How to Choose the Right Course after Class 12

Once the class 12th results have been released and school has concluded, it is time to make the critical decision of how to choose the right course after class 12. But with so many course options available, knowing how to choose the right course after class 12 arts/commerce/science can be challenging in today's world. It may even appear intimidating and overpowering.

Also Read: Best Courses After 12th for Science, Commerce, and Arts Students

A) Know your interests, strengths and weaknesses

Why do many of the world's most powerful people think that having an interest in what you do is necessary for a good career? They say so since they are the ones who have pursued their interests with zeal and attained success. Their accomplishments demonstrate that when talents are combined with interest and enthusiasm, wonderful things happen.

This gives a necessary reason to know how to choose the right course after 12th based on interest. Because deciding on the right course after class 12 is such a big decision, you will get a lot of advice from your relatives and friends. It is critical, however, that you choose a path that is compatible with your interests and abilities.

When a course is suited to a student's interests, they are more likely to invest time and energy in gaining relevant skills and knowledge, setting higher achievement goals, and taking steps to accomplish those goals. All of these actions can help students improve their academic performance and advance in their careers.

See also: Five Steps to Finding the Right Career for You

As much as a student needs to know how to choose the right course after 12th based on their strengths; it is equally important for them to know which subjects they dislike, or are not interested in. This helps the student eliminate course options that have a major element of that subject in them.

Along with keeping your interests in consideration, you must also keep in mind what you are naturally good at; which are those areas wherein you are naturally strong. If you consistently score good marks in one particular subject, it may be an indicator of a strong aptitude or a strength.

Otherwise, you may approach professional career counsellors to administer aptitude tests for you and get better tips to choose the right course after 12th. For example. a student may have a strong aptitude for maths but hardly any interest in it. However, the student may have a strong aptitude as well as an interest in social sciences.

This is an indicator that a course option in social science is likely to give a higher sense of fulfilment to the student as compared to a course in maths. The overlap of aptitude and interest strongly reflect the right choice of course for any student.

B) Research and understand different courses

There are many courses available these days to match one's career trajectory. Hence, to know how to choose the right course after class 12 for yourself, you should create a list of courses to consider once you have evaluated your aptitude and interest. There is no such thing as a single perfect course, so creating a list with three to four prospective course options can be a good idea.

Research in detail all the best courses after 12th in the list, know their curriculum, duration, fee structure, placements after the programme, premier universities offering those courses, and the future prospects after the course, and then evaluate these courses against each other.

C) Career guidance and counselling

Career counselling programmes help students determine how to choose the right course after class 12, where to study them, and how to make it through them. Career counsellors are experts in evaluating an individual’s aptitude, interests, personality, and other aspects important to career planning.

They use standardised psychometric tests to assess these dimensions and subsequently use their extensive knowledge about the best courses after 12th. They help to find career options to match the needs of the individual client with the relevant and promising options available for higher education.

Career counsellors provide objective recommendations based on the facts of the matter and the best potential solution. It allows one to better understand how to choose the right course after class 12.

See more: What is Career Counselling

D) The inverted approach

If these steps do not provide you with clarity on the course you should pursue, use the opposite strategy. Envision yourself professionally in the upcoming years. Once you have determined your goal, work backward to determine the credentials that will assist you in achieving it.

For example, if you wish to be a fashion designer, invert the process and determine the course that best meets your professional requirements. Then select from the best courses after 12th that will assist you in achieving that goal. This is another interesting way to find out the right course option for you to pursue after class 12.

See also: Career Planning Process

When it comes to picking a career, college, or course, do not go with what's easiest. Choose something that will constantly stimulate your mind and drive you to succeed in your work. Meanwhile, you can participate in a variety of extra-curricular activities. You may find your calling in culinary arts or theatre!

For the bare minimum, try to choose a course in a field that interests you and keep researching. Participate in campus events and socialise with people from various fields. Make the best of the situation you are in, and you will eventually find your path. We hope these were helpful tips for choosing the right course after 12th for you and that you now have a better understanding of how to go about the whole process.