2 March 2015 archive

      For 29 years I have been encouraging college students to take full advantage of their college’s advising services. (Get your free gift below,) This includes professor mentoring, internships, and the Career Planning Services office. One does not have to look very far to learn that many college graduates are leaving college with student loans and few job prospects much less any related to their chosen major.

     Now, with the current challenges stemming from the global pandemic based on a virus strain of the common Coronavirus family from which over 99% of healthy humans are either immune or can recover with proper nutritional care provided by a true healthcare professional who understands the innate power of the human immune system.  Pandemics have regularly occurred over the years, remember this one?  In any case, it is all that more important that we plan how we will earn a living providing for our families and serving others in our communities where governments have temporarily restricted one’s movements by means of edicts and/or mandates.

Yes, on the surface it may not bode well for the current undergrad. However, there are steps that both the student and the college can take to brighten that outcome. I was very encouraged before colleges went to “remote learning” when I saw the attention given to sophomores at some colleges during the annual ritual of newly minted college freshmen saying goodbye to parents.  

     It is encouraging to see more and more colleges taking their role as advisors more proactively. For instance, look at Lafayette College’s website. They are not hesitating to open their books to prospective students with information as to what past graduates have been able to accomplish.

       If you are a recent graduate or parent, and considering doing something new, here are two resources I can confidently recommend. They can work with you wherever you call home. 🙂

      1. Kim Meninger, MBA, a very intuitive Executive Coach and Career Strategist. Take your first step here.

     2. Joanne Meehl Career Services offers terrific tips on her Blog and one on one counseling.

      If you are a college student, how much research into the advising and internship options have you done? If little, start to familiarize yourself with the career services office, even if you are a freshman. By the way, one student who took the matter of interning VERY seriously has turned her experience into a business. Meet Lauren Berger, the InternQueen.

      Once the freshman year has been successfully navigated and you know what is expected academically, it is now time to really get serious and think about why you are in college.

      The passing of Steve Jobs reminded me of his 2005 graduation talk to Stanford graduates. It is without a doubt, one of the finest commencement speeches ever delivered in history! Here is the life-changing message.  Think about what he said. For me, it was one of the most insightful and spiritually aware statements of purpose I have ever heard. Let me know what you think?

        Speaking of “insightful” if you have done your four (4) insightful self-assessments with us, do not forget they reveal within them a rich resource of career descriptions and academic concentrations that are matched up to your individual natural strengths and innate characteristics that will comprise your personality for your life on this planet we call Earth!

       It is literally at your fingertips for years to come. Take advantage of that. If you have not bookmarked the link, I will send you the link. In addition, if you have any questions regarding your choice of major, send me an email ~ help@SmartCollegePlanning.org

        Finally, all undergrads (or grads) that complete our undergraduate survey here by July 15, 2023  (in celebration of our 30th Anniversary) my gift to you will be the book The Secret to Getting a Job After College. (Or another one of your choice.) We look forward to hearing how you are doing now and what you plan to do going forward.