How do you choose the right path for your future when there are so many options available?
Focus on your future
Choosing the right education pathway starts with you and understanding your interests, strengths, learning style but also your weaknesses. Some students will thrive in an academic setting, while other students will prefer a more practical, hands-on setting. There is no right or wrong choice, as it depends entirely on the individual. Once you know what you prefer and have a clearer sense of this, it is important for you to explore all the different options that are available and consider where each pathway could lead and how you will get there. Although you don’t need to have your entire future planned, having a general idea of your goals can help guide your decisions.
Discover what’s available to you
It is important you explore all options available to you, even if you think you are set on one. When considering your future goals and career paths, you may find some careers are more closely linked with going to University where there is a focus on lectures, independent study, and theory, while other careers will value the hands-on experience that apprenticeships will provide. Researching about your chosen pathway may help you with your decision and give you an idea to choose what it right for you. If you are thinking University may not be the right pathway for you as you prefer to be on the job and working, you may want to consider degree apprenticeships. A degree apprenticeship enables you to gain a full degree while you work – you will spend most you time working and you’ll also study part-time at a university.
Keep the practical side in mind
When deciding on your pathway choices, it is also important to think about practical factors like cost, location, and entry requirements to ensure your choice is achievable. University will often involve tuition fees and living costs but there is also a lot of support to help with these costs, such as Student Finance England. They will cover the cost of your loan which you will repay back monthly once you have finished University and are earning over £25,000 per year. If you do decide University is the best option for you, there is other support you may be able to receive such as Scholarships, grants and bursaries – unlike student loans, you will not need to pay these back, it is essentially like a gift.
Degree apprenticeships do allow you to earn while you learn and avoid the tuition fees. However, apprenticeships can be competitive and may require balancing work and study at the same time.
Get advice, give it a go, then make your choice
Seeking advice from teachers, career advisors, and others with experience can be valuable, but the final decision should be your own and what you would like to do. If you are able too, it is great to try to gain first-hand experience through open days or work placements to help you make a more informed choice. Remember that your decision doesn’t have to be permanent, allow yourself to be open to change and having a backup plan will help you stay flexible and confident as your goals evolve.
By Jasmine Gray, Outreach Assistant at Make Happen