Before your senior year in high school, your parents and teachers may ask you, “Where do you see yourself in ten years, or maybe even five?” This is a tough question to answer when all you’ve known your whole life is to attend classes, finish homework, and do what you’re told.
You may not have even given college much thought yet. But it’s your responsibility to decide on your academic future. This decision will affect the rest of your life, so it’s essential to take your time and make sure you’re making the right choice.
However, you should know that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question — the best path for your academic future depends on your circumstances and goals. And while there’s no right or wrong answer to this question, you can consider several factors to choose the best path for your future.
Factor #1 Your Interests
What subjects do you enjoy studying? Do you have a passion for a particular topic? Your interests should be one of the main factors in deciding what to study because you’re more likely to excel in subjects you enjoy. If you choose a subject you’re not interested in; you may find it challenging to stay motivated and struggle.
Suppose you’re intrigued by art history or how contemporary art styles came to be. And you might have thought about becoming a curator in a gallery or museum someday. In this case, it might bode well for you to find a college with an excellent art program.
The reasoning behind this is that you’ll likely enjoy your classes more, do better in them, and be able to use your passion to fuel your motivation. Of course, your interests may change over time. So, being flexible and open-minded about what you want to study is also important.
Factor #2 Your Skills
What skills do you have? Do you have a natural ability in a particular subject? Consider your strengths and weaknesses when deciding what to study. You may be able to overcome some weaknesses with hard work, but it’s essential to choose a subject that plays to your strengths.
For instance, you might be skilled in science and mathematics, making you compete as part of your school’s academic decathlon team. In this case, you might consider studying a STEM subject at college, like engineering or biology.
On the other hand, maybe you’re not as confident in your math skills. In this case, you might want to avoid studying a subject like physics or mathematics, which would require a lot of math. It’s crucial to consider your existing skills when deciding what you want to do in the future.
But of course, just because you aren’t skilled in a particular field of study yet doesn’t mean you can’t excel in it someday. With hard work and determination, you can overcome any obstacle. So, don’t let your skills limit your options — instead, use them as a guide to help you make the right decision.
Factor #3 Your Goals
What do you want to achieve in your academic career? Do you want to get a job in a particular field? Your goals will help you narrow down your options and choose a path that’s right for you.
There are academic paths that can lead to all sorts of different careers. For instance, if you want to be a doctor, you’ll need to enter a pre-medicine program, apply to medical school, and complete your residency. Once you pass the medical board exams, you’ll be able to practice medicine.
On the other hand, if you want to be a teacher, you’ll need to get a degree in education and complete a teaching certification program. And you can also pursue a Master’s or Ph.D. in education if you want to advance your career. No matter your goals, there’s an academic path that can help you achieve them.
Factor #4 Your Plans for After Graduation
What do you want to do after you finish your studies? Are you planning to enter the workforce immediately, or do you want to go on to study further? Your plans after graduation will help you choose a path that leads to your desired destination.
If you decide that you no longer want to pursue education after earning your Bachelor’s Degree, you might want to consider a shorter academic path. For instance, you could earn an Associate’s Degree in two years or a Bachelor’s Degree in four years.
On the other hand, if you want to continue your studies after graduation, you might want to consider a longer academic path like medicine or law. This will allow you to gain more knowledge and experience in your field of interest.
Deciding what to study can be frightening, especially since you must choose it during your first taste of adulthood. But don’t worry — by taking your time, considering your options, and thinking about your goals, you can make sure you’re choosing the best path for your academic future. And who knows? The path you choose might just lead you to success and happiness.
