Step One in Post Secondary School Planning 0

Contrary to what you may have been told, the purpose of college is not necessarily “to get a good job”. Though that is the most common answer I get from a student when I ask this question, it is not often the outcome. But the odds can be increased if certain steps are taken before the student enrolls in college, trade school, or neither one.

Through a series of conversations and four (4) insightful self-assessments, we show students and parents how to identify what a “good job” is for them. Clearly, what a “good job” is for one person is an awful job for another.  If college is indeed the next step after high school, then how does one’s future academic concentration (or major) prepare one for that good job? In fact, during the global economic shutdown due to the latest virus concern, this step is an ideal time to focus on this step for high school and college students if they have not yet done so.

History tells us that the average student changes majors more than twice during the college years. How does one narrow the myriad of choices down to one…or two?

Many colleges in order to compete for students are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of providing the kind of academic and career advising that is more matched to the individual student. They realize that with the cost of college not getting any cheaper if they are to stay in business the curriculum needs to be more relevant than ever before.

Most parents plan for their children to follow a four-year course of study. Changing majors and spending more time in school will quickly drain college savings and contribute to the debt. That is why we recommend all students take some time to do some serious self-reflection while they are still in high school.

“Yea, right!” I hear you say. “To get my teenager to sit down do some “self-reflection” is like telling our Shih Tzu puppy to sit still when someone comes to the door.”

Yes, it is a challenge; but one worth taking on. For more information on how to identify not only appropriate colleges, academic concentrations but career options as well, give us a call or email. (978) 820-1295 …help@SmartCollegePlanning.org