You’ve got a big decision to make: should you change your degree? Before you decide, ask yourself some hard questions. They’ll help you determine whether making a change will give you the future you always dreamed of or set you back.
If you’re on the fence because you’re not feeling fulfilled, take up your passion as a side hustle or extracurricular activity. You don’t always need to change your degree to gain specific experience or skills. But, if you’re still unsure your degree is the right fit for you, asking yourself these questions might help.
Why do you want to change?
Does another course seem more prestigious? Is your current course feeling like too much hard work or not enough? Do you see yourself in another career? Make a list of all the reasons why you want to change your degree. Then interrogate yourself and be honest! Will a change make things easier and better in the long run, or will it just make things easier now?
Have you done your research?
Get a feel for the new degree before you make any decisions. Attend lectures and talk to students already enrolled in the “new” course to understand what would be expected of you. Browse job listing websites to see what employment opportunities you would have and how much you could potentially earn. The more informed you are, the more confident you can be when it comes to changing degrees.
Can you afford to change?
Switching your degree can set your graduation date back, sometimes by years, which can rack up more debt on your student loan. A move between faculties can also result in lost credits, a compromised scholarship and an increase in university fees. Before you make a decision, calculate how much changing your course will cost and exactly how long it will take you to pay it back.
Do you have enough time to change?
The earlier you decide to change your course the better. If you are in your first year of university, you stand to lose fewer credits, you’ll have more time to catch up on course work and, most importantly, you’re unlikely to affect your graduation date by much.
If you’re a second- or third-year student, however, changing your degree might put you under huge financial and academic pressure. Ask yourself if you can afford that, emotionally and financially.
Will this change help your career?
University is only part of your education. Plenty of successful people have gone on to careers in fields they didn’t study. Focus on your grades and doing well at whatever you’re studying, and you’re likely to set yourself up for success in the future.
One change you can make today: move to Capitec
Fortunately changing banks is less daunting (and less difficult) than changing your degree. Move to Capitec and benefit from our Global One solution. As South Africa’s leading digital bank, you’ll get 4 free savings plans and can easily manage your money using the Capitec app.
