Courses can be a great way to develop our knowledge, providing qualifications that could help us to pursue specialist careers. But just how do you choose the right course? Nowadays there are so many different course options available. Below are just some of the main questions to consider when choosing a course — as well as some tips on making the right choice.
By Team Savant
Image: Tim Mossholder
Which Subject?
Sometimes picking a subject is the hard part. Even if you have a specific career in mind, working out the right subject to take may not always be easy. For instance, when pursuing a career in journalism, should you take a course in journalism? Or is an English course better as a transferable backup option?
It’s important to choose a subject that you feel competent at and passionate about. Don’t take a course that you think will benefit you career-wise but that you’re not passionate about - you could struggle to study it and could be setting yourself up for a career in an ill-suited industry.
Short Course or Long Course?
Courses come in all different lengths. Degrees are typically studied over three years, although there are accelerated courses available that can be studied in two years. There are then various non-degree courses that can be studied in less than a year - and, in some cases, as little as a few weeks.
Consider your ideal timeframe. Can you afford to wait three years to complete your course or would you prefer to get your qualifications as quickly as possible? You should also consider your ability to cram information. Short condensed courses can require much more intense studying, which may not always be well-suited to more methodical learners or students with commitments.
Learn In Person or Online?
There used to be a time when the only way to study was face-to-face. Nowadays, you can take online courses in a variety of subjects. Do your research and you’ll even discover online healthcare learning options.
So which option is better? Typically online courses are better for those that don’t want to live on campus or commute to lessons/lectures. They’re more flexible, allowing them to be studied around other commitments. They can also be cheaper.
That said, certain people find it easier to learn in person. Studying at a university campus in person can also give many young people the full ‘student experience’ including living away from parents and learning to live independently (of course, those who are older may not be interested in gaining such experience).
Sponsored or Self-Funded Course?
While there are some free courses out there, many require payment. Most people self-fund their course. This could be via a loan or by simply paying it out of their own pocket (or possibly getting help from a parent).
Sponsored courses are few and far between, but they do exist. Some companies are willing to sponsor suitable applicants to go through university, paying for the entire courses. Such positions are very competitive, but could be worth looking into if you’re eager to save money.