Finding the right study program: What should I study?

What are my strengths and interests?

To determine your strengths, what you enjoy and your interests and to answer the question "What should I study?", you can take the following steps:

1. Self-reflection: Take time to think about past experiences where you felt particularly engaged, successful or satisfied. Think about which activities or subject areas were involved.
2. Get feedback: Ask family, friends and colleagues what they see as your strengths and what activities they notice you thrive at. Outsiders can often recognize skills and interests that you may not be aware of yourself.
3. Make lists: Make lists of your hobbies, favorite subjects in school or universities where you would like to study, and the activities that make time fly by. Also include skills for which you are often praised.
4. Exploration and experimentation: Engage in new activities to find out what you enjoy and are good at. This can be done through volunteering, online courses, internships, workshops or reading books and articles on various topics.
5. Career counseling and career tests: Use professional career counseling services or career tests available online. Such resources can help identify your strengths, interests and suitable career fields.
6. Set goals: Think about what your long-term goals are and how your strengths and interests can contribute to achieving them. This can help you get a clearer idea of what you really want.

The combination of these steps can give you a broader view of yourself and help you to make decisions about your future and therefore answer the question "What should I study?". It's important to remember that people evolve; what is a strength or interest today may change over time. Keep an open mind and be willing to evolve with your interests.

What don't I want to do?

To figure out what you don't want to do in relation to the question "What should I study?", it's helpful to identify areas that make you uncomfortable, don't pique your interests or contradict your values. Here are some considerations that can help you gain clarity:

1. Activities that you avoid: Think about tasks or activities that you have consciously avoided because you don't enjoy them or find them particularly challenging, and not in a way that makes you grow, but rather demotivates you.
2. Values and principles: Think about what values are particularly important to you and what types of work or what industries might not align with those values. For example, you might value environmental protection and therefore exclude work in certain environmentally harmful industries.
3. Work environment and culture: Reflect on the type of work environment that makes you feel uncomfortable. This could be an extremely competitive environment, a place with no teamwork or a job that offers little work-life balance.
4. Physical and emotional reactions: Pay attention to your physical and emotional reactions to certain activities. Boredom, stress or dissatisfaction can be indicators that these activities are not for you.
5. Long-term goals and ambitions: Compare potential career paths with your long-term goals and life plans. If a particular path takes you away from these goals, it could be a sign that it's not right for you.
6. Lifestyle: Consider the lifestyle that certain careers entail and decide if it's a good fit for you. For example, some careers require frequent travel, long hours or physical labor, which is not ideal for everyone.

By actively thinking about these points, you can better understand what you want to avoid in your career and academic path. Knowing what you don't want is just as important as knowing what you do want, as it can make decision-making easier and lead to greater satisfaction when you find the answer to the question "What should I study?".

Types of study and study locations

The answer to the question "What should I study?" depends on your personal interests, strengths, career goals and preferred learning style. Below are some considerations and information about the different types of studies and the institutions where they are offered to help you decide. To give you a better overview of the options for your study and to help you answer the question "What should I study?", you will also find lists summarizing the advantages and disadvantages of study types (full-time, dual, part-time) and sponsorships (private, state):

When choosing between these options, you should consider your personal circumstances, career goals and financial means. It's also important to research specific programs and universities to see which ones best fit your needs and goals and answer the question "What should I study?".

Fields of study

The range of study options is extensive and covers numerous subject areas and fields of study. The following list is not exhaustive, as there are many interdisciplinary and specialized degree programs that transcend traditional subject boundaries. Universities are constantly developing new programs to respond to the changing needs of society and the job market and to add more options to the question "What should I study?" for future students.

The fields of study explained in more detail

Here is a more detailed overview of some of the main categories with brief explanations to give you an idea of the variety of study options and to help you answer the question "What should I study?":

1. Humanities and social sciences: These include subjects such as history, philosophy, sociology, psychology, education, political science, anthropology and linguistics. These subjects focus on understanding human cultures, societies and behaviors.
2. Economics: This area includes Business Studies (Business Studies), Economics, Finance, Marketing, Accounting and Management. Students learn the basics of economic theories and practices here (e.g. at MBS).
3. Natural sciences: Natural sciences include physics, chemistry, biology, geology and astronomy. These subjects deal with the laws of nature and the understanding of the universe.
4. Engineering: There are many specializations in this field, including mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, civil engineering, aerospace engineering and environmental engineering. Engineering combines mathematical and scientific principles to develop technical solutions.
5. Computer Science and Information Technology (IT): This field includes fields of study such as computer science, software development, artificial intelligence, data science and network engineering. It focuses on the development and application of computer technologies.
6. Medicine and Health Sciences: This includes courses such as human medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, nursing science and public health. These subjects prepare students for careers in the healthcare sector.
7. Art and design: This area includes fields of study such as fine arts, graphic design, fashion, interior design, photography and film. The focus here is on creative and practical skills.
8. Teacher training: Degree courses for future teachers that prepare them for teaching in various school subjects and educational levels.
9. Law: The study of law or jurisprudence prepares students for careers in various areas of law, including civil law, criminal law and public law.
10. Agricultural, forestry and food sciences: These subjects deal with food production and sustainability, land and forest management and aspects of animal husbandry.
11. Music and performing arts: Courses in this area focus on music, theater, dance and performance. They combine theoretical studies with practical apprenticeships.

Conditions

When you consider conditions such as the Numerus Clausus (NC) and any entrance or aptitude tests when asking "What should I study?", there are some important aspects to consider:

Tip: Don't worry too much

When deciding to study, the pressure to make the perfect choice right away can be overwhelming. However, it's important to realize that the educational path is not a rigid path, but a journey with many opportunities to adapt and change.

Don't worry too much about your choice of study being perfect from the start. Deciding on a major is a significant step, but it's perfectly normal and okay if you realize over the course of your studies that a different major is a better fit for your interests or career goals. It happens to many people. The experiences you gain at the beginning of your studies can give you valuable insights into your true passions and strengths and are therefore an important part of your learning process.

Changing degree programs is not only perfectly fine, but also common. Many students change degree programs at least once during their studies after they have developed a clearer idea of their interests and career goals. Universities are prepared for such changes and offer advice and support to make the transition as smooth as possible. A change can ultimately lead to a more fulfilling study experience and greater career success.

Additionally, professional life today is characterized by many twists and turns, and it is rare for someone's career path to have a 100 percent overlap with their field of study. The world of work is constantly evolving, and the ability to adapt and learn new skills is more valuable than a specialized degree. Many employers are looking for well-rounded employees with a broad skill set, including critical thinking, problem-solving skills and adaptability. A degree provides a solid foundation, but the career you build will depend on a variety of factors, including personal interests, assertiveness, continuing education and work experience.

In short, it's okay if the path isn't clear from the start. A willingness to explore, learn and adapt will help you succeed in both your studies and your professional life.