From Confusion to Clarity: Choosing One Degree Between the 2 You’re Passionate About

Choosing a degree is never simple, but it feels even more impossible when you're as equally passionate about two different careers. On the one hand, you're excited about both possibilities, while on the other hand, you worry that picking one will forever close the other door. This choice influences not just your educational performance but also your career path, lifestyle, identity, and, in a way, the philosophy of your life.

But, the good news? You can make a smart and confident decision without losing your mind. With useful guidance, strategies for self-reflection, and anecdotes to help make things clear, this blog leads you step-by-step through the process of making your final decision in choosing a degree. 

Start by Thinking About Your Long-Term Objectives

Step back prior to comparing the two degrees head-to-head. Consider your whole life in ten to fifteen years, and not merely your career.

Think about this:

• Which kind of work environment is best for me? Remote, outdoor, lab, studio, or office?

• How do I balance work and life? Travel opportunities, flexible hours, or fixed hours?

• Which are the values I want to see projected in my work? Innovation, leadership, security, creativity, and service to others?

• Do I perform better in environments with regular, steady changes or with frantic change?

Think about your future lifestyle if you're torn between, for example, fine arts and computer science. Do you envision yourself working at an artistic studio designing visual narratives, perhaps with greater flexibility but less in terms of stability of compensation, or for tech startups with large pay and growing projects? 

In addition to merely the classes you like, your choosing a degree should be an expression of the type of life you want to lead.

Compare Career Opportunities

Even with such enthusiasm, realities of employment come into play, especially when education years and tuition fees are at stake.

For each degree, do your research:

• Job market demand: Which industries are growing? 

  For example, careers in data science and artificial intelligence are on the rise, while digital disruption is increasing the competitiveness of some journalism roles.

• Earning potential: Take into account average mid-career salaries as well as starting salary.  

  Remember that some lower-paid occupations may have more intrinsic rewards or a better work-life balance.

• Demand both locally and internationally: Is there an international demand for this type of work, or is it concentrated in specific countries or cities?

  For example, suppose you were cut down to choosing between environmental science and mechanical engineering, and you might discover that both are still in demand, but that engineering jobs might be better paid internationally, whereas environmental science jobs might be clumped in non-governmental organisations as well as businesses focused on sustainability.

Analyse Hybrid and Overlapping Opportunities 

You may not have to choose strictly one over the other, sometimes you can combine them both.

How to blend your passions:

• Double major: Spend equal study time on each subject (e.g., Marketing + Psychology).

• Combination of major and minor: Focus on one and balance with the other.

• Interdisciplinary degrees: Look for classes that integrate multiple disciplines, like Biomedical Engineering, Digital Media Marketing, or Cognitive Science.

• Sequential learning: Finish one degree first then come back for the second one later (many students get a second master's or bachelor's degree in another field).

For example, if you're interested in both business and psychology, you might major in one and minor in the other. You'd be ready to work in fields that apply both sets of skills actively, for instance, market research, human resources, or organisational behaviour. 

Don't Make Make a Commitment Before You Try Things Out

You are not compelled to make this decision impulsively. You can clear your mind by trying each career in minor, low-risk manners.

Ways for considering each option:

• Online courses on platforms like Udemy, edX, or Coursera.

• Seminars and workshops hosted by schools or trade groups.

• Volunteering, observing, or internships within related fields.

• Networking sessions and industry events to engage with professionals in direct discussions.

For example, if you're indecisive about pursuing law versus international relations, a week in the life of a lawyer might assist you in determining if you enjoy the broader policy-making aspects of international relations or the more research-oriented, precise work.

Consider Your Strengths and Abilities Before Choosing One Degree

 Your university degree should be fit for your strengths, not merely your interests.

Consider the following:

• Am I analytical, rational, and detail-oriented naturally?

• Do I have good strategic and creative thinking abilities?

• Do I perform better under constant, moderate workloads, or can I handle deadline pressures?

• What are the activities or subject fields that energize me rather than drain me?

For example if a student torn between graphic design and medicine might like them both, but if they have abilities in problem-solving, scientific analysis, and recalling things from memory, medicine might be more suited in reality.

Talk to People in Both Fields 

You can only gain so much from university websites and career pamphlets. However, by speaking with people directly, you can obtain the truth and better understand what to do.

How to do it:

• Inquire of graduates what they do daily, what their passions are, and what challenges they face in informational interviews.

• LinkedIn networking: Reach out to alumni from institutions you are considering attending.

• Mentorship programs: For career path students, some companies offer formal mentoring.

When comparing architecture to civil engineering, for example, an architect would describe the artistic freedom and customer issues, whereas a civil engineer would describe the precision, safety guidelines, and wide-ranging problem-solving that their job involves.

Listen to Your Gut, But With Strategy

Eventually, you'll have to go with your instincts, but only after a strategy is developed.

Practice this:

• Make a column for each degree you are pursuing.

• List the reasons you have for and against each.

• Rank your reasons in order of "most significant" to "least significant."

• Take a couple of days off from the list.

• Review it again and determine which option still feels right.

Tip: Your subconscious is attempting to tell you something if you unwittingly wish one degree "triumphs" when making the list.

In conclusion, making the tough but exhilarating decision in choosing a degree between two you are passionate about is a big one. You are embarking on two incredible journeys, thus you are not lost. In reality, most careers aren't linear. More than ever before, individuals shift, change industries, and blend skills. You can always develop, adapt, and learn more later, so instead of concentrating on the anxiety of closing one door, consider which course feels like the ideal next step right now.

If you're unsure where to begin or how to navigate the process, you're not alone. Our expert team at TFM Education Consultants is here to guide you every step of the way. From helping you shortlist ideal destinations and applying to top universities, to securing scholarships, visas, and accommodation, we take care of the details so you can focus on your dreams. Book your free session today!!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I change my degree halfway through?

Ans: Yes, you can in many circumstances, but there are some key points to be aware of. Internal transfers between courses are usually allowed by universities, especially in the first year when core subjects might be duplicated. Switching later in life, however, might necessitate taking more classes to make up for lost content, which could postpone your graduation date. To avoid retaking courses, it's also a good idea to see whether any of your earned credits can be applied to the new program. If the course they want to take isn't offered at their current university, some students may change universities completely. 

2. Are two degrees worthwhile?

Ans: Choosing a degree between the two you are confused about can be difficult. But, If your chosen fields complement each other or provide varying professional choices, having two degrees may be highly advantageous. More skills, better employability, and more career choice flexibility are the main advantages. It's important to remember, however, that having more than one degree will often mean longer study durations, higher tuition, and a more challenging undertaking. If you're considering doing this, be honest regarding your capacity to deal with additional homework, exams, and possible competing deadlines.

3. How much should my income factor into my decision? 

Ans: Financial security cannot be your only consideration factor, although it is important, especially considering living costs or school loans. Occasionally, well-compensated jobs are filled with stress, long working hours, or less personal satisfaction. Conversely, some lower-compensated careers may carry more creativity, personal satisfaction, or work-life balance. The best plan is to weigh factors such as job satisfaction, opportunities for growth, and compatibility with your values when assessing compensation. 

4. Will I ever be able to work in another industry if I am choosing a degree? 

Ans: Yes. In contrast to years past, career choices are much more pliable today. By postgraduate qualifications, certificates, or even self-study, most individuals start in one profession and shift to another. Transferable skills such as communication, problem-solving, and leadership are increasingly sought after by employers, so your initial degree can be a launching pad instead of an insurmountable block. You can also consider hybrid career paths that encompass both skill sets if you really like both areas.