College - Tips For Choosing a Course of Study in College

Getting accepted into college can be a very confusing time. That is if you're not certain what to pursue. With so many courses and specialties to choose from, how do you know which is best for you?

Choosing a course of study should be carefully measured to avoid wasting four years on academics that will be useless once you graduate. Numerous studies conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics point to 60% of graduates working outside their majors. What does this figure signify? It either means low employment rates in the field, or students pursuing another field of passion.

Here are tips for choosing a course of study in college:

Income - Research what's the average income in the field. Many students do not think about how lucrative a degree will be. However, the bottom line of getting a degree is to earn financial security.

The Job Market - The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides in-depth insight into job prospects for different fields of study. It usually includes a ten year forecast, and as an example, specific technology jobs like Network And Computer Systems Administrators can anticipate a median salary of $69,160, with a 28% growth between 2010-2020.

Student's Interest - What did you want to become when you were growing up? Do you still have that dream? Chances are, students will be much happier working in a field they're passionate about. Aside from financial benefits, the student's core values, interests and beliefs will translate directly into the field of work. Confucius was right when he said "Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life."

Take a Personality Quiz - Experts recommend this test to determine if students are better suited working as a blue or white collar worker, based on his or her personality and interests.

The Factor of Time - Some courses require a greater timeframe for completion. Examples include degrees related to medicine and law. As a new student, it's important to figure out if an extended course length will be an issue, and whether dedication is key.

Talk to a Pro - Who will better advise all the necessary procedures to take, in order to select the best course for students' careers. Each online college should house a counselor for this purpose.

Rather than having a change of heart half-way through the online university program, students can begin by weighing these options to make the most practical choice.