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SOME STEPS FOR PLANNING YOUR CAREER

Planning a career, especially while still in high school or just starting college, can seem like a huge undertaking. It's understandable that you don't want to make a mistake, but recognize that planning a career is full of trials and tribulations. If you consider your likes and dislikes up front, you can head in a direction and make adjustments in your career when the need arises. The way positions and careers are evolving, you may need to readjust, change direction, and re-evaluate the market.

1. Take a realistic look at your strengths, weaknesses, and interests. What can help you achieve your goals and what obstacles could get in your way? What types of work, school courses and activities appeal to you? What interests you? What do you do well now, and what skills have you gained through experience? What is your work ethic?
2. Explore all your options. It's hard to know what to do for a vocation when you aren't aware of all the possibilities. Here are just a few ways to find career information: Explore your career options using assessment inventories. Explore possible careers by talking to people who work in those fields. Spend time with people whose activities intrigue you. Volunteer or work in a job that interests you. Discuss your career and educational plans with your Career Counselor, School counselor, parents and other interested parties.
3. Reflect on issues that can influence your strategy and act on achieving your goals. What activities help you learn? What schools offer the preparation you require? What finances will you use for tuition? Can you get financial aid, a scholarship, or get assistance from your family? Will you have to work while you are going to school? How will you balance your work and going to school? Will you be able to manage family and relationship commitments?

Answering these questions are not always easy, but it will help you get on the right track.

Howard Chusid, M.S. Ed. is an experienced Career Counselor. He has the training and experience to give Career Assessments such as the Strong, MBTI, SDS and others. He is also a Registered Mental Health Intern and a member of the National Career Development Association, American Counseling Association and the American Psychological Association. Visit the website at www.professionalcareerstrategiesfl.com

Is a Four Year College the right choice or should I go to a Community College?

This same thought is being echoed all across the country at this time of year. High School seniors are making choices, school counselors are weighing the options, and parents are trying to figure out the right thing to do for their children. Does it make a difference? Will a Community College give my child a good education? Will they lose out by going to a Community College? Who can afford a Four Year College? My child is going to a Community College! As these battles are fought on paper, in school, and in the mind, the questions still loom, are Community Colleges good for my child or not?

Well, the answer appears to be a resounding, Yes! Community Colleges do play a pivotal role in the education of our children and many adults. A Community College can help start a career after only two years. They offer training in various vocations leading to productive career paths. Even if a vocational career is not on your agenda, the Community College is a great educational start to a four year institution.

Saving money on tuition: Tuition at Community Colleges is historically much less than at a four year degree institutions. Another important fact but sometimes forgotten is that you can work and go to school at the same time.
More personalized instruction: Community Colleges are known for a more individual educational approach. Professors may be more attuned than at the four year institution. Classes are functional: Classes may be more hands-on and practical, than theoretical in application.
Decision making may be easier at a Community College: The opportunities to explore careers and discover occupations are better detailed at a Community College. Discussions with people who actually work in the fields may prove exciting and spark an interest.

Finally, and not necessarily the last word, graduation from an accredited Community College is a viable educational path that prepares students for a vocational career or allows the transfer of the degree and credits to a four year institution for further, and more in depth study.