Starting the conversation about what to look for in a university or college feels inextricably tied to that most daunting of questions: What do I want to do when I grow up? It can feel like the clock is ticking on determining that singular path toward the end goal of a satisfying job that earns enough money to live a good life.
However, the experiences of those on the other side of this hurdle, from university advisors and professors to our very own Options alumni, tell a very different story, one of self-discovery, joy, and freedom. Universities are places for students to find themselves and start their journeys, and the best place to start can be from the place of “undecided.”
Arriving at university with your major “undecided” means you are open to discovering new academic fields you weren’t yet ready to tackle in high school and trying out courses from across the disciplines of arts or science – from unlocking the secrets of healthy aging to learning about the mysteries of the night sky. Students starting in a broad faculty like arts or science have a greater chance of discovering what brings them joy and where their curiosity lies, and no matter what program they ultimately choose, they will be well-equipped to enter any career field.
Curiosity and self-discovery don’t just stop at the classroom door but are embedded within the entire university experience. Curious students engage with their professors, take a front-row seat on major research projects, join the recreational water polo team and the political action club, write for the school newspaper, study abroad, and test drive different career paths through their school’s co-op and internship opportunities. These are the students who will graduate closer to finding their passions and ready to tackle the world of work or graduate learning. But, don’t just take my word for it, see what the universities are saying.
A UBC arts adviser has this to say to undecided students: “If you’re thinking about how your major will connect to a career, know that employers are looking for smart people who are able to think critically, form and articulate ideas, communicate effectively, take initiative, complete projects, manage their time, lead, follow, cooperate, and collaborate — these are skills you are learning in your undergraduate Arts degree!” – Chavah, Arts Academic Advisor – UBC
And, from the science faculty, the University of Waterloo has this to add: “That’s the amazing opportunity with a degree in science. Jobs start coming up that are so new, we can’t always say, ‘you’ll become this or you’ll become that’ as there’s no standard path to those new jobs. Science, by its very nature, helps students develop the skills that will get them from point A to point B; to really become critical thinkers. That equips them for the jobs of tomorrow because they can analyze, discover, and determine what those new possibilities are.” –University of Waterloo
Build your curiosity now to make the most of your university experience by trying a new club at school, signing up for a studio art class to explore your creative side or becoming a reading buddy at the library to see what teaching might feel like.
Life is an adventure without knowing how it ends up. Let our team help you shift your mind away from worrying about what you might do in the future and toward exploring who you might become through your post-secondary journey. Contact us today to book with one of our experienced educational consultants.
