Finishing high school brings with it a question that can be quite difficult: what am I going to study?
Some have had the answer clear for years. Others are between two or three options, and many simply know what things they like, but still cannot relate them to a profession.
You don't need to decide today exactly what you will do for the next 30 years. Choosing a university degree is rather about finding a good starting point: an option that makes sense with your interests, your abilities, and the kind of future you want to build.
Before checking universities or letting yourself be carried away by recommendations, it is worth answering some questions.
5 aspects you should evaluate
1. Start with what really interests you
Before asking yourself which is the best degree to study, think about the things that naturally catch your attention.
Are you interested in understanding how businesses work? Solving problems? Designing? Programming? Working with people? Arguing? Creating projects?
Your interests do not automatically determine a profession, but they do help narrow down the options.
A person interested in business, for example, could explore Commercial Engineering, Administration, Economics, or Marketing. Someone interested in technology could investigate Systems Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, or data-related areas.
The first question should not be “which career has more of a future?”, but “what could I keep learning for several years without losing interest?”
2. Recognize your skills
It is also important to identify what you are good at.
Think about the subjects in which you excel, the work you enjoy, and the skills that other people usually recognize in you.
But do not limit your decision to what you already know how to do.
A university degree should also help you develop new skills. Therefore, in addition to asking yourself what you are good at, ask yourself:
Am I willing to improve in what this degree is going to demand of me?
3. Research the profession, not just the degree
The name of a degree may sound interesting, but what is really important is to understand what its professionals do after graduating.
Before deciding, research:
where they work;
what positions they hold;
what kind of companies hire them;
if they can start their own business;
what skills the market is currently looking for;
and what possibilities exist inside and outside Bolivia.
You can review professional profiles on LinkedIn or talk directly with students and graduates.
That helps answer a question much more useful than “what subjects does it have?”:
Do I imagine myself doing this type of work?
4. Check how the market is changing
Artificial intelligence, automation, data analysis, sustainability, and digital transformation are modifying practically every profession.
Therefore, when you research what career to study in Bolivia, do not only look at current opportunities.
Also review how adaptable that profession is and what skills it will need in the coming years.
A good career should not only prepare you to get your first job, but give you tools to adapt when the market changes.
5. Compare where you will study
Once you narrow down your options, start comparing universities.
Two institutions can offer a degree with the same name and have quite different proposals.
When you check private universities in Bolivia, look at:
curriculum;
experience of the professors;
professional internships;
connection with companies;
international exchanges;
scholarships;
infrastructure;
extracurricular activities;
and student community.
Not only does it matter what you are going to study, but also where and with whom you are going to do it.
During university you are going to develop projects, work in teams, and build relationships that can accompany you many years after graduating.
Do not choose solely because of pressure
There are arguments that can influence your decision, but they should hardly decide for you.
“My friends are going to study that.”
Probably within a few months everyone will have different schedules and groups.
“My parents want me to study this.”
Listening to their experience can be valuable, but you will live the career.
“They say you make good money there.”
Income matters, but it also depends on your performance, specialization, and experience.
“It seems easy.”
Easiness should not be the main criterion for deciding several years of education.
Make a short list
If you still have doubts, select three careers.
For each one compare:
What subjects you will study.
What skills it requires.
What its graduates work in.
What job opportunities it offers.
In which universities you can study it.
Then try to talk to at least one student or professional from each area.
The more concrete the information is, the less you will depend on preconceived ideas about a career.