Why do I have to take courses I don’t like? How are they relevant to me?’
Good question. We want to show you that you have lots of choices right now and to make sure that remains the case and that you should pick subjects that will help keep your options open so that you can work towards what you’re interested in.
So based on this, maths and science make for two of the best choices because they are relevant for so many careers and open up so many doors – ones you haven’t even discovered yet.
That’s even more important if you’re not ready to make long-term decisions, because choices you make in year 9 and 10, then 11 and 12 do have an impact on what you can do in the future. Keeping maths and science in your list of subjects and keeping your options open means more opportunity for you and the better off you’ll be.
“Everyone is telling me different things. People will always want to help… but it can be confusing!” It’s great to listen and take it all on board, but your subject choices are about you; your dreams, your ambitions, your plans.
You’ve probably looked at your interests, skills and values, so now you can bring these all together and ask yourself:
- What is the future I want to have?
- What do I need to know about my dream job which will help me have the future I want?
- What skills are important for this dream job?
- What do I need to do when I leave school to get closer to this dream job – work or study?
So how do I make ‘good’ choices then? Here are a few pointers:
- Choose subjects that deliver a long-term benefit and keep your options open
- Don’t rule out maths and science
- Check out different trades and courses and their pre-requisites if you might do further study
- Got a career in mind already? Speak to your career counsellor or consider doing some work experience to find out what you need to succeed
Remember, you’re not alone in making all these decisions. Talk to your parents, teacher, school career counsellor or school apprenticeship broker, but do some research first so that you can get the most out of their knowledge and apply it to what you’ve learnt about yourself!