College students often enter into higher education with no clue what degree they will pursue. They want a college education, but that is all they know. Of course, the sooner they figure out their degree, the better off they will be.
If you or someone you know is trying to determine what degree to pursue, here are three questions to consider:
- What am I passionate about? What gets you out of bed in the morning? What do you find yourself obsessing over? This is a great place to start as you consider a degree program. The reason is motivation. Not only will you be motivated to finish the degree, but you will be motivated to do the work in that field after graduation. And you will enjoy all of your courses along the way. So first, identify passion.
- What do others say I do well? You may be passionate about basketball, but that does not mean you play like an NBA All-Star. You may love music, but that does not mean you can sing on pitch. I have learned that it is important to know what you think you do well, but it is more important to know what others think you do well. Why? There is less bias. But this does not mean you have to ignore your passion. There are plenty of other jobs in the sports and music industries beyond a player and a singer. So second, identify your practice.
- What will somebody pay me to do? This part often goes unconsidered. You can be passionate, skilled, and still not get paid. You need a degree that will allow you to pay your bills. As you consider degrees, explore what you can do with them. Is the job field in that area growing or shrinking? Degrees can create an advantage or disadvantage when trying to find a job. You are paying a lot of money to get that degree. Make sure it pays you when you get out of school. So finally, identify your pay.
So what degree do you chase? Pursue the degree where passion, performance, and pay meet. This will give you a shot at making a good return on the time and money you spend on education.
College is not just a time to get away from your parents. It is a huge investment. And you need to think through how to get the best possible return on your investment. Identifying your passion, practice, and pay will guide you in selecting the right degree for a good return.
Written by Art Rainer, member of the Summit Stewardship and Generosity Ministry Leadership Team.
The Summit offers a variety of stewardship classes to help equip you to become a faithful steward.
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