Narrator: Choosing a degree may seem like a complex
decision – especially when there are so many options to choose from.
So ask yourself a few simple questions:
What are you passionate about? What subjects are you good at?
What are your interests and hobbies? Can these lead to a career?
Person #1: Well I can answer some of those … I mean,
I love helping other people and I enjoyed studying psychology at school.
Person #2: And I spend a lot of time on computers…
Narrator: Great – that’s a great start. So if you’re
interested in psychology, you could do a Bachelor of Science and major in Psychology.
And if you’re into computers, there are a number of options – from a Bachelor of
Advanced Computing to a Bachelor in Software Engineering.
Person #2: But what if I decide that even though I like
computers I don’t want to have a career in computing?
Narrator: Well, your career options are determined by
the skills that you learn, rather than the name of the degree. For instance, the skills
that you learn in Computing, like how to solve problems and manage projects, are easily transferable
to other careers and industries. So apart from launching you into the information and
communications technology industry, a Computing degree could also lead to a great job working
in consulting firms, managing development projects overseas, or becoming an entrepreneur
– hundreds of possibilities from one degree.
Person #1: Is it harder to get a job after completing
a broad degree, like a Bachelor of Arts?
Narrator: No, and that’s because a broad degree still
equips you with specialised knowledge in the area you choose to major in. Plus these degrees
teach you to read critically, think analytically, and write and communicate well – all highly
marketable skills to potential employers.
Person #2: Should I think about how much money I want
to earn when choosing a degree?
Narrator: It’s tempting to only consider the degrees
that you think will earn you a lot of money. But no degree guarantees you a big salary
and in every field, people earn varying amounts. The best way to find a job that you’ll love
and be successful in is to study something you’re passionate about.
Person #1: But what happens if I start studying a degree
and find that I’m really interested in something else?
Narrator: That’s no problem. Uni is very different
to school and you’re exposed to a huge range of courses that you might never have even considered.
So you might discover your passion really lies in something like Anthropology,
rather than what you’re currently studying.
And that’s when the flexibility of your university degree is such an advantage. You
can change your area of focus, switch to an entirely new degree, or choose to combine
one degree with another in a double degree. You can really follow your evolving passion.
Person #1: What exactly is a double degree?
Narrator: A double degree lets you combine two single
degrees. You can choose from thousands of combinations such as Music and Law or Science
and International Relations.
That way you can pursue the subjects that really interest you and expand your career
options by not locking yourself into one field.
Person #2: What if I want to take a break after high
school?
Narrator: No problem, you can defer your degree by up
to a year. Students decide to do this for a range of different reasons, from travelling
and working to health or family circumstances.
Person #1: I know I’d like to go to ANU, but some of
my friends are struggling with choosing the right University. Any advice I could give them?
Narrator: Sure. They should ask themselves some basic
questions to help with the decision.
Would it be better to stay at home while you study…or move to another city or town?
Which Unis offer the degrees that interest you? And what marks will you need to get into them?
Then there are questions that will determine whether a university is a good fit for you or not.
How many students study at the university? What’s the staff to student ratio?
What is its reputation and how well does the University rank – both here and overseas?
What are the support services and facilities like?
And is there a strong student community with a range of clubs, societies, and activities on offer?
Probably the best way to get a feel for a University campus is to do a tour or attend
an Open Day.
The ANU runs campus tours throughout the year, led by our Student Ambassadors. And our Open
day is held in August every year.
Person #2: Who are the best people to speak to about
Uni decisions?
Narrator: Your school’s Career Adviser is a fantastic
resource. They can recommend career paths, qualifications and study options to help you
get where you want to go.
Your parents or guardians might also help you choose the best fit for you; and friends
and family could give you ideas about new study options or help you brainstorm the possibilities.
If you want to find out more about a particular degree, the best place to go is the Uni that offers it.
Academic staff and student recruitment advisors
can answer detailed questions about courses and career options; and current Uni students
can give you an insight into the courses and life on campus.
Person #1: Ok … so what should I do now?
Narrator: Start by reading our Undergraduate Guide to
get an overview of all ANU degrees, as well as crucial information on prerequisites and
applications. Next, jump on the ANU website. You can compare
the subjects for each degree and find out what opportunities are available for things
like overseas study, internships and work experience placements.
Then book in for a campus tour or contact our Recruitment team to get the next
exciting chapter of your life started.