What should my child study?
Your child may become frustrated or confused when trying to choose which course they would like to study, especially as these decisions need to be made during their demanding final year of high school. Encourage them to think about what they would enjoy studying, rather than what they think they should be studying. Remind them that they do have more than one chance and they can always change courses or direction at a later stage during their studies. Discuss with your child why they wish to study a particular course and ensure that it is for the right reasons.
Some students need to concentrate on the goal of graduating and entering the workforce to keep them motivated. Others become anxious when they feel they are being asked to make decisions about their future that they feel unequipped to make. Take the focus off the end result and try to stimulate thought about what they are currently interested in, how they want to challenge themselves and what area of study they find rewarding.
Tips for helping your child decide on a course:
- Encourage your child to read a lot of university material and talk to as many people as they can.
- Past and present students are invaluable sources of information, as they can give a personal account of their experience that may be far more useful than that of a brochure or staff member.
- Read course outlines in the Course Overview, and schedule an appointment with your child's school careers counsellor.
- Visit the university and get a feel for the campus and the departments of interest.
- The Online Career Planner is a great starting point for those who are unsure about their strengths and weaknesses or career direction.
- Your child may find it useful to speak to one of the Prospective Student Advisers.
For more information please contact us:
Prospective Student Services
Tel: +61 8 9266 2662
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