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How can I get into a college that provides my career options for my future?
I think I can do this by getting involved in clubs as soon as possible so I am exposed to this. Another way I can do this is to research different schools that provide these options.
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Craig’s Answer
You have the right idea. But here's the thing I learned after graduating college that I wish I understood at the beginning:
It isn't necessarily the school you go to, but what you do while you are there that will make you stand out after graduating. So don't feel too down if you don't get into your first choice (or second, third, etc.). Enjoy the experience, and take in all that you can. Ask the faculty a lot of questions about post-graduate stuff! Get them to talk about their own research and scholarship. You never know what opportunity they may throw at you.
A larger school (like a state college or University) likely will offer more options for changing or customizing your major and have wider choice of clubs, organization, and activities.
The one thing to consider is if you want to do a specific profession after graduating. If you want to go to something like medical school, dental, or law school (to name a few examples), the prestige of the college or university could be a factor in getting accepted into these professional schools. A little research on the success rates of post-college placement could be informative (try calling the school's career center. or admission center. The school may have specific organizations dedicated to such aspirations).
It isn't necessarily the school you go to, but what you do while you are there that will make you stand out after graduating. So don't feel too down if you don't get into your first choice (or second, third, etc.). Enjoy the experience, and take in all that you can. Ask the faculty a lot of questions about post-graduate stuff! Get them to talk about their own research and scholarship. You never know what opportunity they may throw at you.
A larger school (like a state college or University) likely will offer more options for changing or customizing your major and have wider choice of clubs, organization, and activities.
The one thing to consider is if you want to do a specific profession after graduating. If you want to go to something like medical school, dental, or law school (to name a few examples), the prestige of the college or university could be a factor in getting accepted into these professional schools. A little research on the success rates of post-college placement could be informative (try calling the school's career center. or admission center. The school may have specific organizations dedicated to such aspirations).
Updated
Derek’s Answer
Hey Jim - I have to agree with Robert and Craig that it's not always about the school since most of them today offer career pathing and networking programs that will benefit you overall. From my experience it's critical to get involved with the networking program or other clubs to find the career path you want. From those functions try to find a person that may be able to take you on as an apprentice to get real life experience. In my HR career I find that 9 out of 10 times the Hiring Manager will take the person with more job experience verses someone with a brand new fancy degree. What I would look for is below;
1) Flexibility of class scheduling - this is critical because you'll be able to work around a job, apprenticeship and your clubs.
2) Degree - Make sure your degree is focused and has real life experience. For example, for a marketing class I took we worked with a real life company on doing market research to create an Advertisement that was ultimately used by the company.
3) Size of the school - when you look at networking groups your chances of meeting more people is dependent on the size of your school. A 2,000 person school will have less connections then one with 40,000 students.
1) Flexibility of class scheduling - this is critical because you'll be able to work around a job, apprenticeship and your clubs.
2) Degree - Make sure your degree is focused and has real life experience. For example, for a marketing class I took we worked with a real life company on doing market research to create an Advertisement that was ultimately used by the company.
3) Size of the school - when you look at networking groups your chances of meeting more people is dependent on the size of your school. A 2,000 person school will have less connections then one with 40,000 students.
Updated
Chirayu’s Answer
Hi Jim, you're on the right track! Here are some other steps you can take to increase your chances of getting into a college that aligns with your career goals:
-Maintaining a strong GPA and taking challenging classes can show colleges that you are a motivated and capable student.
-Get involved in relevant extracurricular activities by participating in clubs, volunteer work, or internships related to your desired career can demonstrate your interest and experience in the field.
-Network and attend college fairs, informational interviews, and other events to learn more about different colleges and connect with alumni or professionals in your desired field.
-Research each college's academic programs, resources, and opportunities related to your desired career, such as internships, research projects, or career services.
-Write a compelling personal statement in your college application, highlight why you are a good fit for the college and how attending will help you achieve your future goals.
Remember, getting into a college that aligns with your career goals is just the first step. It's also important to make the most of your college experience and take advantage of the resources and opportunities available to you.
-Maintaining a strong GPA and taking challenging classes can show colleges that you are a motivated and capable student.
-Get involved in relevant extracurricular activities by participating in clubs, volunteer work, or internships related to your desired career can demonstrate your interest and experience in the field.
-Network and attend college fairs, informational interviews, and other events to learn more about different colleges and connect with alumni or professionals in your desired field.
-Research each college's academic programs, resources, and opportunities related to your desired career, such as internships, research projects, or career services.
-Write a compelling personal statement in your college application, highlight why you are a good fit for the college and how attending will help you achieve your future goals.
Remember, getting into a college that aligns with your career goals is just the first step. It's also important to make the most of your college experience and take advantage of the resources and opportunities available to you.
Updated
Robert’s Answer
When you are looking at college and degrees, look for flexibility. My undergrad was very specific and hard to explain to folks what I could do. My graduate was more general to understand and helped me get my foot in the door easier.
Absolutely get involved. Try clubs and intramurals. Knowing what other people are doing and what they are experiencing always helped me.
Talk through everything and anything you can think of with the schools. They are good at answering common questions. Ask them things about the town they are in or experiences and they will be more candid in my experience.
Good luck!
Absolutely get involved. Try clubs and intramurals. Knowing what other people are doing and what they are experiencing always helped me.
Talk through everything and anything you can think of with the schools. They are good at answering common questions. Ask them things about the town they are in or experiences and they will be more candid in my experience.
Good luck!
Updated
Felicia’s Answer
Most colleges and universities have career path options available to you. I would suggest finding out if your desired career offers internships or clinicals included in your degree plan. I did my last year of clinicals at different hospitals and the experience not only provided me with real life work experience but served as a tool to help me decide the best way to continue my career path. It also put me directly in place with potential employers.