“With the many choices life presents, the ones we make largely determines our future” this quote by Catherine Pulsifer is as true in the choice of a program of study as it is in other areas of life. 

When choosing a program of study, the best choice is always a function of a thorough consideration process – one aimed at ensuring that the program chosen is the most suitable to the student’s academic goals. 

Irrespective of an individual’s purpose of study, there is always an ideal program that will, on completion, afford the student great opportunities, at being more informed, satisfying his/her curiosity, and thriving professionally. 

In some cases, students are fully informed about the program of study for their intended career path. However, a more significant population is only conscious of their desired career paths and knows nothing about the program required to achieve it. Irrespective of the level of program information a student already has, the need to consider every relevant factor before making a decision remains an essential one.

(Read: 22 Study Abroad checklist for the African student – From Research to Travel)

Some factors that should be considered before making the big decision include

Career Goals 

Although people study for quite different purposes, a prominent goal of most academic pursuits is to start a career or to develop a career. When choosing a program of study, a student should first assess his/her desired career options and then select the course most relevant to it. 

In a situation where the information on the program of study for a given career is not substantial, the student has to launch a research process of identifying experts in the said field, look through the expert’s profiles to identify their areas of training, and then compare the said programs with that of other experts in the career of interest. 

Similarly, the career goal should also be influenced by the individual’s area of natural interest, and abilities. For example, all health workers provide cardinal medical services but a good number of them cannot stand the sight of blood and a view of someone taking the last breath. Hence the student’s ability and interest area should be considered when outlining career goals and aspirations. 

Identifying career goals is a fundamental factor when choosing a program of study, and must be put into consideration. 

Post Graduate Pathway Opportunities

Some programs of study are not as relevant as they were some decades ago. The times have changed greatly. Technology advancement, an introduction of scope concentrated courses, and evolving human needs have made some programs that were attractive a few years ago, less rewarding today.

While choosing a program of study, the student should research the current relevance of the programs under consideration to ensure that the choice made is one with the envisaged post-graduation opportunities.

Length of Study 

Considering the length of time required to complete a program is another factor that must be put into consideration. The length of time required for study completion varies greatly from program-program, with some undergraduate courses lasting for three years or less while others require twice as much time to be completed.

When choosing with lifetime implications, time should not be the first factor. However, every prospective student must consider it before taking the giant stride.

Cost of Study

This includes tuition, cost of living in the region (where the institution offering the program is located), and many more. Some programs are highly rewarding, however, with a stipulated financial requirement that cannot be afforded by many. Hence, while choosing a program of study, the financial implications should be considered too.

Alternatives

The right thing to do when choosing a program of study will always be to consider every available option. Some programs have less – cost-intensive, time demanding, and conventional alternatives. Instead of relinquishing an academic goal because of unavailable requirements of a particular program, a prospective student can consider viable alternatives with similar benefits. The student can be guided through these alternative options by a study abroad counselor. This will ensure the best alternatives are selected, suitable for the career goals and aspirations. 

Importance of Considering these Factors when Choosing a Program of Study 

The choice of a program of study whether at the undergraduate or postgraduate level has a significant impact on an individual’s future career paths, way of life, and other prominent factors. Although people study for different purposes, making the best choice about a program of study would significantly contribute to career success, enhanced confidence level, satisfying curiosity, a pronounced legacy, and any other purpose an individual could desire to achieve with education. 

In summary, choosing a program of study should be a deliberate, thorough, and realistic process in other to ensure that the choice made is the most rewarding one.

(Read Study Abroad Destination – Expectation vs Reality)