A university is a valuable place for personal, professional and intellectual growth. A university degree provides an opportunity to accomplish and achieve goals that go beyond market demands. A degree from a university prepares you for the intricacies of life, social, ideological and political responsibility. It helps hone and mould one’s personality as a responsible and giving member of society and opens a new world of discovery, innovation and learning.
With privatisation, there is an increased demand for new skill sets and knowledge. The upsurge in the number of universities, specialised institutions, e-learning and study abroad options have made the sector dynamic. But with numerous universities to choose from, narrowing it down to the right choice can be a Hercules task. However, with thorough research and the right guidance, you should be able to find the university that is just right for you.
There are several key factors that you need to consider when opting for a university. Few are listed below:
In order to make the right choice for the future, it is essential to understand the job market in contemporary times and how it will evolve when one graduates. Some of the factors that must be considered include, identifying future career prospects, entry-level salaries in that market, comparisons of alternative employment locations, educational costs, and immigration options (for colleges abroad).
It is also significant to remember that we live in a world driven by economic logic and choosing your career path is a big decision which will define your future. After going through the basic notions of this decision, the choice of university and programs is largely dependent on rankings and surveys conducted by accreditation bodies, major media houses, and recruitment data published by the institutions.
Details such as faculty credentials, university research, employment placement statistics, employers of potential graduates and student testimonials are all things that should be taken into consideration.
Visit the campus (if you can), you will be spending an integral part of your life here, seeing it first hand is essential.
Lastly, it’s the alma mater that makes you. Not only does one go to a university to get a degree or to secure a job. The place and people stay with you for a lifetime and shape you into individuals. Professors, mentors, your seniors/classmates form your personal and professional network. This form of networking may be informal in some universities but is highly organised and professionally managed in others. Check out the Alumni network.
Whatever your area of interest, you will find your way around, there is a university that’s just right for you.