What Should I Go to College For? [Quiz]

If someone asked you to choose how you wanted to spend the next 1,000, 100, or even 10 hours, you’d probably take a moment to decide. What if it was nearly 100,000 hours? That’s how long most of us spend at work over a lifetime.

If you’re wondering “what should I go to college for,” you’re not alone. It makes sense to think seriously about what to pursue — whether you’re starting a new career at 40 or just finishing high school. With hundreds of academic programs spanning dozens of industries, how can you narrow it down to just one? 

We’ve created a quiz to help you decide what to study in college. We’ll explore in-demand career options and help you align your skills with the job market. Keep in mind that it’s also important to do your own research, talk to friends and family, consult a college or career advisor, and always do what’s right for you.

Take our 15-question quiz below and receive a curated list of programs that match your interests and skill set today.

The Helper

Helpers wish to improve the lives of others — whether it relates to physical and mental well-being, social justice, and so on. They are warm-hearted, friendly, generous individuals who prioritize relationships and enjoy the company of others.

Helpers often feel pulled toward health professions in caregiver roles treating injuries or researcher positions to cure diseases. For the squeamish Helpers, advocacy and counselling are other career paths where you can positively impact someone’s life.

The Helper
Characteristics	Strengths
Personable Observant Compassionate Intelligent Punctual	Recall Problem-solving Advocacy Adaptability Patience

Best Programs for the Helper

If you’re a Helper, your results might have come as no surprise. Helpers often feel a strong, innate call to support others. However, the way you should offer your assistance isn’t always as clear. Many helpers are drawn to careers in health care or other social services. Health care jobs pay well and offer a wide range of responsibilities.

Here are some college programs where Helper personas find success:

• Community Support
• Health Care Aide
• Human Resources
• Law Enforcement
• Massage Therapy
• Medical Assistant
• Ministry
• Nursing or Nursing Assistant
• Occupational Therapy
• Pharmacy Technician
• Sciences
• Social Work

The Creator

Creators are builders, storytellers, and influencers. They use their hands, words, images, video, movement, or all of the above to create something for others. Creators are naturally artistic and self-aware and romanticize life. 

Creators often turn hobbies or passions into careers. For example, if you love to draw, graphic design may be your path. Or if you spend your nights blogging about your outfits, a Journalism degree and magazine internship might land you a job you’ll love.

The Creator
Characteristics	Strengths
Artistic Expressive Authentic Open-minded Curious	Creativity Focus Resilience Persuasion Self-motivation

Best Programs for the Creator

Creators often fit best into industries like communications and entertainment, as well as in-demand business jobs. Creators find success in a wide range of roles, with an emphasis on work that is meaningful to them. Here are a few college programs designed for creatives:

• Carpentry
• Communications
• Dance
• English
• Event Management
• Fashion Design
• Graphic Design
• Journalism
• Marketing
• Music
• Social Media
• Theatre
• Web Design

The Analyst

Analysts thrive with data and numbers. They intrinsically excel at math, abstract critical thinking, and information technology. Analysts easily recognize patterns and connections in real-life scenarios but may struggle with interpersonal relationships. They are creative, hard-working, responsible, and self-reliant.

Though numbers come easily to Analysts, not all Analysts enjoy traditional mathematic equations. For those individuals, a career involving data in technology or business may be a better fit.

The Analyst
Characteristics	Strengths
Innovative Diligent Inquisitive Persistent Skeptical	Numbers Attention to detail Communication Critical thinking Focus

If you’re an Analyst, you’ll see a wide array of career paths that fit your strengths. One of the pros of college is being able to explore different programs. Consider your interests to narrow in on one of the following college programs.

• Accounting
• Bookkeeping or Auditing
• Computer Support
• Cyber and Cloud Security
• Data Collection or Data Analysis
• Engineering (Software, Aerospace, Electronic, Civil, etc.)
• Search Engine Optimization
• Supply Chain Management
• UX Design
• Web Development

The Leader

Leaders are rule-setters, role models, and influencers. A strong Leader is driven, versatile, and confident. Their magnetic, charismatic personalities attract others to them. 

Most leaders seek out supervisory roles to help others succeed or grow in a specific area. Some work up to leadership or other positions of power to be their own boss or to govern. Others find fulfillment on both sides of the spectrum. 

The Leader
Characteristics	Strengths
Problem-solver Outgoing Clever Organized Disciplined	Decision-making Mentorship Negotiation Driving results Project management

Best Programs for the Leader

Leaders often fit best in business, law, or public policy workplaces. They will excel by pursuing higher education that balances hands-on learning and lecture environments. Here are some examples of college programs to pursue a career in leadership:

• Business Administration
• Business Management and Operations
• Entrepreneurship 
• Law
• Legal Assistant
• Ministry
• Paralegal
• Project Management
• Public Policy
• Sales

The Scholar

Scholars are philomaths down to their core — they love to learn and share information with others. Some of their characteristics overlap with the Helper persona, but the main difference is their passion for knowledge. They are conscientious, compassionate, grounded, and adventurous.

The Scholar
Characteristics	Strengths
Quick thinker Observant Engaging Passionate Respectful	Patience Active listening Communication Collaboration Inclusion

Best Programs for the Scholar

Scholars are naturally drawn to careers in academia as teachers and recreation leaders. However, studious careers like Historians or Science Researchers may also intrigue Scholars interested in those subjects.

 As a Scholar, you may thrive in one of the following programs:

• Child Development
• Community Support
• Early Childhood Educator
• Early Learning and Child Care
• Fitness Recreation Coordinator
• History
• Psychology
• Recreation Program Leader
• Sciences
• Social Work
• Teacher Education (Primary or Secondary)

Deciding What To Study in College

Beyond which persona you fit, there are a lot of other factors to consider when deciding what things to study in college, from your budget to your location. If you still aren’t sure what courses to take or what career to pursue, here are some additional questions to ask yourself:

• What are your strengths?
• What are your top priorities for your education and career?
  • Do you want a hyper-focused learning environment or one that covers a wide range of subjects?
  • Do you care more about a mission-driven or lucrative career?

• What type of learner are you?
  • What kind of educational structure do you prefer?

• What is your budget for school?
• Do you want to do full- or part-time studies?

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of what to consider when answering the question, “What should I go to college for?”

Budget and Time

When deciding on a school, you’ll need to consider how much time it will take and how much money you can dedicate to your post-secondary education. 

If you don’t have an extensive budget, aren’t able or willing to take on student loan debt, and want to start working quickly, you likely won’t be able to pursue something like a Medical degree, but you could do something such as a Medical Laboratory Assistant (11 months) or Pharmacy Assistant Diploma (7 months).

Career Opportunities

While it’s important to choose an education you’re interested in and passionate about, it’s also important to explore the possible career options for your chosen field. Research which areas of study lead to the most in-demand jobs in Canada and consider whether they would be a good fit for you. 

Program Type

Every type of school and program has pros and cons. Consider how you learn best. Do you want to study a wide range of subjects or have a more focused education? Do you enjoy conceptual-based learning, or do you prefer more practical, hands-on lessons? 

This should help you determine if a College vs. University is a better fit for you. One of the pros of college is that it provides a more hands-on and focused learning environment, whereas universities are more concept-based and cover a wider range of subjects. 

Location

Your location will not only impact what schools you’re able to attend but also the cost of your education and future career opportunities. You should also consider if you would prefer to learn in person and therefore need to be close to the school you want to go to, if you would like an online college, or if you want a hybrid option. 

School Reputation

Another important factor to research is the reputation of the schools you’re considering. You will want to look at the overall reputation, as well as the feedback on specific programs, courses, and instructors. You’ll even want to consider the facilities themselves and how they handle issues around accessibility and any other things that are important to you. 

FAQ

There’s a lot to consider when deciding what the right college program is for you. Here are some additional questions and answers. 

What Is the Best Thing To Go to College For?

A college education in Nursing, Pharmaceuticals, Computer Science, or Education is extremely valuable because they’re in-demand job fields. Ultimately, the best thing to go to college for is something that interests you and will lead to a long-term career. 

What Career Should I Choose If I Get Bored Easily?

Consider a dynamic career with a lot of day-to-day variation, such as an Event Planner, Tour Guide, or Journalist. This type of environment will ensure there’s enough excitement to prevent you from getting bored. 

What Job Is Most in Demand?

One of the most in-demand jobs in Canada is the role of a Registered Nurse. Many health care-related roles are in high demand, partly due to a shortage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Other positions with many open jobs include Web Developers, Welders, and Pharmacists. 

What To Do Next

Now that you have an idea of what you should go to college for, it’s time to take the next step toward your career goals. Whether you’re a fresh-faced new high school grad or rethinking your career as an adult, Robertson College can help. And don’t worry, if you fit into the latter category, you don’t need to quit your day job just yet to start your journey with Robertson. Start online instead!

With Robertson College, you can:

• Request program information
• Talk to a Student Admissions Advisor
• Plan a campus visit (if applicable; many of our programs are online)
• Apply to Robertson College

 

Speaking with an expert can help you formulate an education plan, making sure you’re getting the most out of your college experience. Our team of Student Admissions Advisors at Robertson is happy to answer all your questions and help you every step of the way on your college journey. We’ll support you with basic program information and sit down to discuss your goals, strengths, and work experience so you can find a college program that’s right for you. 

Contact a Student Admissions Advisor at (855) 333-9319 or email [email protected] if you have any questions regarding your college experience.

Find the Robertson program that fits you.