What this is all about:
The range of degree programmes on offer has now become overwhelming. Alongside traditional subjects such as medicine, teacher training and business administration, various colleges and universities also offer ‘niche subjects’ such as waste management, hairdressing, sexology or futurology – in addition to subjects such as brand design, physician assistant or supply chain management, where you first need to research what the course content actually entails.
Even if you have a rough idea of which field of study to choose, questions remain: dual or full-time? College or university? State or private? On-campus or online? But let’s start at the beginning: Which degree programme is right for me? And how do I know what to study? From a psychological perspective, the following aspects play a key role in making a successful career choice and will help you select the right degree programme.
To answer the question ‘What should I study?’, you need to be clear about your interests. Even if studying comes easily to you, and even if the career prospects are excellent, you won’t want to spend six semesters (and your entire working life) dealing with a subject that doesn’t spark your passion.
💡Ask yourself the following questions:
Whether it’s crafts, languages, music, technology, science, economics, social studies or design – we all have subjects we’re passionate about.
Interest is important, but it is not the only decisive factor when choosing a course of study or career. We need to consider where our strengths lie. Do I find maths easy? Do I grasp new concepts quickly? Am I more practically minded? Do I have a talent for languages?
We often intuitively know where our strengths and weaknesses lie. If not, a psychological intelligence and aptitude test can be helpful. You can often discover untapped potential this way!
💡Tip: Make sure you take your time when making your decision and don’t compare yourself too much with others. What suits others isn’t necessarily the right choice for you.
When it comes to motivation, people are remarkably different. Whilst some prefer to pursue goals they have set for themselves independently, others need a clear structure with targets and regular performance feedback. Some people perform best when they can measure themselves against others, whilst for others any kind of competition means maximum stress.
When you look more closely at academic subjects and career fields, you quickly realise that the framework conditions and learning environments differ significantly. A degree at university demands a great deal of personal responsibility and self-discipline, whereas a college course offers a clearer framework and more guidance. Some degree programmes are more focused on cooperation, whilst others offer a highly competitive environment.
💡Ask yourself the following questions to find out what type of motivation you have:
If your degree course fits your motivation structure, you can perform at your best and your motivation for your studies will remain strong!
Personality should also be taken into account when choosing a course of study or career. In psychology, a distinction is made between the ‘Big Five’ personality traits:
These personality traits remain relatively stable in all of us from young adulthood onwards and influence how we feel and behave in different situations. Am I a lone wolf, or do I need to be part of a (study) group? Am I resilient and able to cope well with sadness or tragedy? Do I love harmony and feel most at ease in non-competitive situations? Can I cope well when those around me have different lifestyles or world views?
On-campus or distance learning, social or technical professions, administrative or creative degree programmes – these decisions should always be made with an understanding of one’s own personality.
💡Tip: A psychological personality assessment can provide you with valuable insights when it comes to choosing a degree course.
Of course, it’s up to you to decide what and where you want to study. But let’s be honest: who isn’t influenced by what their own parents studied or where their friends are heading after leaving school? Taking our cue from the people closest to us is perfectly fine at first. These people know us well and can support us with advice and practical help. There’s also no question that parents, who support your studies financially, organisationally and emotionally, have a say in the matter. Becoming aware of the influences of your environment is the first step.
And in the end, the question remains: does what those around me consider the right path really suit me?
💡Feel free to ask your parents, relatives and friends directly what they think is the right path for you. You might learn something new about yourself or even consider completely different subjects.
Choosing the right degree course is a process, not a sudden flash of inspiration. The key lies in a combination of self-analysis and external reflection. By taking an objective look at your interests, strengths, what motivates you and your personality, you can filter out the courses that truly suit you from the vast array on offer.
👉 Remember: a degree course is more than just a subject; it’s a way of life! So consider not only the content, but also the broader context (college vs. university, face-to-face vs. online). If you’re unsure, use professional tools such as psychological assessments to uncover hidden potential. Ultimately, what matters is that the path feels right for you, regardless of external expectations.
