Choosing the Right Course
Now that you’ve received your results, what’s next? With a multitude of courses to choose from, students are able to pursue their passion and embark on an exciting education adventure – designed to cater to different interests, aptitude and learning styles.
Here are some tried and tested tips to help you decide on the next step forward:
- Be proactive, talk to people!
Good to talk to your parents, teachers, Education and Career Guidance (ECG) counsellors and friends who are able to provide good advice. Making an informed decision starts with arming yourselves with knowledge and information, so take the time to ask about the courses you are interested in.
The experiences of your mentors and friends could help you in making a good decision. So don’t be shy!
- Do your ‘homework’
Doing research and planning ahead are critical in helping you understand what suits you best. Muhd Ikbal Firdaus, who is currently pursuing a NITEC in Business Services, shares how setting some time to understand different industries, courses and the wide range of specialisations, made him aware of the array of options and career paths. He eventually chose a course best suited to his interests and strengths.
- Know your strengths and interests
Help! I don’t know my strengths and unsure of my interests! This is a common problem among secondary school students, and it stresses them out that they have to make a decision in a short period of time.
Nigel Lee, currently pursuing a Higher NITEC in Mechatronic Engineering, went through the same dilemma. His switch from NITEC in Aerospace Avionic to Mechatronic Engineering was quite a jump, but he has no regrets as he found his interest and strength in his current specialisation.
“For students taking their major exams such as N- and O-levels, approach your ECG counsellors and attend talks by your school’s alumni. The experiences and journey shared by alumni could help you make a better choice as there is a lot to learn from their experiences” opined the former Compassvale Secondary School student, who returns to his alma mater often to share his experiences.
For the ‘luckier’ ones who are aware of their strengths and interests, pursue your passion and don’t look back!
Elin Wang, a Digital Animation student, took Art in Broadrick Secondary school and was part of the Art Club. She enjoys drawing and is heartened that she chose a course best suited to her interest.
- Be open-minded
It is important to be as open-minded as possible as limiting yourself would only close off options that could possibly work best for you.
Nur Khairun was initially hesitant to pursue a NITEC but overcoming her pre-conceived perception proved to be one of the best decisions she ever made. “Do not limit yourself by succumbing to societal norms and stereotypes, as it will only close off many options that may work for you,” chimed the ITE College Central student who is currently pursuing a Higher NITEC in Information Technology.
- Work towards the ‘end’ in mind
After talking to people, doing your research and understanding your strength and interests, think about what you would want to do eventually. Assess the possible routes you can take to arrive at your ‘destination’ and strive towards that goal!
Find out more about the different education pathways available for N-level students, and obtain information on different courses as you move on to the next phase in your education journey!
Now that you’ve received your results, what’s next? With a multitude of courses to choose from, students are able to pursue their passion and embark on an exciting education adventure – designed to cater to different interests, aptitude and learning styles.
Here are some tried and tested tips to help you decide on the next step forward:
- Be proactive, talk to people!
Good to talk to your parents, teachers, Education and Career Guidance (ECG) counsellors and friends who are able to provide good advice. Making an informed decision starts with arming yourselves with knowledge and information, so take the time to ask about the courses you are interested in.
The experiences of your mentors and friends could help you in making a good decision. So don’t be shy!
- Do your ‘homework’
Doing research and planning ahead are critical in helping you understand what suits you best. Muhd Ikbal Firdaus, who is currently pursuing a NITEC in Business Services, shares how setting some time to understand different industries, courses and the wide range of specialisations, made him aware of the array of options and career paths. He eventually chose a course best suited to his interests and strengths.
- Know your strengths and interests
Help! I don’t know my strengths and unsure of my interests! This is a common problem among secondary school students, and it stresses them out that they have to make a decision in a short period of time.
Nigel Lee, currently pursuing a Higher NITEC in Mechatronic Engineering, went through the same dilemma. His switch from NITEC in Aerospace Avionic to Mechatronic Engineering was quite a jump, but he has no regrets as he found his interest and strength in his current specialisation.
“For students taking their major exams such as N- and O-levels, approach your ECG counsellors and attend talks by your school’s alumni. The experiences and journey shared by alumni could help you make a better choice as there is a lot to learn from their experiences” opined the former Compassvale Secondary School student, who returns to his alma mater often to share his experiences.
For the ‘luckier’ ones who are aware of their strengths and interests, pursue your passion and don’t look back!
Elin Wang, a Digital Animation student, took Art in Broadrick Secondary school and was part of the Art Club. She enjoys drawing and is heartened that she chose a course best suited to her interest.
- Be open-minded
It is important to be as open-minded as possible as limiting yourself would only close off options that could possibly work best for you.
Nur Khairun was initially hesitant to pursue a NITEC but overcoming her pre-conceived perception proved to be one of the best decisions she ever made. “Do not limit yourself by succumbing to societal norms and stereotypes, as it will only close off many options that may work for you,” chimed the ITE College Central student who is currently pursuing a Higher NITEC in Information Technology.
- Work towards the ‘end’ in mind
After talking to people, doing your research and understanding your strength and interests, think about what you would want to do eventually. Assess the possible routes you can take to arrive at your ‘destination’ and strive towards that goal!
Find out more about the different education pathways available for N-level students, and obtain information on different courses as you move on to the next phase in your education journey!