The Star Malaysia - Star2

Good questions to ask about courses

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WHEN you’re stuck between two courses, how do you make up your mind?

here are some questions you might ask.

Where does this take me?

When you’re moving through primary and secondary school, the focus tends to be on getting the highest scores possible so that you have a wide choice of college majors.

however, in college that strategy has to change. Instead of asking, what can I get an A in, ask what sort of career does this qualify me for?

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There’s no point in getting an A in Marine Biology if the idea of being an endangered species researcher or working in a lab as a biologist doesn’t appeal, there’s not much point.

What is a typical job your new graduates get?

This will help you understand what sort of career choices will be open to you on graduation.

It will also give you an estimate of the salary you can expect (important if you’re paying back loans) and whether you’ll need extra training to get to your career goal.

For example, you may need to study and then take a profession­al exam, or you may need to study and then complete an apprentice­ship.

If it’s part of the course, then it’s great – but if not, you will need to plan for this.

How long does it take your graduates to find jobs?

Asking this question at several schools will tell you two things: whether your chosen field is looking for talent and how your schools rank in terms of competitio­n.

Answers will help you plan your career path – or maybe help you decide to take a different career path altogether.

Where do I contact the alumni for this class?

Find people who’ve graduated in your course, see where they are, and ask if they can give you advice. They’re an informed source and a tip from them might save you a lot of headaches.

 ??  ?? Find a course that allows you to apply studies into a real-world context.
Find a course that allows you to apply studies into a real-world context.

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