The decision to study abroad at a college or university is a big one. But even more important is choosing the right program that will help you reach your career and personal goals. With so many choices out there, it is hard to narrow your choice to focus on just one.

Here are some tips on how to start this process:

1. Everyone will tell you to start by thinking about your hobbies or what excites you. It is great to keep these things in mind when deciding what career is right for you. However, it is also important to consider the following:Those who are most often pleased with their professions are those who are proud of their work, and happy to do what they do. So, first, think about things you excel at, whether it be at school, work, or home. Then, consider if you can use these talents to succeed in a career. If you are able to associate a career with your talent, ask yourself if you would enjoy doing it for a significant amount of time during your days, weeks, months. If you come up with two or three options, that is great! You already narrowed it down significantly.
2. Take time to research. Can you apply your talents in a career? If so, what areas of study will you need to pursue? Will you need an advanced degree to work in this field (Master’s Degree or a Doctorate)? If financial success is important to you, do not forget to research the expected income is for a graduate of your program of interest. If your area of study matches your talents and desired income, take the next step by talking to people who work in these areas. Internships and job-shadowing would also help you find the career path that really fits your personality, work-style, and expectations.
3. The next step is to start searching for institutions that may offer programs in these areas. These might be very specialized degrees that may require you to take college prep classes. Consider your program options very seriously in terms of availability, cost, and requirements.

These three steps are a good beginning, but there are many other helpful websites for students like you, looking for a career path. Attend the ISN Expo in your local city to find out the best program and university for you. For further information about possible careers, check out these links:

https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/explore-careers

https://www.princetonreview.com/quiz/career-quiz

https://lifehacker.com/top-10-ways-to-find-your-career-path-1628537579

Happy discoveries!