How to Choose the Right College Program When You Don’t Know Your Career Yet

Choosing a college course can be difficult if you aren’t sure what you want to do for your career. You may have interests in many subjects, have lots of passions or need extra time to discover your talents. The good news is you don’t have to have your future sorted before going to college.

The best option is to choose a course that fits your interests, will teach you valuable skills and allows you to explore. With some research and help of career coaching for high school students you can feel confident to make an informed decision.

1. Think About Your Interests, Strengths and Values

Before getting into comparing courses take time to think about what drives you. Knowing what you love studying, doing and what your interests are can help you to find the right course.

Ask yourself:

• What subjects do you enjoy?

  
  

• Do you enjoy problem solving, creating, helping or summarising?

  
  

• What do teachers, friends or family notice about you?

  
  

• What are your values? Creativity, stability, independence, teamwork or making a difference.

  
  

Look for patterns rather than answers. If you enjoy biology and helping people then health sciences, public health or psychology could be something to consider. If you enjoy writing and technology then media, communications or information systems could be something to consider.

These are just examples and your interests may grow as you gain experience.

2. Look For General Courses

When you’re unsure what you want to do in the future then look at general courses. Depending on the subjects you are interested in and what you’ll need to study you could look at:

• Business and management – Marketing, freelancing, finance and leadership.

  
  

• Computer Science and Technology – Programming, data analysis, information systems and cyber security.

  
  

• Health and Life Sciences – Biology, public health, nutrition and other health related subjects.

  
  

• Communications and Humanities – Writing, languages, media, history and social sciences.

  
  

• Engineering and Sciences – Maths, design, technology and problem solving.

  
  

Whilst general courses can allow you to discover what you enjoy, this will depend on the college and course.Some courses will expect you to have done certain courses and if you want to go into a regulated profession then you may need to have a certain accredited qualification.

Before you sign up look at the course content. Courses that include electives, general courses, minors, internships and have clear rules around changing your major can help.

3. Research Career Options

Sometimes it can be difficult to know what your career will be like based on the name of the course. Two people with the same qualification can have completely different jobs based on their skills, experience and extra training.

Rather than asking what job will this course get me look at what the job involves.

If you choose a business course then you could be introduced to marketing, operations, HR and entrepreneurship. If you choose a communications course then you could be introduced to relationships, content creation, research and media. All of these may have entry requirements and job opportunities.

You can research the course by:

• Looking at the course description on the college website.

  
  

• Looking at job descriptions so you know what skills and qualifications are needed.

  
  

• Looking at profiles on reliable career information sites.

  
  

• Talking to professionals, college advisors and recent graduates.

  
  

• Attending open days or introductory classes.

  
  

Consider how technology and AI will impact your chosen career. Rather than basing your choice on what you think will happen in the future, look for courses that will teach you critical thinking, communication, adaptability and responsible use of technology.

4. Find a Course That Works For You (Financially and Smartly)

Your course should work for you financially and smartly. Even if a course sounds exciting if it doesn’t work for your budget or entry requirements then it may not be right for you.

If you’re looking at US Colleges then you can compare schools, courses, costs and outcomes using the College Scorecard from the U.S. Department of Education. If you are a student looking at colleges in countries then check with the official education authorities and resources from the institution.

Also look at accreditation. Ensure that the institution is recognised and that the course has met any requirements. If you want to go into a profession that requires a licence or professional qualification then ensure the course meets this.

By researching your options early whilst in high school you can make smart choices. Know what the deadlines are for applications and discuss the costs with a trusted adult/school advisor.

5. Use the FLEX Method

If there are a few courses that seem like a good fit then use the FLEX method to compare.

• F – Fit – Does it fit your interests, strengths and learning style?

  
  

• L – Learning – Will it teach you new skills and provide opportunities to explore?

  
  

• E – Expenses – Can you afford it?

  
  

• X- EXploration – Does it allow you to explore?

  
  

Score each course from 1-5. Add the numbers together and compare. Look at the course requirements and costs before making your decision.

For example, if a student enjoys projects and technology they could use the FLEX method to compare communications, media and information systems. This will help organise your thoughts. Just because a course has the highest score doesn’t mean it’s the right choice. Consider your personal situation and entry requirements.

6. Seek Advice

You don’t have to make this decision alone! Teachers, school counsellors, college advisors, students and professionals can all provide different perspectives.

Try doing some low risk activities. Join a club, complete a project, volunteer, attend workshops or talk to a professional about their day to day. This can help you see if you enjoy the subject outside of the classroom.

Career coaching services can help students discover their strengths, explore their career options, compare educational options and create practical next steps.

Careers Starter can help students with their careers. Use the resources to organise your research and prepare questions to ask your school counsellor/college advisor.

7. Use This Checklist

Before you choose a course ask yourself:

• Is the course interesting?

  
  

• Have you looked at the entry requirements and pre-requisites?

  
  

• Can you learn new skills that can be used in careers?

  
  

• Have you compared the costs and funding?

  
  

• Does it provide practical opportunities?

  
  

• Do you know the rules around changing your major and credit transfers?

  
  

• Have you talked to someone about your options?

  
  

If you can’t answer all of these questions then identify what information you need to find out. Research this before making your decision.

Don’t Worry About the Future

You don’t have to know your future to choose a course. Focus on your interests and realistic options. With research, practical experience and the right advice you can make a decision.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. How do I choose my college major if I don’t have any career goals?

Identify your interests and strengths and look at courses that will teach you transferable skills, general courses and opportunities to explore.

2. Is it okay to not know what I want to do in my career whilst in school?

Yes! Many students find their interests through their college courses, projects, extra curricular activities and talking to people in the industry.

3. What courses provide flexibility with careers?

Courses that teach you transferable skills and have electives or multiple areas of study. Look at the course content and change major rules for each institution.

4. Can career coaching help me choose my college course?

Yes! Career coaching can help you to see your options, identify your strengths, compare your educational options and create a clear plan.

5. When should high school students start planning for college?

Students should start exploring their interests and requirements whilst in high school. As deadlines come closer students should compare courses, prepare documents, look at the costs and meet the entry requirements.