Study abroad checklist: Pick your subject

For some people, knowing what you want to study is the easiest part of the process. You can either work backwards from your dream job to find the best qualification for entry, or just study what interests you.

If you don't know exactly which subject you want to study, understanding what is out there and picking your dream subject can be a daunting task. In this case, hopefully this guide will help you break down the steps.

Throughout this process, it can be helpful to talk to a career adviser, education counsellor, or someone you know who has studied or is working in a field that interests you. Nothing can replace the experience of someone who has done this before.

Lastly, keep in mind that your interests and goals may change over time. It's essential to remain flexible and open to new ideas: you may discover a subject that resonates with you during your studies. Many universities offer interdisciplinary programs or the option to switch majors, so don't be afraid to explore different subjects.

Understanding your interests

Begin by making a list of your interests, hobbies, and passions. This will help you identify the areas in which you are most likely to excel and enjoy studying. Think about what activities you find most engaging, and don't be afraid to explore new subjects that pique your curiosity.

Evaluate your strengths and weaknesses in different subjects, as well as your learning style. Some people might excel in theoretical subjects, while others prefer more hands-on, practical learning. Knowing your personal strengths and weaknesses can help guide you towards subjects that align with your natural abilities.

Understanding your options

Once you know what you want to do or study, the next step is to turn that into a subject. Universities often use confusing or archaic degree names, which can be confusing. For example, if you want to work in Human Resources, you might not know that you should study Organization Management or Human Resource Management, or even what the differences between them are.

Ideally, it would be possible to talk to someone who works in the industry you are interested in. If you do not, look at job openings in your ideal career and take note of what they ask for.

Even if you don't yet know which university you want to study at, you can use open days and university websites to help turn your interests into a degree name, which you can use to find more universities. Many universities have detailed information about their courses on their websites, including course descriptions, syllabi, and faculty profiles.

Pressures

It is very common to feel pressured or overwhelmed when picking a subject by career prospects, deadlines or even friends and family. The most important outcome is that you don't pick a subject that you don't enjoy, even if it's possible that it might set you up for a good career. If you don't pick a subject you will enjoy, you will find the next few years very difficult.

Even in the worst case, most universities will let you change your subject after you start (of course, this might extend your studies/costs).