Home
Academic advisingBeing successful in your studiesGuide to higher educationChoosing what to study or a career path
Academic advisingBeing successful in your studiesGuide to higher educationChoosing what to study or a career pathCHOOSING WHAT TO STUDY AND A CAREER PATH
Choosing a study program or a career path means taking into account your passion, interests, goals and, above all, your skills and aptitudes as well as the employment opportunities for the career you want to pursue.
Find out during the secondary school what study fields your A-Level or Baccalauréat gives you access to (literature, law, economics, computer science, etc.); then find out which trades are possible in your study areas (lawyer, accountant, translator, etc.) and how to train for it (see the section “Career Paths”).
Start thinking as soon as possible about your career path and goals according to your skills and interests, ideally as early as the 10th grade; it'll help you to easily make your choice.
To do this you can:
- ASK FOR ADVICE from relatives, elders already in college, teachers and guidance counsellors or from a professional of your career path or from someone who is studying the subject you plan to study.
- ─ TAKE a personality test like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) which help understanding yourself and determine your interests or the Enneagram Personality Test.
- Take a personality test like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) which help understanding yourself and determine your interests or the Enneagram Personality Test.
THE 8 TYPES OF INTELLIGENCE AND THEIR MAIN COMPONENTS ACCORDING TO HOWARD GARDNER:
| Mathematical-Logical Intelligence | Consists of the ability to detect patterns, reason deductively and think logically. This intelligence is most often associated with scientific and mathematical thinking. Possible career paths for this type: scientist, mathematician, engineer, accountant, etc.; |
| Verbal-Linguistic Intelligence | Involves having a mastery of language. This intelligence includes the ability to effectively manipulate language to express oneself rhetorically or poetically. Possible career paths for this type: writer, journalist, lawyer, teacher, etc.; |
| Musical-Rhythmic Intelligence | Encompasses the capability to recognize and compose musical pitches, tones, and rhythms. Possible career paths for this type: musicians, artist, writer, etc. |
| Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence | Is the ability to use one's mental abilities to coordinate one's own bodily movements. Possible career paths for this type: dancer, sculptor, movie-player, etc.; |
| Visual-Spatial Intelligence | Gives one the ability to manipulate and create mental images in order to solve problems. Possible career paths for this type : architect, artist, engineer; etc; |
| Naturalist Intelligence | It relates to an individual's ability to differentiate among living things. Possible career paths for this type: biologist, farmer, etc.; |
| Intrapersonal Intelligence | The ability to understand one's own feelings and motivation. Possible career paths for this type: psychologist, philosopher, counsellor, sale person, politician, etc.; |
| Interpersonal Intelligence | Includes interpersonal feelings and intentions of others. Possible career paths for this type: philosopher, poet, scientist, etc. |
ADVICE
Do not despair if, despite your best efforts, you couldn't manage to settle on a course or a career by the end of high school. Explore your interests again and take some Personality Tests like: Enneagram Personality Test.Dont let anyone make or impose on you a discipline's choice or a career path that is not yours; for, if you dont have aptitude and interest for the latters, you probably wont succeed; or, you will be bored to death and will get no satisfaction from it. Involve and inform your parents of your study choice to make sure they could afford the training costs.If you choose a private institution, make sure that it has a valid accreditation or homologation from the Ministry of Higher Education.Contact us if you would like one of our experts to help you choose your career or study program.
