Top 5 mistakes students make when choosing a university program, and how to avoid them

Choosing a university program is one of the biggest decisions a student will make. It shapes not only the next few years of study, but also career opportunities, financial stability, and personal fulfillment. Yet, many students fall into the same traps when making this choice. Here are the top five mistakes, and practical advice on how to avoid them.

1. Choosing based on prestige, not fit

Many students pick a program just because the university has a “big name” or because it sounds prestigious to family and friends. While reputation matters, what matters more is whether the program fits the student’s interests, skills, and future goals. How to avoid it: Look beyond rankings. Research the actual curriculum, teaching style, and career paths of graduates. A less famous university with a program that aligns with your strengths will serve you better than a prestigious school that doesn’t.

2. Following Friends or Family Expectations

It’s common for students to choose a program because their friends are applying to it, or because parents push them toward a “safe” profession like medicine, law, or engineering. The problem is that careers chosen for others often lead to frustration and burnout. How to avoid it: Listen to advice, but make the final choice yourself. Take time to reflect on what excites you, where you perform well, and what kind of work environment you want in the future.

3. Ignoring future job market trends

Some students choose programs without checking whether those fields are growing or shrinking in the job market. This creates a painful mismatch between education and employment. How to avoid it: Research industries that are growing; such as technology, renewable energy, data science, digital business, healthcare innovation, and creative industries. Align your studies with areas that will still be relevant 5–10 years from now.

4. Overlooking practical experience opportunities

A strong program is not just about lectures. Many students ignore whether the university offers internships, exchange programs, or industry partnerships, and later struggle to gain experience when applying for jobs. How to avoid it: When comparing programs, ask: Does this program include internships? Can I participate in exchange programs or projects with companies? Real-world experience during university can make the difference between being employable and being stuck.

5. Choosing without self-discovery

Perhaps the biggest mistake is skipping the process of self-discovery. Many students don’t analyze their own strengths, learning styles, and interests before choosing. As a result, they end up in programs that don’t match who they are.

How to avoid it: Take assessments that measure multiple intelligences, personality, and skills. Attend career coaching workshops or bootcamps. The better you know yourself, the better decision you can make.

The choice of a university program should be based on fit, future relevance, and self-awareness, not pressure or quick decisions. At Identity Career, we guide students through structured self- discovery and career planning so that their education becomes an investment, not a gamble.