Choice of study: Salary or Passion - What really counts?

International study

If you are looking for an international environment or would like to work abroad long-term, studying abroad could be the right choice for you. Many universities offer international study programs, either completely abroad or with exchange opportunities. Cities such as London, Paris, New York or Sydney offer renowned universities and diverse career opportunities.

Specialized universities

If you are interested in a specific subject area such as art, technology or business, specialized universities are a good option. Examples include:

• Private universities: Munich Business School (MBS), for example, is a private university in Munich that specializes in business and management. MBS offers practical courses with an international focus, ideal for a career in business and management.
• Technical universities: If you are interested in engineering or IT, technical universities such as TU Munich or RWTH Aachen offer excellent degree programs with a strong focus on research.
• Art colleges: For creative courses such as design, architecture or music, specialized art colleges such as the Berlin University of the Arts or the Dresden University of Fine Arts offer the best training paths.

Career opportunities on site

The location of the university can also be influenced by career opportunities. In cities with a strong economy or special industries, you often have better internship and job opportunities during and after your studies. For example, Munich (technology and finance), Berlin (start-ups and creative industries) and Frankfurt (financial sector) offer many career opportunities.

Quality of life and costs

In addition to the academic aspects, quality of life plays a major role. Factors such as the cost of rent and living expenses, leisure opportunities and the general environment should also factor into your decision. Cities such as Munich or Hamburg are more expensive, but offer a high quality of life. In smaller cities, the cost of living is often lower, but the leisure activities on offer may be more limited.

Conclusion

Choosing where to study should be a combination of academic goals, career prospects and personal preferences. Whether you choose a big city, a small town, study abroad or at a specialized university such as Munich Business School (MBS) depends on your individual needs and priorities.

1. Self-reflection
   • Ask questions: Think about what exactly is causing your doubts. Is it the content of the course, the form of study, the expectations of the course or external pressure?
   • What do you like about studying: Make a list of the aspects that you like and that motivate you. What arouses your interest and where do you see your strengths?
   • What don't you like? Identify the points that cause you difficulties or make you unhappy. Is it the learning style, the focus of the degree program, or do you lack practical relevance?
2. Talk to the student advisory service
   • Student advisory service: The student advisory service at your university is an important point of contact if you have any doubts. You can discuss your situation there and receive professional support. The advisors will help you reflect on your decision and find possible alternatives.
   • Mentors and lecturers: Also talk to lecturers or mentors. They know the course well and may be able to offer you a new perspective on your situation.
3. Practical orientation through internships
   • Internship: An internship can help you gain a better insight into the practical side of your field of study. Theoretical content is often difficult to grasp, while practical experience can show you whether you like the career field or not.
   • Special activities: If possible, also attend taster days or take part in practical projects to find out more about the career opportunities associated with your degree course.
4. Change degree course or specialize
   • Specialization or change of focus: Sometimes it helps to change your focus within your chosen degree course. You may be more interested in certain modules and switching to a different specialization could make the study more attractive to you.
   • Change of degree program: If you find that the entire degree program does not meet your expectations, you may want to consider changing your degree program. Before you make this decision, you should find out which alternatives suit you best.
5. Give yourself time to adapt
   • It is normal to have doubts, especially in the first few semesters. You are in a transitional phase and it takes time to get used to the new learning rhythm and academic requirements. So give yourself time to familiarize yourself with your studies before making any rash decisions.
6. Exchange ideas with other students
   • Talking to fellow students can help you to put your doubts into perspective. Perhaps other students have similar experiences and you can support each other. Doubts often turn out to be temporary when you realize that others feel the same way.
7. Psychological counseling
   • If your doubts are more strongly associated with pressure, stress or anxiety, it may be helpful to seek psychological counseling at your university. This will help you to cope emotionally with the demands of studying and can help you to deal with decision-making difficulties.
8. Consider plan B
   • Also think about what your alternatives would be if you decide to drop out or transfer. Are there other degree programs, apprenticeships or professions that better suit your interests? A plan B can give you security if you come to the conclusion that a change is the right decision.

Having doubts about your Choice of Study is not unusual and should be used as an opportunity for reflection. Take time to analyze your situation, talk to advisors and other students, and also consider practical experience. Sometimes a small adjustment is enough to find joy in your studies again, but a change of degree program can also be the right step if you find that the current path does not suit your long-term goals.