Finding the Right Program Part One
You may have determined that you are ready to go to college (if you’re still weighing the benefits, check out our Benefits of Earning Your Degree infographic!) but what area is best for you? It can be a difficult decision to make when choosing the right degree program. When deciding on any program area it is always important to ask yourself these three questions:
- Do I have invested interest in this area?
- Will it help me in the future?
- Does it fit my lifestyle?
After you examine the answers to these questions, then you can decide where and how you get started. This is the first post in a three-part blog series. We’ll take a look at the first question and see how your invested interest can help you make the right decision.
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Part One: Invested Interest
You may understand where some of your interests lie, but how does that translate into finding a degree path that will help you reach your goals? There are many considerations to choosing a degree path—that is why its essential that you ask yourself the right questions to determine the best opportunities out there that fit your interests. Three considerations for determining if you have truly invested interests in a particular area of study:
- Does this area of study interest me?
- Do the jobs/careers associated with this degree interest me?
- Can I be dedicated to this field of study?
More than just a hobby
Most people have a number of things that interest them. You may like to play around on computers or taking photographs of your family, but would you make a career out of those interests? It’s important to distinguish between your hobbies and true career interests. Invested interested in an area of study doesn’t just mean finding something you enjoy doing—It’s about finding an area you feel passionate about investing your time and hard work into and making an impact on the world around you.
Career Skills
When making any big decision, it is important to do your research. Be well informed on the industry or field you choose to study. Understanding things such as necessary skills, tasks and responsibilities of certain occupations may help you determine which career path you are interested in as well as what education requirements are needed to get there. *Tip! Find out more about the skills associated with the career your interested in at the Department of Labor’s site, MyNextMove!
Time Investment
An invested interest in a particular area of study means you are willing to invest time, money and hard work into your studies ensuring you reach your goals. Earning your degree takes all of these things to be successful. Be sure that you are ready to make the commitment it takes to reach your goal by assessing your dedication to this area of study. Remember to define your interests but also assess the challenges that could occur. Chances are you will have some bumps along the way, but assessing the potential challenges now can help you make a plan to face them head-on during your journey.
