At 19, Josie Polak began studying a degree in law and politics, but quickly realised she wasn’t enjoying it.
‘I didn't like how competitive everyone was. They would hide the essential textbooks in the library so other people couldn't find them. No one wanted to share their knowledge and I found the compulsory subjects incredibly dry and boring. The uni was an older one and the law course was taught in a very conservative way. I wanted to do law to change the world, but I felt totally alienated by the dry lectures.’
Sound familiar?
If, like Josie, your uni course does not live up to expectations, there’s no reason to panic.
‘Many students have doubts about their course, but don’t realise how easy it is to change’, says Careers Manager Rosie Alexander from the University of Highlands and Islands.
‘They feel like they’ve committed themselves to something and there’s no room for second thoughts, but it’s easy to change in first year and very easy if you’re still in your first term.’
Study something you enjoy
Rosie says the best sign a course isn’t right for you is if you’re not enjoying it.
‘Most university degrees are three or four years, so it's important to study a subject you enjoy. It’s also really important that if you have a particular career in mind that you have checked that the course you’re studying is suitable.’
Rosie suggests speaking to someone at your university straight away if you’re having doubts about your course.
‘Course tutors and personal tutors can explain course content and requirements. Many students decide that it’s actually just one particular module they’re finding difficult, rather than the whole course.’
It’s hard to know what you want to do straight out of school
If the module you’re struggling with is compulsory or you’re not enjoying any part of your degree, it’s possible to change courses, but stay within the same university – something David Quach found easy to do.
‘I enrolled in a broad degree – a Bachelor of Arts combined with a Bachelor of Commerce – because I didn't have any idea what I wanted to do after university. I discovered that I enjoyed the introductory economics subjects and really missed mathematics. I decided that I didn’t want to spend the extra years pursuing an Arts degree, so I transferred into a straight Bachelor of Economics.
‘It's hard to know what you want to do straight out of high school, so it's natural for a bit of adjustment after about a year. I ended up working as a professional economist, so it was definitely the right decision.’
A variety of courses can make you more employable
As for Josie, it was only after studying several other courses including journalism, international relations and sociology, that she found a law course that was modern and engaging enough to keep her interest.
‘I don't regret changing courses so many times. I now work as a refugee lawyer, which has always been my dream job. It turns out the combination of international relations, politics, sociology, journalism and law was all worthwhile. All of them assist me with my work and the variety of courses made me attractive to my employer who was looking for a well-rounded employee.’
If you’re thinking about changing courses, speak to someone at your university straight away. The careers service can also help you to figure out which course is going to best suit career goals.
And finally, if you’re just about to receive your exam results – remember you can call the Exam Results Helpline on 0808 100 8000 between 7-15 August, for help and advice.
Media law solicitor Rowena Cordrey began studying drama and English at uni, but realised after a year that it wasn’t the right fit for her.
