How to Choose What to Study After High School

October 11, 2024

Deciding what to study after high school is a significant step in shaping your future, but it can also be a challenging decision. At Crawford International, we understand that this journey is not always straightforward – and that’s okay. Here, we will explore why not knowing exactly what you want to study isn’t necessarily a bad thing and offer some tips to help you find your path.


Not Knowing What to Study Isn’t a Bad Thing


It’s natural to feel uncertain about what to study after high school. In fact, many students share this uncertainty. Rather than feeling pressured to decide right away, view this time as an opportunity to explore different interests and passions. Uncertainty can lead to self-discovery, allowing you to find what truly excites you. Remember, choosing a field of study is a significant decision, and it’s perfectly fine to take the time you need.


How to Decide if Studying Further Is for You


Before deciding on a university course, it’s important to determine whether further studies align with your goals. Ask yourself these questions:


  • Do you enjoy learning new concepts and ideas?
  • Are you passionate about a specific subject that requires further academic study?
  • Is a university qualification necessary for the career you have in mind?


If the answer is “yes” to most of these, then pursuing higher education might be the right path for you. However, if you are still unsure, consider taking a gap year to gain work experience, travel, or volunteer. This can provide insights into what you enjoy and whether a university education is necessary to achieve your goals.


The World of Work Has Changed


The world of work today is vastly different from what it was even a decade ago. We now see jobs that simply didn’t exist five to ten years ago, such as influencer marketing, data science, and app development. These careers have emerged as technology and digital platforms continue to evolve, creating new opportunities that were once unimaginable


This raises an important question: Is what you are interested in even something that is offered at university? While traditional degrees remain valuable, some modern careers don’t always have a direct university pathway. For example, careers in digital content creation or social media management might benefit more from practical experience, online courses, or specialised certifications. Exploring alternative paths alongside traditional studies could be a strategic move for some students.


Matching Your Interests and Hobbies with Potential Careers


One of the best ways to decide what to study is to look at your hobbies and interests. Here are a few tips on how to do this:


  • Reflect on Your Passions: What subjects do you enjoy most at school? Which extracurricular activities or hobbies bring you joy? Understanding what you are passionate about can guide you towards a field of study that you’ll love.
  • Research Career Paths: Once you’ve identified your interests, research the different careers associated with them. For example, if you love technology, explore fields like software development or digital marketing.
  • Talk to Teachers and Mentors: Your teachers can provide valuable insights into your strengths and suggest fields of study that might suit you. Don’t hesitate to ask for their advice—they can help you make an informed decision.


It’s OK to Take Your Time


Remember, choosing a course of study is not a race. Taking the time to explore your options can be incredibly beneficial. Rushing into a decision may lead to regret or the need to change courses later, which can be costly and time-consuming. By giving yourself the space to think about your interests, research your options, and seek advice, you’ll be better prepared to make a choice that aligns with your future goals.


At Crawford International, we believe in supporting our students through every stage of their educational journey. Whether you are ready to dive into university studies or still exploring your options, we are here to help you make a choice that sets you on the path to success.

Teacher Spotlight: Mr Chris Herbst Afrikaans Teacher at Crawford International Sandton

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A Lifelong Educator Mr Chris Herbst has spent 41 years in the classroom. With a Bachelor of Education from the University of the Witwatersrand, he has taught countless learners over the decades. He joined Crawford International Sandton in 1999 and currently teaches Afrikaans to students from Grade 8 to Grade 12. His role spans across five different year groups, a challenge he embraces. “I have my hands full as I navigate the excitement and challenges of teaching an additional language to five different grades,” he says. Why Teaching Still Matters For Mr Herbst, teaching is not a job. It is something he feels deeply connected to. “Teaching is my great passion and calling. The classroom is where I find my motivation and inspiration,” he shares. “When we have a really good lesson and I see our students leave having learned something new, or figured out a challenging concept, then I am motivated and inspired all over again.” These everyday moments keep him grounded in his purpose. They are the quiet victories that reaffirm his place in the classroom. Freedom to Teach with Meaning Mr Herbst values Crawford’s approach to learning, particularly the way it supports teacher agency and student-centred learning. “I love the fact that the focus is student-centred, and that as teachers we have the freedom and the responsibility to create a teaching and learning environment that works best for every learning need,” he says. He believes this flexibility allows for learning to become more meaningful. “If I identify that a particular topic or poem has piqued the interest of my class, I have the freedom to delve deeper and really explore the subject matter without being bound by rigid syllabus rules and time frames.” Connecting Language to the Real World Teaching Afrikaans in a school where it is often an additional language means finding ways to make it resonate. Mr Herbst understands that for many students, the subject may not come naturally. “For many students, learning another language may initially feel like a requirement rather than a passion,” he explains. To bridge that gap, he brings the language to life through content that students can relate to. “It’s important to integrate engaging, real-world content such as music, movies, and stories that align with the students’ interests.” These tools, he believes, help students see the language in context and build an emotional connection to it. A Teaching Legacy  Over the course of his career, Mr Herbst has taught more than one generation in the same family. It is a milestone he reflects on with pride. “I have taught students who are now parents, and I am teaching their children today. It doesn’t get better than that.” But what stands out most for him is being remembered. “By far my biggest kick is when a past student recognises me and comes over to strike up a conversation and talk about their life and work after school.”
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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: DYLAN BIZJAK Crawford International Sandton From the classrooms of Crawford International Sandton to the forefront of aeronautical engineering in the Netherlands, Dylan Bizjak’s journey is one of ambition, resilience and innovation . Pursuing a Passion for Engineering After matriculating in 2019, Dylan initially pursued Aeronautical Engineering at Wits University. However, six months into his studies, a new opportunity emerged, one that would take him beyond South Africa’s borders. He secured a place at Inholland University of Applied Sciences in Delft, Netherlands, where he embraced the challenge of international study, even navigating his first year remotely due to the pandemic. Now a graduate with a BSc in Aeronautical Engineering (2024), Dylan has stepped into the professional world, joining Eve Reverse, a pioneering start-up dedicated to climate-positive innovation. What began as an internship in his final year evolved into a full-time role as a Research and Development Engineer, where he contributes to the creation of sustainable, carbon-negative materials. His proudest achievement? Playing a key role in the development of the Eve Dry Tile, an innovative flax fibre material designed to reduce emissions and waste in manufacturing. Achievements at Crawford International Sandton Gareth Beach Award (2019) – Recognised for bravery, dedication, self-development and outstanding achievement in swimming. Sportsman of the Year (2019) – Acknowledged for excellence in swimming, basketball and boxing.  Reflections on Crawford Dylan credits his time at Crawford for preparing him for both academic and personal success on the global stage. “Crawford’s approach equips you for university and beyond, whether in South Africa or internationally. It’s not just about academics but about becoming a well-rounded critical thinker and team player. Exposure to diverse cultures, teamwork, individuality and taking responsibility for my outcomes were invaluable lessons I carried with me.” Words of Wisdom To his younger self, Dylan would say: “Step out of your comfort zone sooner. Growth happens when you challenge yourself. Leaving home was tough, but the personal and professional growth was worth every stumble along the way.” Dylan’s story is a testament to courage, hard work and the power of embracing the unknown. From South Africa to the Netherlands, he is proving that the sky isn’t the limit, it is just the beginning.
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