I'm finishing high school and looking for a field of study. How to choose a university program when you don't have a ready plan yet?
Are you finishing high school and still don't know which field of study to choose? That's normal. Many candidates start by asking: "What is worth studying?" However, it's better to consider what problems you want to be able to solve in a few years. Choosing a field of study doesn't have to define your entire career right away. It should provide a good start, develop your skills, and leave room for discovering your path during your studies.
Don't start with a list of majors. Start with an area.
The list of majors can be overwhelming, especially if the names sound similar. That's why you shouldn't choose a single major at first. Choose an area that attracts you. Only then compare specific programs.
- Finance and Accounting — if you are interested in money, budgets, taxes, banking, audit, or controlling.
- Analysis and Data — if you like numbers, reports, dependencies, technology, and drawing conclusions.
- Management and Projects — if you are interested in organizing work, coordinating people, and solving problems in a company.
- Marketing and Communication — if you want to work with brands, clients, media, sales, or market research.
- Administration, Law, and Public Sector — if procedures, regulations, institutions, and stable career paths are important to you.
- Logistics, Transport, and Quality — if you are interested in processes, deliveries, production, improvements, and organizing company operations.
- International Affairs — if you want to work in a global environment, with languages, trade, or relations between countries.
Take the test: tasks, not personality traits
You don't have to define yourself as a "science person," "humanist," or "creative person." Such labels often hinder more than they help. It's much better to check what tasks come naturally to you. This is how the Study Compass works. It doesn't assess your personality. It asks questions about preferences, situations, and types of tasks, and then shows several fields of study that might suit you.
- Do I prefer to analyze data or talk to people?
- Do I like to organize information and documents?
- Am I interested in how a company earns money and controls costs?
- Do I prefer to devise communication, offers, and ways to reach customers?
- Do I feel comfortable organizing tasks and meeting deadlines?
- Am I curious about how processes, transport, quality, or production work?
Part-time studies after high school — when does it make sense?
Part-time studies are a good solution if you want to enter the job market earlier or if you value greater financial independence. This is not an "easier version" of studies. It's a different organization of learning that requires planning, especially if you combine it with work. The biggest advantage of this model is the ability to gain experience faster. By working during the week, you can apply what you learn in classes to practice.
How to compare 3 fields of study without getting lost in the details
If you have several ideas, don't read everything at once. Compare the fields of study according to five criteria. That's enough to see the differences.
- Who is this program for? Check if it matches your interests and way of working.
- What will you really learn here? Pay attention to specific skills and competencies.
- What career path can this program open? Think about what roles and industries you can find yourself in after graduation.
- Does this program offer various development opportunities? It's good if you can develop in different areas after graduation.
- Will the form of study be convenient for you? Consider commuting, work, time, and costs.
Don't choose forever. Choose a good first step.
Choosing a major after high school often seems like a lifelong decision. In practice, careers change many times. Studies should give you a foundation: a way of thinking, tools, contacts, and competencies that can be further developed. A good decision doesn't have to be perfect. It should be conscious, well-thought-out, and based on what you genuinely want to do in the coming years.
Action plan before choosing a major
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Complete the Study Compass and save 3 recommendations.
- Compare the recommended fields of study according to five criteria: who it's for, what it teaches, what it leads to, what flexibility it offers, and how much it costs.
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Calculate the approximate cost of studies and commuting.
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Check if you want to work during your studies and how much time you can realistically dedicate to learning.
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Only then proceed to IRK (Online Recruitment System) and choose the fields of study that truly make sense.
Your next steps