“I’m thinking of shifting because my course is no longer ‘in demand.’ How do I know which course is ‘in demand’ and will help me get a good job?” – Sheila, Parañaque

Grace Rayos, an HR expert, takes over the Ask EdgeWise column today to answer Sheila’s question. Thanks, Grace!

Just by asking this question, you already know that your college course will probably dictate the career that you will pursue after stepping out of the university. (Not always, but often.)

Imagine working on your career until you retire at 60 or 65… that is a long time. It might be too limiting to choose a course solely on the basis that it is “in demand.”

Here’s my suggestion on how to choose a college course:

What are your interests? What are you good at? What could you be good at?
Take stock of your interests and inherent competencies or potential. You may need to ask the help of other people to give you a more objective assessment. In most schools, the guidance office can do this for their students.

Do your research
Once you know what you like or what you’re good at, research and identify which jobs or careers actually match your interests, competencies, and potential. Surf through job websites or visit job fairs. Most of the job descriptions in the job ads actually list down the tasks and required competencies of the position. Try to see what appeals to you the most.

Ask the people who are living that life if they like it
Talk to people who are actual job holders of the jobs/careers you are interested in. Job ads usually present the more positive side of things. An actual job holder can share with you the more realistic picture i.e. the hazards, challenges, and rewards of their jobs. Just asking them to share with you the five things that they love most and the five things they like least about their jobs would probably help you assess if you would love to have the same job/career in the future.

Also, remember to ask them this question: “Given what you now know about your job/career, what course would you have taken in college to better prepare you for it and why?”

With all the research you have done, it will now be easy for you to select the course that’s right for you. No matter how tight the competition is, if you have the potential for the job you are applying for you will have an edge over other candidates. It is useless to apply for the “in demand” jobs if they do not match your interests, competencies, and potential.

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