The results of the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations have been published, and now is the time for students to select a path for their higher education. The right selection can help them reach their career goals whereas an adverse selection can destroy the student’s career and future prospects of happiness. We all know that social and economic factors as well as parents’ choice have a great influence in this selection process. As a result, students face great crisis in selecting a subject for higher education.
In many cases, there is a disparity in performance of students while doing their higher education from their previous results. In our culture this becomes a big problem in many households, with parents and teachers alike getting worked up trying to regain the former glories. They often become hostile, leading students to serious frustration. Why does this happen?
Every human being is unique, as are their interests. Unfortunately, our culture often does not consider students’ interest first and foremost. The root of students’ frustration can be the miss match of their interest with their subject of higher education. For a certain period of time a student can adjust with the subject but if they cannot find any interest for a long time, frustration may arise and destroy the student’s potential completely. There are some common reasons that go behind selecting the wrong subject for higher education in Bangladesh.
Lack of knowledge about different subjects. Lack of knowledge about individuals’ interests and passions. Lack of knowledge about career paths. Having too many interest and too many options. Pressure from family, friends, relatives and teachers. Avoiding personal interest. Fear of failure.Both parents and students need to have a clearer picture before choosing a subject for higher education. They need to focus on the students’ passion and need to remember that perfect selection enhances the probability of success where a wrong choice can destroy the students’ future. Following is a short list of things to consider when choosing subjects for higher education.
Select an area of real interest. Make a list of existing subjects under the area. Explore the list of existing subjects. Select 1 or 2 subjects from the list for higher education. Talk with experts and alumnae about the subjects and future career prospects. Select a university considering the expenses and reputation of particular subject areas..Educational psychologists always suggest choosing a subject by considering your field of interest. If we really want to compete with the modern world, this is the time to explore individual interest for choosing a right path of career instead of choosing a combination of parents and relatives interests.
Remember that we can find a successful lawyer or a successful doctor or a successful engineer very easily in our society; this does not mean all doctors, lawyers and engineers are successful. Success comes when the selected path becomes a passion.
