Choosing a major is not a decision that you want to take lightly: a major will keep you busy for at least a few years. Those years should be fun and filled with amazing new experiences and, of course, lead to successful graduation. Choosing a major that suits and interests you is the very foundation. Do you already know which direction you want to take? Or have you not found a major that sparks an interest? Are you overwhelmed by all the different options and do you get stressed out by just the thought of making a choice? No worries: here are seven tips that will get you started on the decision making process.
1. Get to know yourself and your qualities
A major should match your interests and – of course – your personality and qualities. How well do you know yourself? Start by making a list of three things you are very good at. And maybe also list three things that have some room for improvement. With this list in hand, you can start looking for majors that match your personality. Still having trouble? There are various study choice tests and personality tests on the internet that may inspire you.
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2. Have a look at what is available
Everyone knows of the popular majors, such as Banking and Finance, Law and Electrical Engineering. But the popular choice might not be the right one for you. Did you know there is plenty more on offer? Have a browse on the internet to get a good understanding of all the different types of majors you can study and who knows, you might discover one that turns out to be the perfect fit. This overview of industries and majors that are available in Cambodia might be helpful in your search.
3. Talk to the people that are close to you
Family, friends, teachers. Sometimes the people close to you know you better than you know yourself. So go and have a conversation with them. How would they describe you? Which of your personality traits do they admire? And which type of majors do they think are right for you? Talking to others may provide you with new insights. But beware: you are the one who has to make the decision. Parents and friends don’t always know what’s best. Make sure you follow your heart.
4. Learn about the experiences of current students
Reach out to university students to talk to them about their major, or have a look at the interviews with current students on the StudyMatch website. Here are some examples of students majoring in Biology, Communication and Journalism or IT and Computer Network Technology. The students will tell you about what made them decide to enroll in a specific major, what they like most about it, and also provide you with tips and tricks.
5. Discover what professionals love about their job
Making your choice of study is just the beginning. If you successfully complete your studies, you can pursue various professions. It is therefore good to familiarize yourself with the professions that are available to you after your studies. And who can better inform you about a job than professionals in the field? On our website and YouTube channel, you will find interviews with professionals in various sectors. From healthcare to IT and from creative arts to law.
6. Visit universities
By now you hopefully have found a few majors that might suit you. The next step is to consider the universities you can attend. The method of teaching might vary between universities and is important to take into consideration. Will you spend a lot of time in class, or does the university require a lot of self-study and therefore discipline? Does the curriculum rely heavily on studying theory, or do they have a hands-on approach and will you gain experience through practice? Some universities are very big, others are relatively small and may offer more personal guidance. Also take into consideration the language in which a major is offered. Some universities teach entirely in English or French, whereas others offer classes in Khmer. What better way to learn more about these details and get a taste of what it is like to study somewhere than to visit the actual university? Universities may offer an open house day or provide guided tours around the premises and faculties. This will give you the opportunity to learn more about the courses, and to talk to students and teachers.
7. Keep your budget in mind
Have you made your choice? Then one important matter remains: the budget for your studies, which brings us to the last tip. Keep your budget in mind and compare the tuition fees of different universities. Each university comes with a different price tag for the major of your dreams. And you may even be eligible for a scholarship through the university, government or an NGO. Make sure to find out if this applies to you.
We hope these tips and the StudyMatch website will help you to make the right study choice. Still not sure about your choice? Then consider a foundation year. With this foundation year, you will have the chance to follow a couple of subjects to improve, for example, your English or computer skills. And as a bonus: it buys you a bit more time to find out which study really matches your personality!