Australia, with its vibrant culture, world-class universities and diverse programmes beckons international students looking for enriching educational experiences. However, before we take the leap and live the excitement, an important question arises: how do you pick the right programme among the endless array of options available?

There can be significant repercussions if we make the wrong decisions, impacting our financial investment along with our career trajectory. The latest Genuine Student (GS) requirement also emphasises the need to pursue programmes that develop skills needed by Australia, ultimately opening our path to becoming a permanent resident.

Decision Under Pressure Has Its Pitfalls

The decision to study abroad is often taken in light of the expectations from friends, family and societal pressures. These expectations are mostly just to earn in dollars, that too, soon after landing there and settling in Australia permanently. Little do they know how it will be done, or why Australia will allow you to live there permanently. 

The influence of these external forces is so great that we sometimes pick a programme that does not align with our goals. We do not pay attention to the challenges that we like to face, one that excites us and makes us stronger.

Ultimately, we pursue a programme just for the sake of acquiring a degree and end up doing some odd jobs. We rarely give a thought as to how this job will help us in becoming eligible to apply for Australian permanent residency. The lure of earning in dollars clogs our judgement and we realise our mistake only when we reach a dead end.

Steer Clear of Obsolescence: Pursue Future-Proof Programmes

Thanks to the constantly advancing technology, our work environment is constantly evolving, creating new job opportunities and shaping industries. Pick a programme, while pursuing education as an international student, that is at the forefront of technology trends and positions you for the future job market. 

Even though established disciplines continue to remain valuable, research to pursue careers in emerging fields that are driven by technology, such as renewable energy, data science and artificial intelligence (AI). Significant growth has been forecast in these areas in the coming years. An aspiring international student should pursue a programme that aligns academic qualifications with natural aptitudes and long-term aspirations. 

Seeking Guidance Beyond Emotions and Friends

Family and friends may always wish for our well-being, however, it is important to consider advice beyond anecdotal experiences. Such personal guidance is considerably different from professional suggestions offered after a proper assessment of your interests, skills, and academic credentials. Talk to overseas education consultants in Chandigarh specialising in Australian programmes for professional guidance. When at the crossroads to identify a suitable programme that aligns with long-term goals and skills, such professional guidance comes in handy. 

Emotions should not cloud judgment and need to be replaced with logical reasoning and strategic planning. There are numerous cases, where a course is pursued just because a friend or relative was pursuing it. Such decisions are often devoid of proper market analysis, and their impact on our careers.

For example, in place of working as a plain storekeeper at a clothing outlet, try to think beyond it, and consider pursuing a fashion management degree. Australia will give preference to someone who can set a fashion trend as a creative director or fashion forecaster, rather than a simple salesperson in a store. 

Where you want to go with your degree or how important you will become for Australia after pursuing a degree is important. A master of fashion (design) degree from a good university will put you in the thick of a fashion enterprise in textile or product development. 

Paradigm Shift in Career Counselling with the Rise of AI

Navigating through the rapidly changing system demands future workforce be appropriately equipped. For example, the advent of AI may ultimately change how career counselling will be done in future. These tools will be so powerful and sensitive that they can readily detect emotions. By utilising algorithms, they can analyse student skills, profiles and academic performance, and suggest suitable programmes and career paths. It will not be a surprise when in future your kid may be counselled by a machine rather than a human.

This is just one example of how organisations will function in future. As an international student aspiring to study in Australia, your ultimate goal should not be to work as a truck driver or a housekeeper, because it does not align with what the future demands. Quite possibly housekeeping work will be taken care of by an AI-controlled machine. The future demand will be to have professionals who can programme these AI-controlled machines.

Talking of framing your career in the field of artificial intelligence, a master’s degree from a reputed institution can prove to be highly beneficial. With career progression, you will take up job profiles such as solutions architect, machine learning specialist, data engineer and data scientist. These are the professions of the future and are in great demand by economies globally.

Invest in The Future

Picking the right course for studying in Australia is like investing in your future. A transformative study journey is ensured only when you carefully consider and align your skill set, passions and future job market trends. Be open to embracing emerging technologies when you make a career choice. Most of all, don’t be afraid to seek professional guidance by talking to immigration consultants in Chandigarh.