How to make the right choice for my university studies? This is one of the questions that most students ask themselves during their secondary school years. It is undoubtedly one of the most important decisions you will make in your life and one that will set the course for your professional and personal future.

Although the choice can be very exciting, due to the pressure and the wide variety of options available, it is not always easy. During the Baccalaureate studies, this reflection becomes even more relevant, as this is the time when you consolidate knowledge and skills that will be fundamental in the choice of a career.

In this sense, it is advisable to dedicate the necessary time to reflect on what our skills are, what we like and what our goals are for the future, so that we not only choose a satisfactory path, but one that also provides us with development opportunities to enjoy a successful career.

How to choose a university course

Choosing a course that inspires you and, at the same time, offers you opportunities for personal and professional growth is crucial to your long-term satisfaction and success.  

So here’s a little guide to help you choose a university course with advice and details about guidance programmes which will make the decision not only easier, but also right for your future.  

  1. Identify your interests

The first step is to identify your interests. Think about what activities you enjoy the most and what you are really passionate about. What subjects do you excel in: science, the arts, economics, technology? If one of these activities always keeps you motivated and you could spend hours and hours doing it without getting bored, you will be able to use it to narrow down the range of courses in which you could enrol.  

  1. Assess your skills

Besides your interests, it is important to assess your skills. Think about what activities you are good at and what skills you have developed over time. In some cases, your innate talents may be a perfect match for certain courses. 

Make a list of your strong points, your technical skills and those qualities related to teamwork, leadership, communication and problem solving. These are skills that will not only be useful for university, but also for your future professional career.

  1. Consider your short-term and long-term goals

Another important aspect to consider is your short and long-term goals. Think about where you see yourself in a few years’ time and what kind of course might help you get there. Do you want to work in a specific sector, such as medicine or engineering? Would you like to help people through your work?  

  1. Review the job market

When it comes to choosing your university degree, it is also essential that you take into account the current labour market situation. Investigate which courses are most in demand and which offer the best prospects for growth. To do this, it is advisable to consider factors such as job stability, salary conditions and career development opportunities. 

You can consult employment statistics, market trend reports and talk to professionals to get first-hand information. By doing so, you will be able to align your expectations with the reality of the market and make an informed decision.

  1. Make an informed decision

Don’t be afraid to ask for advice from guidance counsellors, teachers or professionals connected with the courses you are considering. You can also take career guidance tests, attend career fairs and participate in mentoring programmes to get more information.  

University and career guidance programmes

University and career guidance programmes play a key role in researching and deciding on your university course.  

Guidance counsellors can help you interpret vocational test results and match them with specific academic programmes that are aligned with your passions and strengths. They can also provide you with detailed information about different courses, including educational requirements and career paths.

Resources available

University guidance programmes can also connect you with university course fairs, professional development workshops and networking opportunities with industry professionals. This will allow you to assess different options in a practical way and make contacts that may be valuable for the future. Furthermore, some programmes offer mentoring sessions where you can interact with established professionals who share their experiences and advice on how to succeed in the industry.

Ongoing support

University and career guidance programmes also provide ongoing support in planning courses, preparing applications for admission, and searching for university scholarships and grants. As such, they not only help you to choose a course of study, but also to deal with any changes in the direction you wish to take or circumstances that may arise before you enter university.

With the help of university guidance programmes and all the advice we have just provided, you will be better prepared to make a decision about your academic future, choosing a course that not only matches your interests and abilities, but also offers you opportunities for professional growth.  

Don’t forget that choosing a course that you enjoy and feel motivated about is the first step towards a successful and fulfilling future.