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Choosing a College Degree? Know Your Strengths & Weaknesses

Academic Success

Not sure what to study now that you’ve decided to go back to college? You’re not alone.

If you’re like most adult learners, you’re heading back to school to advance or change your career. (Good for you, by the way.)

So, of course, you want to succeed in the classroom. Before you do, you have to choose your college curriculum. But how? With so many choices, it truly can be a challenge to choose the right degree program for you.

Here’s what our higher education advisors recommend:

Pick a college degree that plays to your strengths and capitalizes on your skill sets.

Here we offer a few simple tips for uncovering your personal best (and worst), so you can align your college degree choices accordingly.

Get analysis.
Not that kind of analysis; the self-analysis kind. Think DISC assessment or strengths finder. These tests can be great starting points for understanding who you are and what you do best.

When it comes to paying for school, grants are among your best options. But do you know how to find them? Remove the guesswork by downloading this free guide

Ask co-workers, colleagues and bosses.
Although it can be a little scary to be vulnerable, ask those who know your workplace habits best to make a list of your top three strengths and biggest weakness. Note if there are any commonalities or trends among their answers.

Make a list and check it twice.
Jot down a quick list of 10 or 20 (or more!) things you do well and like to do when working. Now break them into two lists; a list of strengths and a list of skills. Here are some examples of strengths in case you need them: “good at problem-solving,” “effective at interpersonal communication” and “able to build consensus.” Here are some examples of skills so you can see the difference: “computer programming,” “graphic design” and “project management.”

Give yourself some labels.
Are you the “go-to guy,” “the answer man,” or the “she’s-got-this” person? In addition to taking a few kudos for what you’re known for, put them down in black-and-white. This lets you see in yourself what everyone else does.

Embrace the (sometimes) hard truth.
Everyone has weaknesses. What are yours? Write them down and be brutally honest. Always late? Not detail-oriented? Bad at mathematics? Maybe an accounting degree isn’t for you. Whatever you are not always helps lead you to whatever you are.

Do your homework and check your gut.
Okay, it may sound a little cliché, but this really is a crucial step. Check out degrees that interest you to see if they match up with what you now know about yourself. Franklin University makes this a little easier because each of our degree programs lists the required strengths skills (as well as career opportunities). Once you find a degree (or more) that interests you and fits your personality, style, and skills, do a gut check. Are you excited about the possibility of studying this major and working in the field? If so, congratulations! If not, keep looking.

Ask for help.
Choosing your major is major. It’s a big, big decision and you want to get it right. That’s why we offer these career planning resources, including a step-by-step action plan and career planning worksheet. And, if you still need help, talk to a career development advisor. They’re uniquely qualified to help you navigate the sea of choices.

If you'd like us to call you and discuss your options, inquire now and we'll be in touch soon.