5 Things to Consider Before Choosing Your Degree Path

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Hello World! Online Ed here to help you with your higher education needs!

So, you have your high school degree in your pocket but what’s next? Should you take the next step and head to college? If so, what should you study? Before deciding what degree program is the most ideal for you, here are a few things you should consider:

Your Future Aspirations

Not everyone has the same future in mind. Some respected careers, like electrician or plumber, don’t require a degree. All you need is your high school degree and the right certifications. If this is the case for you, you don’t necessarily need to think about your degree right now. If, however, your aspirations include a job like an engineer or a lawyer, you will need to consider your degree options. Take a long look at what career you see yourself having and then come back to thinking about your ideal degree program.

Your Budget

School isn’t cheap. This is a very well know and very unfortunate fact. There is hope, however. Some online universities and local community colleges offer degree programs at very affordable prices and various financial aid options exist to help certain individuals. When considering what (and where) you want to study, you shouldn’t put yourself into a hole of debt that is impossible to climb out of.

Your Level of Determination

Before you decide on a degree, you must first be honest with yourself. Some students are suited for the education long-haul. Some students are math whizzes. Some students can effortlessly write. You want to choose a major that best fits the way you learn. If you struggled with a heavy workload in high-school or will be trying to balance a part-time job with obtaining your degree, you may want to choose a major that is lighter on the workload. The key is to research the majors you’re debating and decide the one that will lead to a better educational experience for you.

Your Job Prospects

In the 90’s, it was common for most degrees to lead to a career after completion. This was just the way it is. These days, however, with so many jobs being currently filled by competent employees, the job market isn’t the guarantee it once was. Before choosing your degree program, learn which jobs are trending upwards. Various sources like The Occupational Outlook Handbook can show you which jobs are expected to grow and which ones are expected to diminish.

Your Happiness

This is the step many people, young and old, take for granted. You must find your own passion and try to turn that into a career. If you love writing, consider a degree that will allow you to write. If you love art, find a degree program that caters to this interest. Happiness can never be quantified but should never be disqualified. Your degree program should lead to a happy and bright future.

After giving some consideration to the five topics I mentioned above, you’ll be on one step closer to getting your college degree!

Until next time,