Choosing a Subject to Study at University

Subjects in Demand

Some subjects are traditionally considered to be ‘in demand’. And there are subjects that have ‘come up’ because of an increasing demand. Strangely enough, the list often looks much the same.

1. Medicine: One of the most demanded subjects for ages now. Doctors have always been respected, and there is no dearth of patients anywhere in the world. However, it is neither easy to qualify for nor pursue a medical degree. The top scorers of the nation fight for the best seats available. Even if one gets in, the course is far from easy. And at the end of the day, if one has enough theoretical knowledge, but does not keep up the performance when it comes to the internship and the lab, then it is best to forget about being a life-saver.

2. Law: One of the highly demanded subjects of the nation. The field is extremely competitive. Though lawyers are earning well, and there are literally hundreds of law firms on the lookout for apprentices, there is no guarantee that you would be a mover and shaker at the court. Every year, students from ‘traditional’ law families, i.e., those with a family history of practitioners, join the course with the assurance of a ready office waiting for them, and with the advantage of having wide connections already. However, family law, international law, and cyber law are exciting areas of study nevertheless, since they still have a lot of scope.

3. Computers: The possibilities are endless. Digital technology has touched every walk of our lives now. Someone who is studying computers is not necessarily an engineer or programmer. From embedded technology to ethical hacking, the sheer variety of topics has a place for almost anyone. Those days when only mathematical geniuses made a mark in the field of digital technology are gone. There are exciting business options too, and an increasing number of bright students are beginning to combine management, IT, and entrepreneurship. Finding a job is also quite easy since there are so many choices. The snag is that you may also get lost among the faceless millions who are mere cogs in the wheels of huge multinationals. To make one’s mark in this field, the stress is on innovativeness. Fresh thinking always wins.

4. Engineering: A very general term. And not a lucrative field unless one is thinking of specialising in something. Please note that too many private institutions are offering engineering and management degrees now, and this has devalued the course to an extent. Before choosing a specialisation be ultra careful, because you may be jeopardising your entire career by a wrong choice.

5. Management: There had been a slight ‘slump’ in this field. It had become too popular sometime ago, resulting in a throng of graduates who exceeded the demand of the market. A manager needs to have a lot of human qualities that he must hone to meet the needs of the situation. This adaptability was lacking in many of these otherwise high scorers. Not getting a job may be bad, but getting stuck in an unsuitable job is a worse predicament. It takes a lot to climb up the corporate ladder, so be prepared for that 99% of perspiration.

6. Language and Linguistics: This field is in the process of ‘reinventing’ itself. There was a time when studying language meant ending up as a teacher, journalist, critic or creative writer only. With the meaning of ‘writing’ and ‘content’ changing now, Language and linguistics students are moving into many other fields like management, business, marketing, public relations, human resources, IT et al. The UK has seen an influx of foreign students in this field as well, an indication that the international demand for this subject is increasing.

Ultimately, it is all up to one’s personal skills and intelligence. A subject choice is a reflection of a person as a whole. And success will come to one who combines passion with capability.

Newton had thought of becoming a farmer. John Keats was a student of medicine. Lady Ada Lovelace, daughter of the poet Byron, was brought up to be a mathematician. She wrote the first computer programme, but remained extremely imaginative like her father. How does one know what is the best subject to study at university? Some subjects are touted as the most ‘earning-friendly’, but there’s no magic formula to success.

James Walsh is a freelance writer and copy editor. If you are a UK or Overseas student applying for a place in a UK University, to stand out from the thousands of others, it is essential to have striking Personal Statement, for more information and professional guidance, see http://www.personal-statement.co.uk

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