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Choosing a Degree Program Based on Your Goals

Choosing a Degree Program Based on Your Goals by Kate Leas
When I left for college I had no idea how to evaluate a school or a degree
program. I based my decisions on what other people thought I should do and
what was easy instead of sitting down and asking myself some simple
questions. I’d like to offer some questions I should have asked myself about
my goals and the programs I was evaluating.
First, something everyone should answer before going to school: Why are you
going to school and what do you hope to achieve? Even if you are undecided
about your major or future career plans, you should know why you are going
to school. Are you going to school merely for the sake of learning? Are you
hoping to improve your skills for a current job? Are you going to school to
prepare for the career you desire?
What sort of degree do you need in order to accomplish your goal? Do you
need a technical or professional certification? Do you need an associate’s,
bachelor’s, or master’s degree? If you are unsure, try researching the
fields that interest you. The Occupational Outlook Guide on the Bureau of
Labor Statistics website not only provides statistical data on job growth
and pay rates, but detailed job descriptions and training requirements. Some
fields such as automotive technicians and massage therapists may require a
technical school education that focuses on hands-on training as opposed to
the classic 4-year college education.
What are your interests and aptitudes? Are you good with numbers, working
with your hands, words, animals or people? The Myers Briggs and the Keirsey
Temperament Sorter are good resources on the web that can help you figure
out what sort of careers you might be best suited for based on your
personality type. (For example I am an INFJ, so I’m suited to careers
dealing with counseling and writing.)
How much time and money are you willing to invest? Are you willing to take
out loans or work full time while you are in school? Have you applied for
federal aid, grants and scholarships? It’s as simple as filling out a FAFSA
(Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form. Student loans are among the
loans with the lowest interest rates and recent years have seen them the
lowest they have ever been. When it comes to time, are you willing to
sacrifice leisure time, family time or work time?
Consider technical training as an alternative to the traditional 4-year
college. Inventory the benefits and disadvantages of a career college versus
the traditional college. Scheduling may be more flexible and programs may be
shorter meaning you will be out in the workforce sooner. (watch out for my
next article which will cover the differences between the two types of
schools)
Choosing a program is just as important if not moreso than choosing a
school. Some people choose a school first, allowing time to explore the
options of that one school. Others may know exactly what they are looking
for and will choose a school based on the programs offered. Hopefully, you
will now be better prepared to make that important decision to benefit your
mind and your future.
For a complete list of links to websites mentioned in this article (and
more) please visit my blog at
http://exuberant-creation.blogspot.com/2005/11/useful-links-for-collegebound.html
About the Author
Kate Leas is a freelance writer living in Kansas City, Missouri. Her current
fields involve education and the Internet.

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