1. Peer pressure
Friends, family, or even teachers… everyone seems to have an opinion about your choice of study. At least, that’s how it feels sometimes. Others might have a specific idea of what you should do, but in the end, the decision is yours. The risk is that you pick a programme that doesn’t truly suit you, just because it’s expected of you. This could lead to disappointment later on.
Tip: Talk to different people, such as study advisers, students already enrolled in the programme, and professionals in fields that interest you. For example, ask where your parents’ friends work! Also, attend open days and study presentations without friends to get a clearer view of what suits you best, free from outside influence.
2. Choosing without truly knowing yourself
A common mistake when choosing a study programme is not understanding what fits you. It’s easy to be swayed by advice from others or follow popular choices without considering your own interests and strengths. A study choice test can help you discover which programmes align with your personality. This helps you make a more informed choice, so you start your studies with greater motivation and enjoyment.
Tip: Take an online study choice test. It can help you discover what suits you and guide your search in the right direction.
3. Not gathering enough information
Some people choose a study programme without fully exploring what it entails. They rely on social media or appealing brochures and websites, but these don’t always give the full picture.
Tip: Visit Open Days and talk to students who are already enrolled. Ask about their experiences, check out the books and study materials, and read descriptions of the courses you’ll take to see if they truly match your interests.
4. Making a Choice Too Quickly
There can be a lot of pressure to decide quickly, especially if you feel like others are ahead of you or you just want to get it over with. However, rushing your decision can lead to picking the wrong programme.
Tip
Start exploring different study programmes early and think about your strengths and interests well before you graduate high school. A study choice test can also provide insight into which programmes might be a good fit for you.
5. Choosing a study based on popularity
Some people choose a study programme just because it’s currently popular or has a certain status, without thinking about what they personally find interesting.
Tip: Think about what you want to achieve. A programme with a great reputation or lots of students isn’t always the right choice if the content doesn’t suit you. Choose something that motivates you and contributes to your goals.
6. Choosing based on money
A common mistake is choosing a programme solely for the future salary. While a good starting salary is nice, if you study something you don’t enjoy, your motivation might quickly fade. In the worst case, you might want to quit your studies or face health problems.
Tip: Choose a programme that energises you and also offers good career prospects. This way, you build a career that makes you happy.
7. Overlooking future career prospects
On the flip side, some people don’t consider the job opportunities they’ll have after completing their studies. It would be a shame to be disappointed by your options once you graduate.
Tip: Research the jobs and opportunities available for graduates of the programme you’re considering. Talk to alumni and search LinkedIn for potential career paths.
Altogether, choosing a study programme can be tricky. By preparing well and not being influenced by other people or superficial information, you can increase the chances of making the right choice. A study choice test can help you gain more insight into which study suits you best. Remember, this is about your future, not that of a friend. Take the time to explore, and you’ll be able to make the right decision for yourself!
