Choosing Courses
Electives, BUGES and
streams are all ways to tailor your degree program to your own requirements.
They allow you to choose courses you enjoy and
are relevant to your future
employer.
Employers’ views of courses
The content of some courses
is particularly relevant
to certain employers. Studying specific topics will
mean that you have more to contribute to a company. You may also perform
better at interview knowing that you have a better grasp of the information.
By selecting courses related to your future employment you are indicating to an employer that you have been interested in this subject for a length of time. This is one way to demonstrate your enthusiasm.
However, if you have not studied a particular elective/BUGE/stream you are not prevented from employment in that field (unless it is prerequisite for the profession). In advertisements employers will often specify a degree required for the job - however they never state course requirements. Some employers need to know that you have the correct degree as this shows you have a foundation of knowledge; however they are prepared to teach you any other information you may need to know. This is why it is seldom essential to have certain courses.
In summary – if you have studied a course that is relevant to the employer – this is a BONUS.
What to consider when making a decision
If you know your future career direction, speak to employers and the Professional Association related to your occupation of choice to find out which courses they would recommend.
If you are unsure of your future career direction - now is the time to begin to decide.
You are aiming to choose a course which will:
-
be interesting
-
be related to your future direction. This does not mean that you need to know an exact job title for your future role, but it would help if you could name a few occupations or an industry area which would appeal
- suit your learning style – take into account the lecturer’s teaching style and the assignments/exams
You need to know as much as possible about each of the courses before you make a decision. Lecturers are happy to answer your questions.
If you are having difficulty choosing between a few attractive options you may find it useful to use this decision making process.