Written by Shristi N
Have you ever thought, “How am I supposed to know what I want to do with my life?” Whether you’re in high school, returning to study, or thinking about a career change, choosing a degree can feel like a huge, life-defining decision. It’s a bit like picking a seat on an aeroplane, there are so many options, and it’s hard to know which one’s right for you. Trust me, I’ve been there. Before I started at Charles Sturt, I was in the exact same position. So, I want to share the process I used to make that big decision and just as importantly, how to confidently navigate a course change if you need to.
How to Choose Your Degree
- Be curious about every profession and degree that interests you, even just a little. The aim is to understand the job itself, the degree requirements, and what day-to-day life as a student looks like.
- Take personality and career tests to get a clearer idea of your true interests. What do you genuinely enjoy? What are you good at? Can you see yourself doing this in the long term?
- Consider your lifestyle and study habits. Do you work well under deadlines or prefer doing things at your own pace? What are the costs involved with university, from tuition to living expenses and travel? Think through every detail.
- Try to arrange work experience or attend university open days. It’s not just about understanding the job; it’s about building your professional network, which is really important.
- I made many “final” decisions that I could write a book about. Taking a step back to refresh your mind helps you make the best choice.
The Dreaded ‘Course Change’
It’s completely normal to start a degree and realise it’s not for you. The fear of the unknown is real, but changing courses isn’t a failure; it’s just a course correction.
- You can change disciplines. If you start a degree and don’t like the specific field, you can often switch to a different one.
- You can change streams entirely. If you want to do something completely different, you’re usually able to switch to a new program.
- You can take a break. If you love your course but just need a mental health break, you can withdraw for a semester or a year and come back.
- You can modify your path. Whatever the reason—be it personal issues or a professional shift, you have options to leave, change, or extend your degree.
Disclaimer: There are support services to help you navigate your career, your way. Don’t hesitate to talk to Charles Sturt career advisors about the logistics of changing courses. The Charles Sturt counselling team can also help you work through your thoughts and gain clarity.
My University Story
I completed a degree at a different university, and honestly, I hated it. I had no idea what I was doing, but I was determined to finish. The COVID lockdowns didn’t help and robbed me of practical experience, so that I couldn’t do the fourth step of my process. Later, I had a science innovation assignment where I chose antibiotic resistance as my topic, which gave me a taste of pharmacy, my current field of study.
Fast forward three years, and I’m a third-year pharmacy student with research published and loving life. If there’s one thing to take from my story, it’s that your university experience and career are what you make of them. I could have given up after COVID, but I chose to push through. Yes, you should ask for advice, but at the end of the day, it’s your shoulders that will carry this degree.
Charlie blog is a SSAF funded initiative.
