Reflections on University Choices: A Decade of Insights

As university entrance exams loom, many prospective students grapple with pivotal questions: am I selecting the right course? Will my studies translate into a fulfilling career? Should I even pursue higher education? Looking back a decade, former top students from the Universities of Minho, Porto, and Lisbon offer valuable perspectives on these enduring concerns, shaped by their diverse experiences and evolving job market trends.

In the academic year 2015/2016, medicine and engineering were popular choices among high-achieving students, while humanities disciplines faced concerns about employment prospects. According to a 2016 report by the OECD, student choices are heavily influenced by perceived job security and career opportunities.In 2015,Portuguese universities offered 50,555 places,a figure slightly lower than the 55,956 available for the upcoming academic year.

Did You Know? according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in STEM fields are projected to grow 10.8% from 2020 to 2030, compared to 7.7% for all occupations.

The Winding Path: embracing Change and Finding

The notion that career paths must be linear is a misconception. Ana Catarina Sousa,29,exemplifies the non-linear journey. Initially admitted to medicine at the University of Porto in 2014/2015,she later transitioned to economics and then mathematics at the University of Minho. “It took me some time to find my way,” Sousa reflects. Ultimately, she found her calling in computer engineering, earning her degree and eventually returning to mathematics.

sousa pursued a master’s degree, engaged in research, and is now completing a doctorate in applied mathematics while teaching at the University of Porto’s Faculty of Engineering. Her research focuses on logic and the foundations of computer science.

“Although my love for mathematics guided me, leaving medicine was the hardest decision due to expectations,” she admits.Though,she affirms,”everything was worth it,” gaining invaluable knowledge from diverse fields.

The Power of Perseverance and Passion

Benedita’s experience underscores the importance of perseverance. Medicine was his clear first choice, and support from peers eased the challenges. He emphasized maintaining equilibrium and valuing the present.”The course is long, but it is done,” he acknowledges. “Everything in life is built over time.”

He stresses the importance of being present and focusing on the task at hand. “If we are always looking at the end, it will be demoralizing.” He adds, “If we have inclinations and respect them, it will be easier” to complete the course and thrive in the profession. Passion, he notes, makes the effort less tiring.

“With Work” Determines success

Catarina Silva chose international relations at the University of Minho, despite “employability issues” weighing heavily on students’ minds in 2015. She prioritized a course she identified with, believing that effort would determine her success and fulfillment.

After completing her master’s degree, Silva entered the job market during the pandemic.”It was arduous, especially for someone who had no professional experience, but I always believed that with work and a lot I would get an prospect.” She found an opportunity in Madrid.

Now a public affairs consultant in a Spanish agency, silva reflects that her course led her to a fulfilling career. She advises students to “try to make a choice that reflects the future that each one wants to build.” The path will be “always challenging,” but ultimately, “we will be able to see that that only made us grow.”

The Indispensable Element: Passion

Sara Pessoa, with high grades, opted for aerospace engineering at the University of Lisbon’s Technical Institute. Leaving her hometown of Porto for Lisbon was “a lot of fun,” she says. Building a support network made a difference. “[This path] is so beautiful and enriching if we have no one” – especially when living away from home. It’s even “easier” “if there is passion” and choosing an area that awakens “the brightness in the eyes.”

Pessoa pursued two semesters of erasmus,first in Canada and then in Turkey. After completing her integrated master’s degree,she returned to Canada,where she is finishing a doctorate in mechanical engineering. She aims to work in the Canadian aerospace industry, noting that “with the doctorate it is not as difficult to find work in Canada as in Portugal.”

Pro Tip: Networking and internships are crucial for gaining experience and securing job opportunities after graduation.

Key Metrics: University Choices Over Time

What factors influenced your university choices? How has your career path evolved since graduation?

share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!