Let’s be honest; making decent money often relates to whether you’ve attended a solid college. You can’t rush the process. The clever move here is to take your time checking out different options to land on the one that finally matches your dreams. However, that’s easier said than done!
In this article, we’ll break down some key steps in choosing the right college for your future career.
Choosing the Right College for Your Future Career
When choosing the right college that will help you live your dreams, it’s unwise to believe it will happen overnight. It’s more like a step-by-step process. The more carefully you follow the steps, the better place you’ll end up in.
Here are all the factors that help you make an informed decision about your future.
Choose Your Career
Before you decide on a college, it’s important to be sure of your career goals. To do so, reflect on your interests and hobbies, or even better, go for job shadowing.
Once you know your preferred degree, you can pick a college that’s best known to offer it. If you’re not sure yet, go for a college that offers numerous programs. This way, you can take your time to figure out what you want to do. Make sure to consider all the points below before making a move, especially in the latter case.
Pick Your Mode of Education
Ever since the onset of COVID-19, people have been more concerned about the mode of education than ever. Traditional education methods are no longer the only means colleges rely on today. Instead, they’re turning to hybrid modes, or some are fully adopting the online models.
Before you pick the college of your choice, ask yourself: Do you prefer a hands-on learning experience? Or would you rather take online classes? Or both? The answer to these questions can guide you and ultimately shape your decision.
Know Your Educational Expectations
Next up, make sure you know what you expect from your college. For instance, if you’re aiming to tap into healthcare or any other complex field, a bachelor’s degree alone won’t suffice. Such fields require more certifications and specializations.
It’s important to think about whether you’re up for a master’s or a doctorate in the field. On top of that, check whether your desired college offers advanced degrees in the respective field. Some colleges offer various levels of the same degree, which can be a true win for you.
Choose the Right Location
When deciding on your career, you’ve got options. Especially if your field requires different levels, you can mix it up by attending different colleges for different levels. The best part is that you can choose between in-state and out-of-state schools for most majors. If you’re on a budget, in-state schools might be your top priority.
Likewise, if you wish to switch states, getting a bachelor’s degree outside your state might be worth it. Knowing how you wish to study and where you prefer living can help narrow down your options.
Search for Majors and Minors
Your choice of majors plays an equally important role when selecting the college you want to attend. Check if they’re offering the major you wish to pursue, and if it’s within the price range you’re cool with. It’s possible that the major you’re looking for has different names at different places, so look into that.
Similarly, if you’re into more than one field, you might want to opt for joint majors. Better yet, look at minors or certifications different colleges have. Opting for one that has some extra certifications in your related field can make it more appealing.
Look at the Quality of Education
If you’ve done step-wise research, this step probably has a list of schools ready for you. Now, carefully look at your options and consider their academic standings, internship programs, campus life, and other factors you’re interested in. A must-do step is to check whether their programs are accredited by authorities like the Higher Learning Commission, SACSCOC, etc.
While you’re at it, don’t forget to consider the size of the school. Smaller colleges give you a more personalized education, while bigger ones hook you up with a more lucrative business network.
Take Tuition Fee into Account
Here’s perhaps the most crucial part of the process. Take into account the tuition fees of your desired schools. To do so, look into the costs of attending the colleges on your list and see if they go along with your budget.
Remember – tuition fees differ greatly across different colleges. It’s essential to promptly look into what’s covered in the fees. In addition, find out potential financial aid options, scholarships, or grants the colleges may offer to help ease your financial burden.
Take a Campus Tour
Finally, once you’ve decided which colleges you wish to attend, it’s time to take a campus tour. Talk to alumni, professors, or fellows within your chosen program to understand the pros and cons beforehand. This also gives you a clear idea of the overall culture of the institute so that you’re comfortable being a part of the college.
A campus visit offers firsthand experience and lets you differentiate between schools of your choice. Once you’ve taken a thorough campus tour, you can comfortably make a well-rounded decision.
Types of Careers to Choose After College
When you’re finally done with a degree of your choice at your desired college, it’s time to explore the opportunities out there for you. Depending on your field, there’s a great number of careers you can opt for.
Although it seems like an after-college step, it’s not. Shortlisting careers before joining a college can ease your decision-making process. On top of that, it equips you with the right knowledge and skills which are necessary for higher education and career growth.
Let’s explore the ones with immense potential and break them down:
Medicine & Surgery
Medicine and surgery careers are highly respected in our society for obvious reasons. These professions center around the physical and mental well-being of humans or animals. However, they come with a whole lot of responsibilities on your shoulders. Some careers in medicine include;
Orthodontist
- Average Salary: $309,402 a year
- Growth: 4.5% employment growth
Orthodontists are medical professionals who specialize in diagnosing, preventing, and aligning teeth and jaws. They work with patients of all ages to ensure their oral health and aesthetics. They often use braces, retainers, and a couple of highly specialized orthodontic devices. Hence, orthodontics often requires certifications and education beyond the four-year bachelor’s degree.
Pharmacist
- Average Salary: $123,249 per year
- Growth: 2.6% employment growth
As highly trained professionals, pharmacists ensure that patients receive the right medications and dosage. They work closely with physicians by reviewing their prescriptions, checking for accuracy, and delivering their prescribed medications. This field also requires extensive knowledge of pharmaceuticals and commitment.
General Surgeon
- Average Salary: $285,176 a year
- Growth: 1.7% employment growth
A general surgeon is a healthcare professional who performs surgical procedures on different organs and systems in the body. Surgeons diagnose, treat, and manage a wide range of health conditions. No wonder this career involves intricate education levels, certifications, internships, and licenses.
Health Educator
- Average Salary: $52,241 per year
- Growth: 7.2% employment growth
Health educators are responsible for promoting health and wellness within social settings. They teach you about different lifestyles, preventive measures, and health-related topics. As the name suggests, they ‘educate’ you about various health issues. Hence, this career also requires a strong understanding of public health principles.
Clinical Psychologist
- Average Salary: $109,894 a year
- Growth: 6% employment growth
They’re trained professionals who help address mental health challenges and improve communication. They offer therapeutic sessions to individuals, couples, and families to reflect on their behaviors and resolve conflicts and traumas. Psychologists require at least a master’s degree to pursue psychology as a profession in the US.
Medical Technician
- Average Salary: $43,888 per year
- Growth: 5% employment growth
A medical technician plays a critical role in the healthcare field. They perform laboratory and diagnostic processes, including blood tests, urinalysis, and microbiological analysis. They require deep knowledge of medical equipment. Typically, these professionals require an associate degree in the field.
Nutritionist
- Average Salary: $67,721 per year
- Growth: 7% employment growth
Nutritionists assist in maintaining good health through proper dietary practices. They need at least a bachelor’s degree in nutrition, dietetics, or a relevant field. Nutritionists offer detailed yet highly personalized meal plans and nutritional advice. Some people may also pursue advanced degrees in the field.
Information Technology
Information technology careers are related to various aspects of computers and technology. For instance, they create, develop, and maintain computer hardware, software, and applications. Some examples of fields in IT include:
Software Engineer
- Average Salary: $147,524 a year
- Growth: 25.7% employment growth
A software engineer specializes in creating and coding software programs and systems. They’re capable of designing, testing, and developing software to meet specific needs. These engineers require at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science.
Cybersecurity Analyst
- Average Salary: $99,400 a year
- Growth: 32% employment growth
To become a cybersecurity analyst, you need to hold a four-year bachelor’s degree in computer science, IT, or a related field. However, these IT professionals have a strong grip on Python, Java, or C. Adding certifications to your resume can be a great step in boosting your future career possibilities.
Web Developer
- Average Salary: $93,848 per year
- Growth: 17% employment rate
Web developers design, create, and maintain websites. They ensure websites are functional, appealing, and easy to use. Although they are mostly self-taught, some acquire a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field. However, that’s not mandatory.
DevOps Engineer
- Average Salary: $138,248 per year
- Growth: 25% employment growth
A DevOps engineer is a professional responsible for bridging the gap between software development and IT operations. These engineers automate, code, monitor, and integrate computer applications. Like web developers, DevOps engineers don’t necessarily need a degree to step into the field.
Mobile App Developer
- Average Salary: $110,482 per year
- Growth: 25% employment growth
Mobile app developers create applications specifically for mobile devices. These applications work on both iOS and Android. Primarily, they design the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) of the mobile app. While it’s not a mandatory prerequisite, many mobile app developers hold a bachelor’s degree.
Data Scientist
- Average Salary: $122,738 per year
- Growth: 35% employment growth
Data scientists work around complex data sets and convert them into comprehensive knowledge. They visualize charts, graphs, and other descriptive stats to offer valuable insights. Typically, data scientists require a master’s degree or Ph.D. in a quantitative field.
Business
Business careers often offer positions in sales, marketing, or human resource management. Some of the most common business fields include
Marketing Manager
- Average Salary: $97,362 per year
- Growth: 6% employment growth
These specialists plan and carry out marketing campaigns, market research, and trend analysis. They’re key individuals in shaping a company’s marketing initiatives. Most employers prefer marketing managers with at least a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a couple of certifications.
Sales Manager
- Average Salary: $75,848 per year
- Growth: 4% employment growth
A sales manager coordinates and guides a team of sales professionals, so they achieve their revenue targets for their respective periods. Hence, they contribute to the overall success of the company. At least a bachelor’s degree is a must for being hired as a sales manager.
Corporate Trainer
- Average Salary: $87,325 per year
- Growth: 6% employment growth
A corporate trainer develops and executes training programs within a company for the benefit and training of employees. To be a corporate trainer, you need a bachelor’s degree in HR, education, or organizational development.
Market Research Analyst
- Average Salary: $78,816 per year
- Growth: 13% employment growth
These marketing professionals collect, analyze, and interpret data to enlighten them about the ongoing market trends, consumer behavior, and competition. A four-year bachelor’s degree is a must to be employed as a market research analyst in the US. However, you may also go for a master’s degree in market research.
Supply Chain Specialist
- Average Salary: $69,554 per year
- Growth: 18% employment growth
Supply Chain specialists manage and optimize different aspects of the supply chain. They’re responsible for ensuring an efficient flow of goods and services from the point of manufacturing to the point of consumption. A bachelor’s degree in the supply chain is a must; however, acquiring different certificates can be a huge plus.
Law
A career in law requires a deep knowledge of the legal system specific to the state. Some of the most common legal careers include the following:
Corporate Lawyer
- Average Salary: $144,688 per year
- Growth: 8% employment rate
Corporate lawyers provide legal consultation to businesses relating to their corporate needs. They perform documentation relating to legal paperwork. Typically, you need a juris doctor degree along with a bard admission to be a corporate lawyer in the US.
Legal Assistant
- Average Salary: $48,215 per year
- Growth: 4% employment growth
A legal assistant supports senior lawyers with legal paperwork and research. They help the senior lawyer in getting proof ready for the trial. Also, they communicate with clients to collect information and provide updates. Legal assistants generally require a bachelor’s degree or an associate degree in law.
Court Reporter
- Average Salary: $47,157 per year
- Growth: 3% growth rate
Court reporters are record keepers. They write the words spoken by the judge and lawyers during the proceedings. They keep accurate records of the court proceedings and are proficient in writing. To be a court reporter in the US, completing a court reporting program or an associate degree is essential.
Compliance Officer
- Average Salary: $98,949 per year
- Growth: 4.6% growth rate
Compliance officers oversee legal regulations in an organization. They make sure all legal requirements are met, and the practices are law-abiding. They generally require a bachelor’s degree in business or law.
Engineering
Engineering careers often cover a wide range of specialties. They combine invention, design, and monitoring of infrastructure and projects. Some engineering fields include:
Civil Engineer
- Average Salary: $82,674 per year
- Growth: 7% employment growth
A civil engineer is responsible for designing, assessing, and enhancing infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, tunnels, and other projects. Typically, civil engineers in the US require at least a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering.
Chemical Engineer
- Average Salary: $94,413 per year
- Growth: 8% growth rate
Chemical engineers apply principles of chemistry, physics, and math to produce chemicals and similar substances. They’re key individuals in the manufacturing, pharmaceutical, and energy industries. A bachelor’s degree is a must to practice chemical engineering in the US. Some designations might also require licenses.
Biomedical Engineer
- Average Salary: $94,807 per year
- Growth: 5% growth rate
Biomedical engineers utilize engineering principles to design, develop, and improve technologies related to the healthcare field. Such individuals require a strong grip on both engineering and biological sciences. These positions typically necessitate a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical engineering.
Petroleum Engineer
- Average Salary: $80,025 per year
- Growth: 2% growth rate
Petroleum engineers explore, extract, and produce oil and natural gas. They’re critical in manufacturing and energy industries and ensure efficient and safe extraction of hydrocarbons from the Earth’s surface. While a bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement, some roles prefer a master’s or a doctorate in Petroleum Engineering.
Nuclear Engineer
- Mean Average Salary: $105,594 per year
- Growth: 1% employment growth
Nuclear engineers are specialists in the field who work with nuclear energy and radiation. They design and maintain nuclear systems and other intricate technologies. In-depth knowledge of physics is a prerequisite for this role. Plus, the required qualification is at least a 4-year bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Engineering.
Accounting & Finance
Accounting and finance careers relate to handling and analyzing financial data. The roles in this career require a deep understanding of both accounting and finance to make strategic financial decisions. Some of the roles include the following:
Financial Advisor
- Average Salary: $102,134 per year
- Growth: 13% employment growth
Financial advisors cater to personalized financial advice for the organization. They advise on key decisions such as investment decisions and expansion decisions. This position generally requires holding a degree in finance. Professional certifications such as CFA are a huge plus if you’re looking to scale up.
Investment Banker
- Average Salary: $118,333 per year
- Growth: 7% employment growth
Investment bankers cater to their clients who want to make secure investments and yield huge profits. They make portfolios for them according to their risk appetite and advice on investment options. To practice investment banking in the US, you need a bachelor’s degree along with professional finance certifications such as CFA.
Related Questions
How Can I Know What College Is Right for Me?
When choosing the right college for your future career, consider your goals, explore schools that align with your interests, and do thorough research. It’s natural to come across hurdles along the way, so don’t let them hold you back from chasing your dreams.
Which College Should I Go to If I Don’t Know What to Do?
If you’re not sure about what career to pursue, explore colleges with strong interdisciplinary programs. This way, you can gain deeper insights into more than one field and ultimately decide on the career that best fits your interests.
What Is the Best Place to Attend College?
When choosing your preferred college, there’s no such thing as perfect. The same goes for the location, which entirely depends on where you wish to thrive. The best choice will ultimately depend on what characteristics and environments you’d want for yourself.
Conclusion
When you’re choosing the right college for your future career, know that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to the process. Without thorough research, which college to attend might become the toughest nut to crack.
Nevertheless, with the guide in this article, you can eventually find out what works best for you. Don’t hold back from research if you wish to land in a place where you can do wonders!