"I still don't know what to study": What can undecided students do to clear up their doubts?

Many high school seniors have been anxiously eyeing the calendar for weeks. The end of the school year is approaching, and with it, one of the most important decisions of their academic career: choosing what to study next. The same is true for many vocational students, who are considering whether to continue their studies, specialize, or enter the job market directly.

Faced with these uncertainties, students seek guidance to better understand the paths available to them. The options are diverse: from speaking with teachers and counselors at their schools to visiting the Education Fair or attending university open days. There are also municipal and university guidance services that offer personalized advice, as well as private centers specializing in psycho-educational guidance that help young people identify their interests, aptitudes, and potential educational pathways.

However, according to experts, one of the most common mistakes is trying to choose a course of study without first engaging in self-reflection. "During your studies, you should critically reflect on the concept of your adult self," explains Virginia Luzón, Vice-Rector of Communication at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB). She believes it's essential for everyone to ask themselves where they want to be in the future, what they want to do, and how they will achieve it. "If you don't answer these questions first, you may end up making the wrong choice of studies or educational path," she warns.

In this regard, the Department of Education provides students with the self-knowledge test. Look at yourselfThis is a resource downloadable in pdf This questionnaire invites them to reflect on aspects such as their personality, interests, skills, and teamwork abilities to help them identify potential training paths. It also encourages them to consider their strongest competencies and explore different career paths before making a decision.

How to find your way better

Once you've completed this self-assessment, the next step is to explore the available options. At this point, events like the Education Fair, which this year runs from March 18th to 22nd, offer an opportunity to speak directly with universities and training centers, learn about their academic programs, and get your questions answered. In addition, many universities organize open house events during these weeks, as well as campus visits and information sessions that provide firsthand insight into the degrees offered and the career paths available.

Amidst all this, one of the major dilemmas many students face is whether to choose their studies based on vocation or job prospects. For Virginia Luzón, vocational development is a key element in this process. "The question of what I want to do and how I want to do it should be central to the choice of studies," she points out. In fact, she explains that some students drop out during their first year when they discover that what they have chosen doesn't truly align with their interests.

In addition, public administrations also offer support services. In Barcelona, ​​for example, the Guidance Service of the Education Consortium supports schools in assisting students during the transition between educational stages and helps them define their educational pathways. The program has technical teams that advise students and families and work in coordination with secondary schools, vocational training centers, and other educational resources in the area.

At the same time, some students also turn to psycho-educational guidance services, both public and private, where specialized professionals help them identify interests, aptitudes, and potential educational paths through counseling sessions and aptitude tests. In any case, Luzón reminds us that the decision made is not irreversible. "Studying shouldn't be an obstacle course, but rather an educational path to acquire skills and find a place in the job market," she concludes.