RIGHT ON COURSE
NICHE AND INTERESTS
Your child has just received his “O” level results and is certain about a polytechnic education. However, he is not so sure what course may be right for him. With so many different faculties to choose from, it can be stressful considering and weighing up the pros and cons of so many courses. Interest level, proficiency, career prospects… and what have you. This article will share some tips on how to select the right polytechnic course for your child.
Start with the right polytechnic
Before narrowing down the specific course your child wants, knowing which polytechnic to choose is vital. Generally, polytechnic standards in Singapore are almost uniform, and the employability factor across all the polytechnics in Singapore is also similar. Notably, some polytechnics may have stronger fields of focus or only offer certain courses not found elsewhere. Find out about the niche areas and unique courses offered. Head down to the polytechnic of your child’s choice to have a feel of the place. It is advisable to choose the one nearest to your home, as lessons can end late due to project works. You don’t want your child to spend a significant part of his polytechnic life travelling.
Choose the right faculties
Before narrowing down courses, your child should choose the area he has a strong interest in. Be it Arts, Sciences, Business, Design and Media, Engineering, etc., your child should know which industries he is excited to work in and know his own strengths and weaknesses. If he disliked and did badly in math in secondary school, perhaps he should avoid going into engineering, or other math-related courses. Such a student should focus on arts or other faculties like communications instead.
Open house
Look out for and attend the polytechnics’ open houses. You don’t have to explore every faculty in the polytechnic, but do check out what the faculty he is interested in has to offer. Talk to the faculty’s former students and lecturers. Ask them which courses are suitable for your child. Both parent and child will then be more equipped to make an informed decision.