How to Choose the Right Course or Major in University
Choosing your major in college? Oh man, it’s wild how everyone acts like it’s THE decision that’ll determine your entire future. One day you’re just cramming for some random test, and the next thing you know, people expect you to have your whole life roadmap figured out. Zero chill.
Let’s get real for a second: if you’re like most students, this whole “choose your future” thing is kinda terrifying. There’s family in your ear, your friends all seem like they’ve got it figured out (spoiler: they don’t), and society’s out here pushing you toward whatever’s trendy or “practical.” Maybe you’re super into something, but your uncle keeps asking if it’ll actually pay the bills. Or maybe you’re just interested in too many things and can’t pick one—been there, done that.
Take a breather. Seriously. You’re not the only one flailing around in this mess. I’m Joseph Abu, and trust me, I’ve seen this rodeo more times than I can count. After years of working with students, I know how much this part kinda sucks. That’s why I whipped up this no-nonsense, actually-helpful guide to making this decision about you—not what your cousin, neighbor, or “everyone else” thinks you should do.
So, Why Even Care About Your Major?
Look, university isn’t just about memorizing stuff for exams. You’re basically laying out the blueprint for your future life here. What you pick can change:
- - Job options – Like, you pick medicine, you’re probably not going to end up designing video games (unless you’re super creative, I guess).
- - How much you enjoy uni – Hate your course? Those four years are gonna feel like a prison sentence.
- - Money – Yeah, we all wish passion paid the rent, but you gotta at least think about your paycheck.
- - Lifestyle – Some jobs are suits and offices, others are all travel or night shifts. It matters.
So yeah, it’s kind of a big deal. But hey, it doesn’t have to feel like throwing darts in the dark.
Step 1: Time for Some Soul Searching
First off, stop googling courses for five minutes and look in the mirror.
Ask yourself:
- - What subjects make school less boring?
- - What sort of stuff do you get totally lost in?
- - You a numbers person, or more into people, or gadgets, or artsy stuff?
- - What problems do you actually like solving?
Quick story: Back in secondary school, I was the guy writing essays for fun and helping my classmates prep for exams. Didn’t know it then, but surprise! That’s how I ended up in writing, SEO, and blogging. The hints are there, you just gotta notice them.
Step 2: Know What You’re Actually Good At (and What’s a Lost Cause)
Let’s not kid ourselves—nobody’s perfect at everything. Maybe you crush at math, maybe you’re hopeless at it but can draw like a pro.
Try this little exercise:
- - Jot down your top 3 best subjects.
- - Now, write the ones you totally bomb at.
Not to roast yourself, but so you know where you shine. Like:
- - Great at Bio and Chem? Medicine, Pharmacy, or Nursing might not be a stretch.
- - Ace at Literature and Government? Maybe Law, Mass Comm, or International Relations is more your jam.
Step 3: Think About Where You Actually Wanna End Up
Forget the classroom for a sec. Your major’s a launchpad for real jobs. So, picture yourself:
- - Wearing a lab coat, solving science-y stuff?
- - Writing stories for a living, making art, or working in media?
- - Obsessed with tech and how it’s changing everything?
Still lost? There’s no shame in career quizzes or talking to a guidance counselor. Sometimes you need a nudge from outside your own head.
Step 4: Don’t Just Pick Something Because It Sounds Cool—Do Your Homework
So many people just pick what sounds important or what their friends picked. Rookie move.
When you’re digging into a course, check:
- - What exactly you’ll be studying (check the uni’s website, don’t just go off the name)
- - How long it takes (some drag on forever—hello, Medicine)
- - What jobs it opens up
- - Whether it’s only useful in your country or works globally
For example: Love Biology? Medicine isn’t the only option. If you’re not into a 6-year slog, Microbiology or Public Health could be right up your alley.
Step 5: Passion vs. Practicality—Welcome to the Eternal Struggle
Here’s the million-dollar question: Do you chase your passion or just grab the cash?
Honestly, you need both.
- - Only passion? You might be broke but happy.
- - Only practicality? You might be rolling in it but miserable.
The sweet spot? Where what you love meets what actually pays. Like, if you dig tech and want a solid paycheck, Data Science or Cybersecurity could be gold.
Step 6: Actually Talk to Real Humans in the Field
Look, Google’s great and all, but nothing beats getting the dirt straight from the people living it. Hunt down folks already knee-deep in the course or career you’re eyeing. Slide into their DMs, corner them at family gatherings, whatever works. Pick their brains:
- – What’s your day-to-day really like?
- – What sucks about your job?
- – Be honest—do you still like it after all these years?
True story: I had a friend dead set on Law because, you know, “ooh, fancy!” Then she chatted with actual lawyers. Turns out, the job’s basically a marathon of paperwork and late nights. She noped out and ended up in International Relations instead, and now she’s thriving with all the diplomacy and global stuff.
Step 7: Check If Your Dream Job’s Actually Going to Exist
Let’s face it, the job scene’s a moving target. Stuff you thought was “safe” could be ancient history by the time you graduate. So, do a little digging—what’s hot for 2025 and beyond?
What’s booming? Data science, AI, healthcare, green energy, digital marketing.
Still solid? Teaching, law, engineering, accounting—those old reliables.
Fading fast? A bunch of clerical or manual gigs—robots are coming for them.
Pro tip: If your heart’s set on something old school (hello, journalism), figure out how it’s evolving. Like, everyone’s online now, so digital journalism and content creation are blowing up.
Step 8: Be Real About the Money
College ain’t cheap, and some courses will have your wallet crying even harder than others (looking at you, medicine and anything that needs a lab coat). Time for some tough questions:
- – Can my family swing this, or will we be surviving on instant noodles?
- – Any scholarships or grants out there?
- – Is there a similar course that won’t break the bank but still gets me where I wanna go?
And hey, going for a less expensive option doesn’t mean you’re selling yourself short. It means you’re smart and not looking to drown in debt—big difference.
Step 9: Chill—You’re Not Signing Your Life Away
Here’s the thing: what you pick now doesn’t chain you to that path forever. Tons of people switch it up later, mash up their skills, or stumble into something totally unexpected.
Like, I studied education. Now I’m over here geeking out about SEO and writing for the internet. Somehow, I get to teach and write at the same time. Go figure.
So, take a breath. This is just your launchpad, not your final destination.
Big Mistakes People Make (Don’t Do These)
- – Picking a course just because your squad is picking it (peer pressure is not a career strategy).
- – Chasing titles like “Doctor” or “Lawyer” when you’d rather be doing literally anything else.
- – Pretending the job market doesn’t exist.
- – Underestimating how much work some majors actually are.
- – Rushing your decision and skipping the research.
How to Actually Make Up Your Mind
- – Write down your top three options—don’t just keep them in your head.
- – Stack them up: Which one gets your heart pumping? Which one pays the bills? Which one fits your budget?
- – Talk it out with someone who’s got sense—teachers, mentors, your mom if she’s cool.
- – Hit up open days or career seminars if you can.
- – And if you’re the praying/reflection type, do your thing for some clarity.
Final Thoughts: Your Course, Your Rules
Honestly, it’s your call at the end of the day. You gotta hunt down that weird little intersection where your passion, your skills, and what the world actually gives a damn about all sorta crash into each other. Nobody nails it on the first try—heck, most folks are just winging it as they go. The real trick? Stay curious, don’t get too precious about changing your mind, and just keep moving forward, even when life throws a wrench in your plans.
So, take your time. Dig deep. Back yourself. The “right” course? It’s the one that fires you up and keeps you moving.
Next move? List your top three courses, check out their job prospects, and go bug someone already doing the thing. That one step could save you a couple years of second-guessing—trust me.
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