UNAIR NEWS – High school students frequently encounter the challenge of selecting a university major that will shape their future. Given the diverse range of majors at universities, this decision can’t be taken lightly. On the other hand, many of them may not yet be aware of their potential, making it difficult for them to make decisions.
To UNAIR NEWS, January 22, 2024, Educational psychologist of Universitas Airlangga Iwan Wahyu Widayat MPsi Psikolog believes that students must identify and nurture their potential from an early age to determine the direction of their studies and future careers.
“Recognizing one’s potential is important for a nuanced understanding of personal strengths and weaknesses. This insight shapes a path towards the most suitable career or field of higher education, aligning with one’s inherent potential,” he said.
Understanding your potential
Iwan emphasizes several methods to understand one’s potential. Some of these include reflecting on life experiences, discovering the things we enjoy, the activities we frequently engage in, and pinpointing the field where optimal results or efforts can be achieved.
Furthermore, we can also participate in several challenging activities that have the potential to show our inherent strengths, for example, by actively participating in school or extracurricular organizational activities and taking on varying levels of responsibility.
“Besides, engaging in activities and seeking guidance from a psychologist or school counselor can also provide deeper insights into ourselves,” he said.
How do you choose college majors?
Nonetheless, many students who are already aware of their potential may still be confused when choosing a major. According to Iwan, this can be anticipated by the early establishment of future career goals. However, he points out that a career has a broader meaning than a job.
If students have a specific career choice in mind, they can gather detailed information about that career option. This can be done by discussing with relatives, neighbors, or acquaintances working in the chosen field, or by reading biographies of individuals or notable figures in that industry.
“Discuss with school counselors or educational psychologists. Events like career expos or job fairs can provide clearer insights into various professions and majors,” he added.
In the end, Wahyu underlines that the fundamental requirement for success in a career is the ability to learn, upgrade oneself, and adapt to changes continuously. By recognizing and developing their potential and remaining open to change, students can guide themselves toward a bright future.
Author: Afrizal Naufal Ghani
Editor : Khefti Al Mawalia
