College and career game plan. Photo by Wendy David-Gaines
Emphasizing student goals during the college search process is the working backwards approach I described in my article, 2 opposite ways of nailing the college search. For those who are certain of their career plans or at least what they want to do first, this method to prioritize student objectives can help them find colleges that best prepare them for grad school or the work place.
When researching schools, concentrate on what they offer in and out of the classroom. Learning opportunities include formal in classroom and informal out of the classroom options. Consider academic majors and classes, mentorships, internships, service learning, study abroad, co-ops, club memberships, community service, research programs, and other work experiences. Also, think about what the schools emphasize and how their graduates fare.
As time passes during the college process, to stay focused on objectives, periodically measure choices against goals for a personal college and career game plan. It’s okay to revise goals but don’t forget to reassess college choices accordingly. The ultimate aim is to graduate on time to minimize college costs while gaining valuable knowledge to enter the job market and begin a self-supporting adult life.
Read Suzanne’s post: Consider a Career Focused College
Read more:
Answer this, then apply to college
What’s the right college for me, Mrs. Robinson?
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Wednesday’s child may be full of woe but Wednesday’s Parent can substitute action for anxiety. Each Wednesday Suzanne Shaffer and I will provide parent tips to get and keep your student on the college track. It’s never too late or too early to start!
Suzanne @SuzanneShaffer and I @pocsmom will host Twitter chat #CampusChat on Wednesday, October 28 at 9pm ET/6pm PT. Our guest this week is Lisa Nobel @Noblecareerguru a career coach for high school and college grads and former former marketing exec. Please join us with your questions and comments.
Wednesday’s Parent will give twice the info and double the blog posts on critical parenting issues by clicking on the link at the end of the article from www.pocsmom.com to http://www.parentscountdowntocollegecoach.com/ and vice versa.