ACCESS to higher education is often considered a 'must-have luxury,' providing the knowledge and skills both people and a nation need to thrive. However, having a rough idea, and let alone a laser-focused notion, at a relatively young age about what undergraduate degree or vocational course one ‘should’ pursue or the career one wants to specialise in can be challenging.
Many factors come into play when deciding on a suitable undergraduate degree course or major: individual skills, capabilities, talent, intrinsic and extrinsic interests, possible job prospects, societal attitudes towards specific areas of specialisation and careers, peer pressure, and the appeal of specific educational institutions, locations, and study destinations.
With many options and factors to consider, the decision-making process that often starts in grade 10 or year 11 can feel daunting for many school students and their caregivers, as they fear their choices will shape 'their entire future.'
On top of that, most Omani school students plan to competitively apply for a merit-based scholarship, seat, or grant, which means they cannot ‘place all their eggs in one basket.’ After all, there is no guarantee one will be selected for their preferred course at their favourite institution and location.
Students also often worry about the roads they may not be able to take after choosing a specific degree subject: "What if I study Finance but prefer a job in Communications later on?" "What if I study Medicine but do not want to become a Cardiologist like my father and prefer to become an Architect instead?" or "What if I want to become an Artist but end up studying Engineering as my parents and siblings did before me?"
So, how do young ones in Oman ensure that they make well-informed choices that suit them as individuals and that are also aligned with the needs of the diversifying, ever-changing, and increasingly knowledge-based economy?
First, let us agree that it is normal for school students not to know what exactly they want to study and do for a living when they 'grow up,' even if everyone around them seems to know and has sorted it all. It is also not the end of the world if one makes what may initially feel like the 'wrong' choice, while most experts agree that one should realise that the 'perfect' study does not exist.
Despite the peer and parental pressure, school students need to focus on the role of self-awareness in this process as an ability to understand oneself can result in making more informed higher education decisions.
Students are advised to ask themselves a few questions: What am I good at, and, perhaps more importantly, do I also like what I am good at? At what level do I want to study? What type of learner am I: vocational, applied, or more research-oriented? Am I more practical or theoretical? Do I know the difference between a generic and a professional degree? And what else than a degree alone do I need to secure that future dream job?
Am I concerned with what makes a study interesting to me, or am I more interested in the location or reputation of an institution? Should I sit for an aptitude test or attend so-called taster days at institutions or exhibitions to learn more about certain courses? Do I know enough about the future career pathways I can pursue with this degree? And did I ever consider job shadowing to understand what it is like to pursue a particular career?
To make this self-awareness journey hopefully a bit easier, this writer has painstakingly collected verified information to support students, their families, and counselors in navigating these questions and choices. So, keep watching this space!
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