Choosing a Career Path and a Major
Dragica Vasileska Professor Notes adopted from:
http://www.collegeview.com/careers/index.html
Objective
To find the right college for YOU!
Choosing a Career Path Researching for Colleges Considering a College
Choosing a Career Path . . .
1st Step
Choose a Career Path by taking a SelfAssessment Test
Write down some career goals Think about what interests you the most! Even ambitions such as finding a cure for cancer! Make your interest a prime part of your job or career!
Career Search
http://www.review.com/career/careerSearchResults.cfm
References for Self-assessment
Self-Assessment Test
http://www.collegeview.com/careers/index.html
Career Planning for High School Students
http://www.soicc.ca.gov
Choosing a career path
http://www.occareers.com
Researching for Colleges . . .
Know your options first . . .
What kind of college do you see yourself attending?
Liberal arts colleges Universities (public vs. private) Community or Junior Colleges Agricultural, Technical or Specialized Colleges Special Interests (demographics, single-sex, religious, etc.)
Understand Admission Factors
College Selectivity
Less selective – focus on meeting min requirements & an interest in college More selective – consider course work, grade, tests, recommendations & essay Very selective – carefully look at every aspect of a student’s high school record. From academics, to athletics to extra-curricular activities.
Online Resources
Search for colleges online
http://www.collegeboard.com
(College Board Website)
http://www.review.com/college
(Princeton Review)
http://www.collegeplan.org/cpnow/keys
(College Planning)
Considering a College
Curriculum Cost & Financial Aid Location Weather Housing
Size Religious Affiliation Support Programs Demographics Narrowing your options
Curriculum
Does the college offer a program in your field of interest? Reputation of the Program
Graduation & Retention Rates Quality of Professors College Academic reputation
Cost and Financial Aid
Do you have specific plans for financing your college? Are you willing to pay part of your way through college? Have you identified and started working with your high school’s scholarship advisor and your parents?
Location
Do you want to attend a college near home? Do you want to be in a familiar place?
Do you want to go to another section of the country? Do you want to go to a college in a city or rural environment?
Weather
Do you like to live in rural areas? Do you like the snow and cold weather? Do you like to be close to the beach? Do you like sunny weather?
Housing
Do you want to live in a dorm? Do you mind showering in front of a dozen people?
Would you live with a couple of roommates? How about 5 in a small apartment?
If it matters to you, FIND OUT!
Size of School
Do you want to go to a small, medium-size or large college? Large Colleges vs. Small Colleges
Religious Affiliation
Do you want to attend a college administered by a particular religious denomination?
Support Programs
Does the college which offers your major, offer support services or programs? Support Programs:
Academic Enrichment Programs Office for students with Disabilities Opportunities Abroad Intercollegiate athletics Student Health Services Student Financial Services
Demographics
Is the ethnic make-up of a school important to you and your education?
Last Steps – Narrowing Your Options
Request information on Programs, admission requirements, financial aid and any other info you are interested in finding out!
Interactive technology Internet & Virtual Tours Books Video tapes Campus Visits
Arrange Campus Visits
Some campuses offer free visits. Make sure your campus tour includes the following:
The department or college representing your area of study Student services including counseling center and academic advising Bookstore, food services (on and off campus), library & athletic complex (if you enjoy sports) If possible, ask to speak to a student who is finishing the same major you have chosen
Program Reputation
Ask the following questions:
Retention – How many students who enroll in your college or program actually complete a degree? Placement – How many graduates from your area of study actually receive job offers in their chosen career? Which companies recruit on campus?
Strategies
Talk with your parents, teachers and counselors, to help you decide. Discuss or list pros and cons of colleges you are considering with recent grads from the college or currently attending students
THE CHOICES . . .
It is generally recommended by college counselors that you apply to six higher Educational Institutions using the following criteria:
2 institutions where you are assured acceptance 2 institutions that there’s a fair probability that you’ll be accepted 2 institutions that your are marginally qualified for
Remember . . .
College searching needs a closer look to make sure you find the right one for YOU!
Choosing a Major
Planning Your Future
The Future Ain’t What it Used to Be!
Yogi Berra
The average American beginning a career will work in 10 or more jobs for 5 or more employers before retiring!
Workplace 2000: The Revolution Reshaping American Business
The real value of higher education is to prepare students for career possibilities they cannot yet imagine.
Why Plan your Career?
Your career affects 1/3 of your life = 10,000 days.
Your career generates up to $2,000,000 in lifetime earnings with BA/BS degree.
Your career affects your identity as a person.
Your career affects your physical & mental wellbeing.
How to Plan? Let Career Services help you!
Identify your Interests & Strengths
CAREER SERVICES
Implement your Career Plan
Investigate Occupations
Identify: Who are You
Career inventories and your past experiences identify:
Interests & Abilities
What am I good at? What do I like to do? What skills do I have? What skills do I need? How much education am I willing to complete?
Values & Needs
What would make a job satisfying to me? Which work environment fits me best? What is most important to me in a career?
Skills are Key to Careers!
http://online.onetcenter.org
Investigate Occupations:
Conduct Informational Interviews. Talk to people who do the jobs you’d like to do! Get hands-on experience through internships, part-time jobs & volunteer work. Research job trends & projections: Which jobs are growing/declining? What do they pay? Are there vacancies where I want to live?
America’s CareerInfoNet www.acinet.org
Hot Jobs in the US
America’s CareerInfoNet: www.acinet.org/acinet
to 2014
In US Network systems & data communications analysts Physician assistants Physical & occupational therapists Medical scientists Postsecondary teachers Hydrologists Biomedical engineers Employment, recruitment & placement specialists
Implement Your Plan:
Compare each career with what you know about yourself. Which major best prepares you? Would you enjoy doing this career every day? Does this career match your personality, needs, wants, abilities? What are the risks? Your chances for success? How to start your plan?
Use Career Services!
University Professionals can help you to:
Make your decision. Set goals to get where you want to go. Implement your plan. Evaluate your plan. Re-focus, if needed. Do it over again throughout your life!
Choosing a Major
Plan Your Future!
“If you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll probably end up somewhere else.”
David Campbell, PH.D