You already know which degree to choose because it is a ‘high-demand’ degree. Or… you may be agonizing over your choice of degree program.
Should you follow your interests? Or should you pursue a practical degree? The answer may well depend on how you define ‘practical’, and how you choose to make your degree practical.
What is practical?
For most people, ‘practical’ means being in high demand with plenty of employment opportunities after graduation.
All Swinburne undergraduates will experience work-integrated learning and have the opportunity to work alongside and engage with leading employers
University education is a significant financial investment. Some degrees yield ‘higher returns’. It also has a clearly defined opportunity in the job market. Graduates in computer science, and finance, to name a few, remains in high demand.
Then what about the career options for students interested in the liberal arts? When you are passionate about a subject that is not considered practical, you’re bound to feel pressure to reconsider your choice. But working to meet a financial baseline does not always lead to career satisfaction.
Instead of analyzing your degree’s economic benefit, it may be best to understand that each career path is individualized. At the end of the day, it is what works best for you that matters.
What tickles your fancy?
First things first. If money is not your main consideration, what would you do? What are your interests? What motivates you? What subject tickles your mind?
If you have the answers to the above, move on to the next section. If not, consider these tools to help you decide.
- A career quiz by The Princeton Review
- Find out what your personal strengths are
- Discover which real-world environment would help you thrive
The above however should not be taken as a definitive identification of your psyche and should be treated as a guide only.
What are the projected career trends?
Swinburne has invested millions in the best learning tools for our students to gain skills and knowledge using the latest software and technology in the industry
The career landscape is shifting, and new trends emerge. These include the demand for graduates with STEM skills. The tech and healthcare industries are growing while employees are demanding more remote jobs.
Meanwhile, employers are putting more emphasis on soft skills. They want graduates who have good communication skills, great teamwork skills, and are able to solve problems on their feet.
How to decide?
Once you’ve done the groundwork on which degree to take, it is time to let it sink in. Imagine your ideal future by reversing engineering your career path.
What projects do you want to work on in the future? Is there a particular problem you want to solve? Do you have a lifestyle you are aiming for? Based on all this, is there a particular industry that appeals to you?
Once you have the answers to this, you can then figure out what knowledge and skills you need. Only then will you be able to identify the degree program that will help you achieve the future you want.
Ready to set yourself up for success?
Swinburne produces graduates who are agile, have a good understanding of how the workplace works, and are empowered to ensure their skills fit into the career they desire
Whichever degree you choose, you can always diversify. You can do this by combining your interests to achieve the future you want.
With innovative degree programs, you can combine law with science, or turn your passion for arts into a profession. Add-ons like professional courses can also supplement your skills.
So does the stereotype of a practical program of study hold true? There is no definitive answer to that. We do know that there are those who never practiced what they learned. Rowan Atkinson was an electrical engineering graduate. Natalie Portman has a psychology degree. Meanwhile, Bill Gates never completed his degree (but you did not hear that from me).
Obstacles are innumerable. If, for whatever reason, you have to hit the pause button, consider doing an online program. But if you are already halfway through, hang in there.
Because to make your degree work for you, you have to finish it first.
At Swinburne, we help you reach your study and career goals through a wide range of programs and pathways. For assistance on how to achieve the career of your dream, you can reach us at study@swinburne.edu.my or find out more online.