Work is evolving, and people are increasingly being replaced by machines. Some degree programs are increasingly being obsolete as the times changes. Its important for students to carefully choose their program after enough research.
The world is moving towards IT and data driven economies. The internet brought more opportunities from easy access to information to machine learning. We are now living in a world where it takes less than a year to begin from being just a mere student to a billionaire.
How to choose a degree program
We have developed a checklist that you can use in order to arrive at a decision to do a degree program.
What pathway do you want to take?
Before settling for a program, you should decide which career path you want to take. Write down your career plan and draft how you see yourself in 5 to 10 years. Do not live a life of coincidence. Look at the current trends. As I write now, data science is the most in demand degree because its fetching huge salaries on the market. But is data science still going to be that important in 10 years? Make small predictions and consult Human capital consultants for direction.
What is the school’s reputation?
Before choosing a program, find out if it can be offered by any college. If the colleges are few, look at their reputation before settling. You should study at an internationally recognized institution of higher learning.
How comprehensive is the curriculum?
Look at the curriculum. What modules are you going to be doing? Are they comprehensive enough to help you achieve your goals. If they are not comprehensive enough then change the college or the course.
What have past graduates gone on to do?
It is very important to know hoe past graduates have fared after studying the course. Whilst it sounds brave for you to make your own path, also consider the opportunities that others have exploited. It might take time for you to begin your own journey than follow the paths others have started. You do not necessarily need to take all the risks yourself.
Are there networking opportunities?
Your career is not only determined by the degree class that you get, but your contacts as well. Networking is equally important as everything you hope to achieve is only going to be done through people. Prestigious Universities such as Harvard University owe their value from the quality of networks that you are exposed to.
Are there opportunities to do projects and build your portfolio as part of the program?
College life is not all about books especially in this dynamic world. The world is changing and those who succeed have learnt business leadership skills while studying. Always look for opportunities to develop your career in the working world whilst you are studying.
Do employers value the program and the skills it teaches?
Its not about you but the employers. Employers need to see value in the program you are studying. If they do not feel like it is going to add value they will not take it seriously. Make sure you make a few consultations before settling for a decision.