Personality matters when choosing varsity courses

By PETER KAMURI

  Students who qualified for various degree programmes in public universities in 2009 have been busy for the last few weeks revising their degree choices.

To some, it has been easy to make a choice from various options available as they have the requisite entry points in line with the subjects they took in high school.

However, for others, it has not been easy as they have been forced to revise earlier their choices.

Choosing the right university degree course one wants to pursue can be a challenging task.

This is the case as the options available are varied and yet, the choice you make at this level has a big bearing to your future career.

What should you consider before choosing among from various degree programmes offered by the universities?

First, establish whether you have the right subject combinations.

mass communication

Then you must understand yourself. Some programmes offered at the university have a strong bearing on your personality traits and not everybody can fit in them.

For example, a degree course in mass communication may require someone competent in both written and spoken language.

Establish the skills you were able to develop during and after school.

There are skills you have acquired and can be handy helping you choose a university course.

Then evaluate what your interests are. What things do you do during your free time? For example, having interest in writing may lead you to a career in journalism.

You can identify your interests by reviewing the activities you liked most at high school. Then narrow down to the ones that gave you most satisfaction.

However, as you explore the best degree programmes, you must guard yourself against undue influence from your parents, teachers or even friends.

Although listening to their advice may be beneficial, you need to be careful as they may influence you to choose programmes of their interest rather than what best suits you.

Parents have been known to have the greatest influence on their children’s career decisions.

Instead, they should only act as guides and should help you develop your talents and abilities through effective guidance.