and is going to give you skills and qualifications beyond your current resume. Discussing this with your current employer (or prospective employer) is a good idea to determine exactly which skills they find desirable.
But if you are looking to change career paths completely, then the decision comes down to researching exactly which courses will help you get that job in your new career. It is important to be sure about the industry you want to switch over to. Don’t feel pressured by a third-party or jump into it for the money. Be sure it is something you are passionate about and you are certain that this is the right industry for you.
Where do you want/need to study?
Many courses are available in a wide range of highly reputable education facilities. But there are certain courses that are highly specialised and only certain institutions that have the right educators and facilities. marine biology, for example, you would want to head to an institute like James Cook University in North Queensland, which is close to the Great Barrier Reef and has the right facilities.
Assess whether it is possible
Unfortunately, they call it chasing your dreams for a reason. It is not viable for everyone to be able to study and you are going to need to crunch the numbers to ensure that you can. Depending on what you are looking to study, you could be looking at anything from six months to six years hitting the books.
Are you going to be able to afford to juggle work, study, family commitments, and the like for that long?
Do you have the right credentials?
Not all courses are open to all people. There are many courses that require certain educational accomplishments or real-world experience for entry and you are going to need to find out what these prerequisites are. If you don’t have them, there are many pathways or bridging courses that can help get you there.
Learn about life beyond the classroom
If you are looking to study on campus, it is best to figure out what campus life is like. How is the commute? What are the facilities like? What is the safety record at the campus like? There are many variables to consider so do your homework on that as well as the courses themselves.
Don’t get your information from the official learning institution guides as they are trying to sell a dream, read student blogs, speak to current and ex-students and find out exactly what life on campus is really like to help you determine the best place for your to study.
Don’t worry, you can always change your mind
You don’t want to flip-flop between courses as you won’t progress yourself or your career ambitions, but that doesn’t mean signing on the dotted line means are locked to your course for the next five years either.
If you change your mind there are options to transfer to alternative courses, often getting credits for the work that you have already done. There are helpful people and facilities on campus as well that will assist you and guide you through the process – they want you to succeed as well. This is an opportunity for you to learn new skills and start a new career – it is not a prison sentence.
But if you take the time to do the right levels of research, you are going to be able to find a course you love in a location that works for you and those doors will open to a new career in no time.
If you’re looking to study nursing, health or aged care, Skills Training can help you access clear-cut pathways to opportunities. Learn how we can support you in kickstarting your career now.