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Balance

What are your expectations for your studies?

To personer snakker ved et vindue ved en lejlighed
As a student in a STEM programme, you are probably used to high demands from lecturers, your surroundings, and especially from yourself. But where do the expectations for your student life come from, you ask? Is it based on internal motivation or external pressure?

Table of contents

  • What does your background mean for your expectations?  
  • Internal vs. external motivation 
  • How to handle internal and external expectations in your studies
What is your ideal student life?
Background

What does your background mean for your expectations?

Expectations play a central role in how we navigate through life – for better or worse. As a student in a STEM programme, there is often pressure to perform at a high level, keep up with the latest technology, write perfect assignments, and on top of that, there may also be an expectation to achieve the highest grades. And expectations can come from many places, including one’s own home or background.

If you come from a family of engineers or academics, there may be inherent expectations that you will complete a university education, and you may wonder whether these are truly your own expectations or those of your parents.
Sanne Mattebjerg, former career advisor at IDA.

But it is often your own expectations that weigh the most, and if you have unrealistically high expectations of yourself, it can lead to constant stress and a feeling of never being good enough. Therefore, it is important to be aware of where your expectations come from. Is it a desire to challenge yourself and become more skilled, or do you feel that you must live up to the expectations of society, your parents, or your fellow students?

Considering taking a break from your studies?
Motivation

Internal versus external motivation

Expectations come in many forms, but you can divide them into two groups.

  1. Internal motivation
  2. External motivation

Internal motivation is about the desire to learn for its own sake, curiosity, and the wish for personal development. If this resonates with you, you likely feel a greater satisfaction with your studies and a sense of control over your own direction.

External motivation, on the other hand, stems from external factors – such as gaining recognition from others, prestige, or financial reward. Although external motivation can also drive you forward, it can lead to frustration if you constantly feel the need to live up to others’ expectations and pressures. You may end up feeling completely burnt out in your studies.

Expectations can feel like a straitjacket, preventing you from unfolding your potential. You might be afraid of failing if you have expectations of doing your very best in all subjects.
Sanne Mattebjerg, former career advisor at IDA.

Therefore, it is crucial to align your expectations with yourself about what you truly want to get out of your studies, both academically and socially. You cannot give 100% to both without burning out.

If you have a cup that is 100% filled with all the academic stuff, then there simply isn’t room for more. Your energy and capacity for the Friday bar are limited. If you’re okay with that, then it’s perfect. You just need to be aware that you can’t do it all.
Sanne Mattebjerg, former career advisor at IDA.
Why it is important to say no
Fact box

How to handle internal and external expectations in your studies

Husk at høje forventninger til dig selv ikke som udgangspunkt er en dårlig ting. Det viser, at du er ambitiøs og målrettet. Men husk også, at det er okay ikke altid at være perfekt. Høje forventninger kan være gode, men de skal ikke have lov til at knække dig. 

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