Introduction

The choice of career is a highly individual subject and there will be as many attitudes towards this as there are students.

Some students are very focussed and certain of their career and when applying to higher education will opt for a vocational degree that will give them access to their career path.

Other students may want to delay their career choice as long as possible and make degree course choices that follow their talents and interests.

The choice of degree course is very important and students should receive as much advice and support as possible in this area.

Why is it important to tell students about careers choices?

Individual differences need to be borne in mind when advising students about degree choices.

• How much influence does parental pressure have on a student's choice?
• Is the student's choice realistic in terms of their ability to complete all aspects of a course?
• Should a student be encouraged to take a longer route to a degree? For example by taking an HND first, to give them time to develop and mature?
• If the student has an eventual career in mind, are they looking at courses that will lead them in the right direction?
• Is the student aware of all course components, eg work experience, sandwich year, travel abroad, costly equipment etc?
• Are they studying the right level three qualifications that will give them access to the course of their choice?
• If a student has a disability requiring support, have they investigated to ensure that the support can be provided in their chosen career when they want to enter the world of work?
• If a student is dyslexic, have they looked into the professional rules governing their chosen career to ensure that they will be able to work once they have completed their degree, for example in nursing or radiography?
• Encourage students to use the school or college careers library and the local Connexions service

A student should be made aware that, if they feel they have made the wrong choice once they get to university, it is not too late to change. They should speak to their course tutor, ask advice from the university careers service or information centre/shop at the university. They may move to another course within the same university or to another university, if this suits them better. However this should not be undertaken lightly.

Students should be encouraged to gain work experience whilst doing their level three course. If they have a definite vocational course in mind, they should aim to get experience in this area to support their application.

Finally, students should consider the financial aspect of studying, for example the length of the course, equipment and books they need to buy, travel and living expenses, not to mention a social life! Some realistic budgeting exercises can assist this, and students can also discuss plans for combining part-time paid work with their study to help pay their way.

Where to get additional information

A lot of course information is given in university prospectuses, but if there are further questions, university Admissions staff in the faculty or school concerned can usually help. Some universities will have an information centre or 'shop' where staff can give course information.

The Hobsons Graduate Career Directory is a useful resource.

From the student point of view

Some universities will run or arrange pre-course 'taster' or summer schools programmes as part of their widening participation initiative. Students should be encouraged to find out about these and participate as they can gain insight into their chosen courses and careers potential from these experiences.

If a student has a disability which raises access issues, they should be strongly encouraged to arrange a personal interview with the course tutor to discuss the implications for their course and career.

Failure at university causes huge damage to a student's confidence. Whilst students should not be discouraged from applying, they need to spend time gaining impartial advice that will help them make a realistic decision about their course and eventual career.

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