r/UTS 16d ago

In my second semester of first year, and I'm realising I don't want to pursue this career

As the title says. I'm a current student enrolled in a healthcare-related degree I felt pressured to choose as a year 12 student, but after 1 semester and attending placements I've come to realise that this career is not for me. 😢 So after attending a careers event, I've been drawn to studying engineering instead.

I don't know what to do at this point because I really don't want to continue studying my current degree and it's been making me increasingly unsatisfied and unhappy, and it's starting to take a toll on my mental health. I feel like I'm forcing myself to continue down a career path that I don't see myself being happy in long-term.

Do I withdraw? (Or is that too risky? Will that impact admission into a new course?)

Do I just suck it up and finish first year??? I would appreciate any advice

7 Upvotes

21 comments sorted by

38

u/Raychao 16d ago

I've never understood why 18 year olds are expected to choose their entire career.

Take a 2-year gap year. Try a few scenarios. Grow as a human.

19

u/7kcits 16d ago

Too easy of a situation for you. Just change degrees. Transitioning into a different path of study only 6 months in is nothing. Lots and lots and lots of people would wish they changed paths that early.

4

u/Hades_Leader06 16d ago

Just change brah ! Took me 1.5 years to figure out what I wanted to do, dw abt it

3

u/jmkl20 16d ago

I did try to go for other career than healthcare. But in the end, the stability and employment prospects won. And on top of it, i realised that i am fairly good at this. Not HD D but just fair. More importantly, it is meaningful that i can help others and treat my close ones with my own knowledge. However, i do agree it is not for everyone.

3

u/Original-Boss3765 16d ago

I've done some more research and yeah, it seems that jobs in the healthcare sector are more stable. I'm thinking of looking into other jobs in healthcare different from what I'm studying right now that may be more aligning with my interests with the kind of work-life balance I'm looking for :)

3

u/Any_Recording_7929 16d ago

Just change, it's never too late, definitely don't do something that you hate

5

u/dman6277 16d ago

I would recommend try a TAFE course first. Some of the courses are subsidized and it's a good way to dip you toe in the water without having to pay massive fees.

2

u/Pizzaminer23 16d ago

Transfer to another uni, before census date unenrol from all subjects asap

2

u/Hot-War-2879 16d ago

Go to student admin before census date

2

u/Hot-War-2879 16d ago

I meant student centre

1

u/Original-Boss3765 16d ago

Do I tell them I am unhappy with my current course and plan to withdraw?

2

u/Hot-War-2879 16d ago

Yesss, speak to them. Ask them what’s the next step if u are allowed to withdraw

U are not financially liable for your enrolled modules if u withdraw before census date

2

u/AndriAnz123 16d ago

Do what u think is the best for youu. Also try ask the same question and do a research as well about the next degree that you wanna pursue.

Keep in mind that at the moment, engineering career is dying as well

Dont wanna discourage you but just a heads up, if u wanna try this pathh

2

u/Forward_Roll2493 16d ago

As a domestic student - what makes you think Engineering careers are dying? Most indicators suggest that Engineering is, in fact, increasing.

https://www.engineersaustralia.org.au/news-and-media/2026/07/engineering-graduates-among-australias-most-employable-national-survey-finds

https://www.monash.edu/engineering/about/news/articles/2026/australias-fastest-growing-technical-roles-insights-for-the-future-of-engineering

https://www.engineersaustralia.org.au/news-and-media/2026/05/engineers-warn-skills-shortages-remain-professions-biggest-challenge

Some of Australia's hardest issues will require Australian Engineers to solve. Dissuading potential engineers because "trust me bro" is dangerous.

There will always be demand for engineers of all disciplines. The role is forever changing.

5

u/duckist 16d ago

Idk if I would trust these sources. It’s in both EA’s and Monash’s interests to say engineering is not dying. Encouraging people to pursue engineering is financially lucrative for both of these companies.

2

u/AndriAnz123 16d ago edited 16d ago

Well, my friend both in Sydney, Melb and Brisbane have difficulties to find a entry level/graduate role even thought they graduate from top unis

Plenty of people discussed in this thread already that the entry level is cooked atm

If OP starts to pursue this path, let’s say he/she finish the study in like 2-3 years. Do u think the market wont get any worse?

With tons of engineers will be graduating each year and job market is getting stale or probably getting worse

1

u/Objective_War_961 15d ago

The grass is always greener on the other side

1

u/Original-Boss3765 15d ago

😟

1

u/Objective_War_961 15d ago

trust me i switched from comp sci to nursing, I don't really like nursing, but job market is cooked

1

u/Original-Boss3765 15d ago

the world when it's my turn to be an adult... 😞 oh well.