AUT - Choose a Programme
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Choose a Programme
Career decisions can be overwhelming and at times one may feel an urgency to make ‘the right decision’. In actual fact a single decision won’t determine the rest of your working life but rather will lead you to many other options, some of which are unexpected. Making an informed decision about the university programme you are going to study will enhance the likelihood of your success. Some factors to consider are:
To learn more about AUT programmes, visit Study Areas.
To find out about tertiary programmes, visit Careers New Zealand
Some students have difficulty choosing a major because they believe that it is the same as choosing a career. In fact, while the two are related, choosing one doesn’t necessarily mean that you have chosen the other. For example, choosing a major in psychology does not restrict your career options to the field of psychology, nor does it mean that you couldn’t work in the business sector. In fact, many employers value both the broad and specific knowledge and skills gained by any degree.
Some key considerations for choosing a major include:
For more on the topic, view the info sheet Choosing a Major (237 kb, 2 pages)
If you have just applied to AUT, email us to obtain a guest password: career@aut.ac.nz.
To give you an idea of where some of the New Zealand graduates have gone on to work in their first graduate position, see the Graduate Destination Survey 2007.
For information on specific degrees and specialisations, read publications by Victoria University Career and Employment Centre at Career View
You may find that it’s not the programme that’s wrong for you, but some other issues that are getting in the way, such as particular subjects, trouble fitting in to university life, financial problems, personal conflicts, etc.
A Career Consultant can help you find the support you need to manage the challenges you face. If it is clear that the programme is not right for you, a Career Consultant will help you understand why and to generate alternates, e.g. another programme, go into the work force, reduce to part-time studies, etc.
For more suggestions, read the career resource Should I Stay in This Programme (245 kb, 2 pages)
Some things to consider:
To help you decide if postgraduate study is right for you, refer to the career resource sheet Postgraduate Study (216 kb, 2 pages)
If you have just applied to AUT, email us to obtain a guest password: career@aut.ac.nz.
- The subject(s) that interest you
- The level of study you are academically prepared for
- Whether you want to study full-time or part-time
- Where you live or can move/travel to
- Whether you want to concentrate on a particular subject area or learn about many different subjects
- What resources does the university have for students (library, computers, student support)
- The work you want to do when you graduate
To learn more about AUT programmes, visit Study Areas.
To find out about tertiary programmes, visit Careers New Zealand
Choose a major or specialisation
If you are clear about your area of interest and future occupation then choosing a major or specialisation may not be a difficult choice.Some students have difficulty choosing a major because they believe that it is the same as choosing a career. In fact, while the two are related, choosing one doesn’t necessarily mean that you have chosen the other. For example, choosing a major in psychology does not restrict your career options to the field of psychology, nor does it mean that you couldn’t work in the business sector. In fact, many employers value both the broad and specific knowledge and skills gained by any degree.
Some key considerations for choosing a major include:
- Which subject(s) interest me the most?
- What are my academic, personal, and work-related strengths?
- What work values influence me, e.g. high level of income, helping others, creating visual beauty
- What is needed in the New Zealand labour market right now/or predicted for the future?
For more on the topic, view the info sheet Choosing a Major (237 kb, 2 pages)If you have just applied to AUT, email us to obtain a guest password: career@aut.ac.nz.
To give you an idea of where some of the New Zealand graduates have gone on to work in their first graduate position, see the Graduate Destination Survey 2007.
For information on specific degrees and specialisations, read publications by Victoria University Career and Employment Centre at Career View
Am I in the wrong programme?
Students sometimes wonder if they are in the wrong programme. This can create a lot of frustration and worry and can decrease motivation to succeed. There are a number of causes so it’s important to identify the real reasons for your particular situation before taking any action that can’t be undone. Some things to check are:- Was my decision to enter this programme informed by a good self-understanding of my future goals, interests, skills and values?
- Was my decision to enter this programme based on a good understanding of what subjects I’d be taking, how I’d be learning and what university study would be like?
You may find that it’s not the programme that’s wrong for you, but some other issues that are getting in the way, such as particular subjects, trouble fitting in to university life, financial problems, personal conflicts, etc.
A Career Consultant can help you find the support you need to manage the challenges you face. If it is clear that the programme is not right for you, a Career Consultant will help you understand why and to generate alternates, e.g. another programme, go into the work force, reduce to part-time studies, etc.
For more suggestions, read the career resource Should I Stay in This Programme (245 kb, 2 pages)
Choose postgraduate studies
Postgraduate research or professional programmes may be an excellent way to move you closer to your future career. There are many benefits - both personal and professional, of studying at the postgraduate level. Be sure to consider your career goals and do some investigation to make certain that the investment of time, money and energy is what you need to do at this time.Some things to consider:
- Am I interested enough in this subject to study it more intensely?
- Is this the right time for me to further my studies?
- How does postgraduate study enhance my career prospects?
- What thesis/dissertation topic would enhance my career prospects?
- What skills and other attributes will I gain through postgraduate study?
- I have very little work experience - how do I fill the experience gap to complement my postgrad studies?
To help you decide if postgraduate study is right for you, refer to the career resource sheet Postgraduate Study (216 kb, 2 pages)If you have just applied to AUT, email us to obtain a guest password: career@aut.ac.nz.
Last updated: 20 Apr 2012 2:11pm