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At the end of high school, some of us have to face a big dilemma, what course am I going to take in the university?
Few young people are completely clear about what we feel good doing and what we want to be “when we get older”. Some of us want to do what our friends do, or simply select a random course.
One has to be sure that what is at stake is one’s future. I mean, find yourself, and try not to focus only in what you will obtain materialistically. Studying what you choose, keep in mind that you should actually enjoy the vocation in it. I remember when I was finishing my final high school year, I was deciding between the sciences (i.e. computing and maths) but also identified with arts and humanities. Influenced by different opinions and not my own, I chose maths. After two years I elected to pursue a dual course, i.e. architecture and urban planning.
Let us not forget the subliminal pressure or influence from family. Some families are linked to a certain profession which appears to spread across generations, for example where the grandfather, the uncle and sons are doctors. The point here is, although “it would be nice to have a doctor or
lawyer in the family”, what if I was thinking of a course completely different to that? Some of us are lucky enough to be able to follow our dreams. The fact is we all need moral support (sometimes financial too) and ‘approval’ from our parents. Although most of them are open-minded, our parents are somewhat involved in how we shape our future so what they say to us is rather important.
According to Dawn Rosenberg McKay in ‘Your Guide to Career Planning’, there are ten myths about a career choice:
| 1 |
Choosing a career is simple. |
| 2 |
A career counselor can tell me what occupation to pick. |
| 3 |
I can't make a living from my hobby. |
| 4 |
I should choose a career from a "Best Careers" list. |
| 5 |
Making a lot of money will make me happy. |
| 6 |
Once I choose a career I'll be stuck in it forever. |
| 7 |
If I change careers my skills will go to waste. |
| 8 |
If my best friend (or sister, uncle, or neighbor) is happy in a particular field, I will be too. |
| 9 |
All I have to do is pick an occupation ... Things will fall into place after that. |
| 10 |
There's very little I can do to learn about an occupation without actually working in it. |
Personally I don’t believe in vocational exams; for me making a decision is deeper than writing on a piece of paper for a statistical evaluation. Whilst it is true we have to ask and find answers to lots of questions in the process of making informed decisions, but it is still a very personal decision.
If you are still undecided you could have a try on this online personality test: http://quiz.ivillage.co.uk/uk_work/tests/career.htm |
