A-Level Subjects: Decoding Your Future
No. It’s not the biggest decision you’re ever going to make. However, choosing your A-Level subjects is a choice that can massively influence your academic and career trajectory. You should carefully evaluate your individual strengths, interests, and ambitions. Consider not only your current aptitude for a subject but also its relevance to your long-term goals. Exploring potential careers and university courses related to chosen subjects is essential for informed decision-making. Importantly, BE OPEN to exploring new subjects and do not limit yourself solely to your previous GCSE choices.
I get it. Some of you may be thinking, ‘What if I have no interests?’ Trust me, you’ve got interests; maybe you just haven’t explored them yet. Most of us haven’t thought much about our future. And who can blame us? “I’m just a kid” right? But, this doesn’t mean we can’t take action NOW. And if you feel lost, remember, other people are, and have been, in your shoes before. So, here are some ideas to kickstart your future plans.
Step 1: The Beginning of Choosing Your A-Level Subjects
1) Brainstorm with Heads of Sixth Form, Careers Advisors, Parents: basically anyone who’s been there and done that. Preferably, someone you feel comfortable being open with. And take it seriously; the more, the better. You’ll be surprised how much you can figure out when you’re just keeping it real with yourself and those trying to help you.
2) Check out careers fairs and try to do some job-specific courses, either online or in real life. This website can help you to find careers fairs which run all-year round, and you can jump in as young as 14! Job-specific courses could be about something you’ve never even heard of before. I completed an Entry Level Python Coding course back in Year 9, even though I had no clue about my future plans. Whether you end up enjoying something new or not, hey, at least you can check it off your list or keep it as an option– it is so much better to know than to have never tried.
3) Research. Check out what those jobs and careers are about- the job responsibilities, required skills and qualifications, job-market demand, salary potential and work-life balance.
4) Explore your interests. Join clubs or do some volunteering related to what you enjoy doing. It’s like test-driving your passions and figuring out what path might light your fire.
5) Gain experience. Gaining hands-on, real-world experience via part-time jobs, volunteer opportunities or internships can provide valuable insights to help you to decide whether a particular path vibes with you. Plus, it’ll make your UCAS application shine with competitiveness when you apply to uni in Year 13.
Step 2: Choose ‘n’ Move
Career choices usually change, like, 100% of the time. It’s cool to change your mind as you figure things out and mature. Keep checking in on what excites you and what you might want to do. Also, don’t forget to meet with some career advisors and mentors – they’re gold for providing you with some support. And hey, if you don’t think the whole 9-to-5 job is your thing and you may be more about that entrepreneur life, we’ll chat about that another time.
So, once you’ve got a career path in mind, it’s time to pick your A-Level subjects. Just Google the subjects needed for your uni course. If there’s only one or two compulsory subjects, fill in the rest with something you’re good at and actually like. And also subjects you wouldn’t mind doing extra work for, outside of class and normal homework and revision. Seriously, I can’t stress this enough: the jump from GCSEs to A-Levels is a big deal. So, make it less bumpy by enjoying the extra A-Level subjects you pick. Otherwise, you’re just piling on extra stress during your Sixth Form ride.
Reminder
Look, I get it. You’ve likely had your teachers and parents drop these wisdom bombs on you already. I’ve been through that too. Taking the first step is like trying to lift a car, but once you roll, you’ll be like, “Why did I even stress about this?” and you’ll come out the other side feeling like a whole new you – no doubt about it.
