Most people consider their university years as the best years of their lives.

I am definitely one of these people. I really had a great time during my degree and I don’t think there is anything wrong with wanting to have a good life. I am sure you agree with me on this.

However, I have to admit that I’ d rather had studied something different.

Did I know then?

Well, I studied agricultural engineering. I had never spent anytime in a farm before, I didn’t have any special interest in plants/flowers/etc and I didn’t plan to work in this area for the rest of my life. I decided though to ignore all the signs.

And I am not the only one who made the wrong choice.

I did a small survey at www.facebook.com/b4iapply.

48% of participants said that they would prefer to have studied a completely different subject. No doubt the sample size is small (Do vote if you haven’t done yet. The bigger the sample, the better. And thanks to all those who have). The result though is revealing.

Unfortunately, the majority of students continue to do the same mistake as I (and many others) did. They go to university and only later they realize the job prospects and their fit with the area they have chosen. They are often disappointed.

Decide what to study with a specific career path in mind

If you want to make the university years the best and the most useful years of your life, follow this one simple advice.

When to choose what to study, decide with a specific career in mind.

Find FIRST what career path fits best your strengths and passions, and then study a relevant subject. Not the other way around.

Don’t underestimate how vital it is to find early enough the direction you want to head in. Otherwise, it will cost you time, effort and money if you want to make changes later on.

Korina Karampela is the founder of b4iapply, author of 2 books, consultant and speaker.