For many students, the decision to pursue university is a challenging one, but the task of selecting the right degree is an even tougher journey. Noor Yakout, a first-year AUT student currently studying Law, provides insight into how she navigated the complexities and pressures to arrive at her pivotal decision of choosing a degree. Our youth roving reporter, Fantasia Nair interviews Noor after their first two semesters at AUT.
Fantasia Nair: Can you tell me a bit about yourself? How old are you and why did you start university when you did?
Noor Yakout: I finished high school a year ago but I simply wasn’t prepared to start university straight away. I hadn’t figured out my interests and hadn’t gained enough exposure to be certain of the next step in my life. I started university this year making me 20 years old, which I was apprehensive about, but I dedicated a year to travel and part-time work. Taking a gap year allowed me to explore my interests, passions and goals which helped me develop greater independence and maturity to start university.
How did you feel about the process of choosing a major, and what were your initial criteria for selecting a degree?
Choosing Law wasn’t an easy decision. I had to consider my interests, the type of lifestyle I wanted, and the assurance of future job security - something AI couldn't do. I knew I wanted to help people, make a positive impact on society, and fight for justice. I was torn between Psychology, Business Law and Nursing. Therefore, I had to evaluate several factors: The ease of finding a job after graduation, my passion for the field, potential salaries, and the possibility of securing a job in another country if I decided to move.
Did you seek advice from anyone when making your decision? Who were they, and how did they help?
Yes, I sought advice from various sources. Initially, my high school career counsellor offered invaluable insights into diverse career paths and the necessary qualifications. It was during this period of exploration that I realised I wasn't quite prepared for university. Additionally, I engaged in conversations with my family members; while my parents advocated for a career in medicine, I found myself torn. Drawing from the experiences of friends already navigating university life, I received valuable guidance. They emphasised the importance of pursuing something aligned with my interests while also considering the future lifestyle I envisioned.
What were the biggest challenges you faced when deciding on a university degree?
A big challenge was dealing with the conflicting advice I received. My parents wanted me to choose a degree which would enable me to have a high-salary job, while my friends and teachers encouraged me to follow my passions and do something I was good at. So, balancing both inputs while considering what I wanted to do, job security and future opportunities made the decision quite difficult.
How did you balance choosing a degree based on your passions versus the practicality of job prospects?
It was tough to balance both. I did a lot of research online regarding salaries and even talked to people who were working in the various industries I was considering. I made a 'pros and cons' list for each option and considered long-term satisfaction versus immediate job availability. In the end, I chose Law as it aligned with my passions, but also offered versatility in the job market, ensuring I had multiple career paths to choose from after graduation.
Have you ever regretted the degree you chose and wanted to change?
During assignments, yes! But I guess that's the same with every degree. But no, I have never regretted choosing Law. My degree enables me to study concepts that I am passionate about, and I cannot wait to venture out and start working and helping people in need.
What advice would you give to someone currently struggling with choosing a university degree?
My advice is to thoroughly research your options and reflect on what genuinely interests you. I think I speak for everyone when I say you will not want to even attend university if you are not passionate about what you are learning. Speak to professionals and students in the fields you're considering, and don't be afraid to seek guidance from career counsellors. It's important to find a balance between passion and practicality. Ultimately, choose a path that you feel excited and motivated about.
Channel Mag's youth contributors, Fantasia Nair and Ellie Brown bring a fresh monthly feature to our pages to inspire and advise our younger North Shore readers. If there are any topics you'd like to read about, contact Liz at liz@channelmag.co.nz and our fledgling writers will research and write engaging articles specifically for our younger (at heart) readers.
