by Sharon Carr of Career Smart
As teenagers near the end of high school, one question looms over them with increasing intensity: "What should I study at university?" It’s a source of stress for many young people, often compounded by societal pressure, parental expectations, and the uncertainty of the future job market. It's no surprise that many feel overwhelmed by the weight of this decision, believing that their entire future hinges on the choice they make at this critical juncture.
The Fear of Making the "Wrong" Choice
Teenagers are often led to believe that what they choose to study at university will determine the rest of their lives. For some, this notion is paralysing. "What if I choose the wrong major?" "What if I end up hating my job?" These are the kinds of fears that plague many young minds. It's a perfectly natural reaction, but it's also important to recognize that the path to a fulfilling career is rarely linear.
In today's dynamic world, the connection between what students’ study and where they end up professionally is becoming more flexible. While some degrees—such as medicine, law, or engineering—clearly map to specific professions, many others do not. Humanities graduates might find themselves working in tech startups, business majors might move into education, and the list goes on.
The Reality: Jobs and Studies Don’t Always Align
Studies have shown that many people don’t end up working in the field directly related to their degree. In fact, according to a 2020 survey by the Foundation for Young Australians, approximately 60% of graduates will eventually work in jobs unrelated to their field of study. This is not to say that university education is unimportant—far from it. What students learn at university shapes their skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities, which are highly transferable to a variety of careers. However, the specific subject matter is often not as crucial as the skills gained.
For instance, someone with a degree in history could go into journalism, public relations, or even business consultancy. A biology graduate might end up in finance or education. The landscape of modern work is fluid, and many industries value diverse educational backgrounds and the skills they bring.
The Importance of Skills Over Specific Knowledge
With the rapid advancement of technology and changes in the job market, employers today are placing more emphasis on soft skills—like communication, adaptability, creativity, and collaboration—over hard technical knowledge in many sectors. This means that, while the content of a degree matters, it is often the broader skills developed during university years that are most valuable in the long term.
In fact, careers are increasingly becoming hybrid. The rise of fields such as data science, digital marketing, and UX design—roles that didn’t even exist a decade ago—means that what you study at university might not even have a direct job description today. The capacity to learn, adapt, and evolve in a rapidly changing professional landscape is far more important than rigidly sticking to a preconceived career path.
Flexibility and Lifelong Learning
A key takeaway for teenagers is that the concept of a “dream job” has shifted. In a fast-evolving world, careers may span multiple industries and roles, often involving retraining and reskilling along the way. University is just the first step in a lifelong learning journey. In many cases, the job market will look completely different by the time today’s teenager’s graduate.
This is where flexibility comes in. Students who embrace uncertainty and focus on broadening their skill set, rather than obsessing over a specific career path, are more likely to thrive. According to the World Economic Forum, skills like emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and problem-solving are among the most in-demand competencies for the future workforce. These skills can be developed in virtually any course of study, provided students remain curious and open to learning.
Advice for Teenagers Facing the Big Decision
So, what should teenagers do when facing the pressure of choosing what to study? Here are some strategies to ease the worry and stress:
Explore Broad Interests: Instead of narrowly focusing on one career path, think about what subjects or areas genuinely interest you. Often, passion in a subject leads to unexpected career opportunities. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fields in your first year.
Focus on Skills: Look for courses that emphasize the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and creativity. These skills will serve you well in any profession and make you adaptable to the changing job market.
Research the Future of Work: Learn about emerging fields and how current industries are evolving. What jobs exist today that didn’t five or ten years ago? What kinds of skills are these jobs asking for? Understanding trends can help alleviate anxiety about choosing a “wrong” field.
Talk to Professionals: Seek out mentors or professionals in industries that interest you. Many people will tell you their own career paths were far from linear, and they may offer insights that can help you relax about making the “perfect” choice.
It’s Okay to Pivot: Remember, changing your major or career path is not a failure. It’s a natural part of discovering who you are and what you want to contribute to the world. Many people find their calling well after university.
Teenagers shouldn’t feel the immense pressure of having to “figure it all out” at 17 or 18. The world is much more flexible than it once was, and career paths are no longer as rigid. What you study at university is important, but it’s not the be-all and end-all of your professional future. Focus on learning, growing, and building skills that will make you adaptable in a rapidly changing world. Ultimately, it’s not about choosing the “right” path from the start; it’s about navigating the journey with curiosity and resilience.
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