What if I make the wrong choice of track?

 This question is asked by almost everyone who is facing a decision about a master's program. Sound familiar?

 We're talking about how to choose your track without losing yourself in a flood of information and the expectations of others.

 Together with Alisa Plyaskina, a leading psychologist at the HSE University Center for Psychological Counseling, we've gathered key guidelines to help you rely on yourself when faced with this difficult choice.

• Find your "spark of interest." Feel alert. Ask yourself: what brings you joy? When do you and energetic?What holds your attention without any sense of compulsion?Interest will become your main support during  the toughest moments, when tasks feel routine or overwhelming.
• Separate what's yours from what isn't. Ask yourself an honest question: "Is this mine or not?"If it's not yours, then whose is it?Whose expectations are you currently fulfilling?Try to imagine: "What will I do with my life if I am the one responsible for it?"
• Check your values. Consider not only the outcome but alsothe process.Which of your values will you be able to live out during your studies?Will what you're spending your time on feel valuable to you? Pay attention to your thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations when answering this question.
• Imagine yourself in each track.How doyou feel?How willyour studiesconnect with who you are right now?Does this choice improve your present and future?What opportunities will open up for you during and after the program?
• Ask yourself: "Where am I needed?". Approach the choice not only from the perspective of personal gain, but also from the standpoint of contribution.Where can you-with your knowledge, skills, personal qualities, and values be useful and make an impact?
• Get to know the program you've chosen.Find out the opinions of current students:how is the learning process structured, what skills are developed,and what is the relationship with professors like?If possible, attend a class to gain your own experience.
• Look into the possibility of switching tracks.Find out in advance if you can transfer to another program if you realize at some point that you've made the wrong choice.This will reduce the fear of making a mistake and give you the freedom to try.
• Remember: you can change your choice.Not choosing is also a choice. Changing your mind and making a different choice is perfectly normal.A professional trajectory does not have to be fixed or final.