What to ask before deciding on a course
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?
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 upon 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, great but if not, you’ll 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.
If the answers don’t sound good, ask the question, “What happens to graduates who don’t get a ‘graduate job’?”
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 now might save you a lot of headache.