3 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Choosing a University Course

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As you are reaching the end of high school or even your pre-university qualification, you’ve probably spent hours researching your next steps in life and are overwhelmed by the wide range of courses and industries available for you to choose from. Picking a university course is said to be one of the most important decisions you make as you will be picking your career path for the rest of your life. But stress not, here are 3 important questions you should be asking yourself before making the decision of choosing a university course : 

Question 1: Do I have adequate skills/knowledge for this specific field?

The first question you would need to ask yourself is if you have the adequate skills and knowledge needed to succeed in that specific field? When enrolling into a university course, you are not expected to be affluent in all aspects of the industry but you should have an adequate amount of knowledge, skills and even passion as a stepping stone for the field. As an example, if you decide to study Mass Communication, skills that would be useful include critical thinking, design & development as well as cultural awareness. Even if you do not acquire this knowledge and skills at the moment, you would then have to ask yourself if you have the means to acquire them? Will you be able to learn and improve your skills as you dive into the field?

Question 2: What are the career prospects? Does it align with my career goals in life?

Next, you would need to do your research on the career prospects of your industry of choice. When picking a university course, the main idea is to equip yourself with skills and knowledge regarding the industry that you are able to carry forward into the workplace upon graduation. You should also consider the work environment and culture of your career choice and ask yourself if it is aligned with your goals and aspirations in life. As an example, if you choose to take on a medical degree, you would need to consider the career prospects which in this case is only limited to become a doctor or a surgeon. Along with that, if you decide to study medicine, asking yourself if you’re mentally and physically ready for everything that comes along with it would be advisable as you would need to undergo a minimum of 6-7 years of studying, horsemanship and practicals along with a fast-paced environment with long intense working hours.

Question 3: What are the prerequisites/requirements needed for this course?

Before you decide what degree you’d like to earn, it is important for you to understand the different levels of qualification needed in order to enter the career path of your choice or to work the job of your choice. For many professions, earning a Bachelor’s degree is sufficient enough to be eligible but others may require a higher qualification such as a Master’s or even Doctorate. As an example, to become a certified psychologist, you would need to obtain a minimum qualification of a master’s degree or a doctorate in order to practice. You would need to ask yourself if you have the ability and resources to achieve these higher levels of qualifications. Factors that should be considered include mental strength, time constraints as well as financial stability in order to achieve these requirements for your career choice. 

Top 3 Courses to Study in Malaysia

1. Business

A business degree provides you with the multidisciplinary nature of business and knowledge and skill to understand the key elements needed to build a successful business. Studying business provides you with career options in almost every sector including leaders, managers, financial advisors and even marketing executives. Examples of fields that you are able to work in with a business degree include accounting, management, finance, human resource, marketing, and even hospitality.

Basic Requirement to Study Business Courses in Malaysia

Course

Results

A-Level

3B’s

STPM

3B’s

UEC

2A 3B

Diploma/Foundation

GPA 3.3

*Requirements may vary depending on the university that you’ve chosen.

For further enquiries, contact EXCEL EDUCATION

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2. Psychology

A psychology degree focuses on the study of the human mind and behaviour and its functions. A psychology degree offers various specialization such as health, clinical, educational, research, occupational, counselling, neuro and forensic. However, it is important to note that to work as a licensed psychologist or counsellor t in Malaysia, you are required to complete a Master program in Clinical Psychology or Counselling. 

Here are some potential job opportunities you could select within and outside the psychology industry : 

Psychology Job Opportunities

  • Clinical Psychologist
  • Counsellor  
  • Social Worker
  • Special Needs Children Therapist 

Other Industries Job Opportunities

  • Human Resource Executive
  • Market Research Analyst
  • Career Counsellor
  • Business Developer Executive 

Basic Requirement to Study Psychology Courses in Malaysia

STPM 

Minimum of 5 credits (CGPA 2.00)

Foundation/ Matriculation

Pass with a minimum CGPA of 2.00

A-Levels

Minimum grade range 2E’S 

UEC

Grade B in 5 subjects

Diploma 

Pass with min. CGPA of 2.00

Australian Matriculation 

Minimum ATAR of 80

*Requirements may vary depending on the university that you’ve chosen.

For further inquiries, contact EXCEL EDUCATION 

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3. Engineering

An engineering degree equips students with all areas of math, science, technology with a focus on research, design and use of machines, engines and structures. An engineering degree provides students with a wide area of specializations including civil engineering, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, or medical engineering. Different types of engineering fields that are available include Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering.

Basic Requirements for Engineering Courses in Malaysia

 

STPM 

CGPA 2.00 including Mathematics and Physics/ Chemistry

Foundation/ Matriculation

Pass with a minimum CGPA of 2.00

A-Levels

Minimum grade range of BBB including Mathematics and Physics / Chemistry

UEC

Grade B in 5 subjects including Mathematics & Physics

Diploma

Minimum CGPA 2.00

International Baccalaureate (IB)

Minimum of 30 points ( including Mathematics and Physics)

*Requirements may vary depending on the university that you’ve chosen.

For further inquiries, contact EXCEL EDUCATION

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About the Author

Raveena Rakni Suresh Raj 
Leo baby & a psych major
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