What a silly question that is, you might say. Here’s my story and it has a happy ending. WHY GO? I went to college for the first time when I was about 40. I had just gotten divorced and felt the need to expand my horizons and my education. I got married right out of high school, and although I took college classes, I knew I wasn’t going to attend college. After 40, I knew if I wanted to jump…
Career Historically, people have chosen their professions to satisfy their own needs for financial security, esteem, or prestige. Many others choose professions to “make their parents proud.” However, what's most often overlooked and undervalued in a career choice is a sense of personal fulfillment. This level of self-actualization can only occur when one knows themselves intimately. Unfortunately, the average person does not reach this level of self-awareness until after they have already made their career decisions and sought out the…
Choosing a college major and finding the right college in which to pursue that major can feel overwhelming for both students and parents. Although starting school as an undecided major is an option, it often leads to more time in college and more money spent on a degree in the long run. Exploration, research, and visits are key college planning elements for moving from major distress to major decision. As such, it's best that students begin thinking about their post-college…
Your high school student likely has access to a wizard who can help them explore academic and career interests, prepare for college and assist with college planning. This wizard, who wears many hats, is also trained in mental health and can provide brief social-emotional counseling at school during any rough patches your student encounters. This wizard is a high school advisor (most commonly referred to as a high school counselor). If you and your teen don't know your high school…
If you haven’t identified your dream career, making any college decisions can feel daunting. In reality, most junior and seniors in high school don't have any idea what they want to pursue as a career. Even those that think they have an idea, are likely to change their minds. Exploring options and finding careers that fit your interest, personality, and abilities requires some strategy. So how do you find that right major...perfect job...dream career? Here’s a start: 4 steps to…
“What do you want to do when you grow up?” This is the age-old question many adults ask children as soon as they can talk and show interest in certain toys. This question tends to turn into “What are you going to major in?” when they get into high school. In my experience as a high school counselor, I’ve found that these questions (although well-intentioned) can be very daunting to students who are unsure of their career interests. They can…
Written by: Ray Giese, Director of Career Development Every young adult hopes to ultimately find their way to the corner of the "Happy & Wealthy" quadrant by choosing a career that will provide them with a lifetime of earnings and personal satisfaction. The prevailing thought is that every high school graduate must apply for and attend a college of their choice to help secure their chosen career path. Each year high school students and their parents engage in the mad…
Google career certificates are designed to provide students with skills, tools, expertise, and experience necessary for entry-level jobs. No prior knowledge, experience, or college education is necessary. » Looking for other online courses? Check out our resource page Coursera Google Career Certifications 1. Google IT Support Professional Certificate (Google) This certificate is designed as a starting point for a successful career in IT. Students will learn foundational IT skills through virtual lectures and quizzes, as well as hands-on labs. This online…
“Undecided” is one of the most popular major choices among college freshmen. As a high school counselor, I’ve heard widely varying opinions on whether this is a good thing or a bad thing. Some people say that every student should go into college undecided so they can explore their interests without pressure. Others say that undecided students should take classes at a community college before enrolling in a 4-year college or university in order to avoid wasting time and money. …
Computer science skills — like programming and information technology — are valuable additions to any resume. In today's technology and data-driven world, employers are always searching for candidates who possess practical computer science skills. These Coursera computer science courses, specializations and degree programs can help prepare recent graduates for the workforce or help mid-career professionals make a job pivot. » Looking for other online courses? Check out our resource page Coursera computer science courses Coursera courses are flexible and 100% online.…