3 answers
Kaylin
Student
Cypress, California
1
Question
Asked
663 views
What were some of the most differentiating factors between colleges and careers you chose?
I am currently in the process of college admissions and I'm conflicted on what college to apply for, the specifics, and how to determine the best fit.
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3 answers
Joe L.
Program Manager
88
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Joe’s Answer
Taking this as a two part question
1) How should I go about deciding on a career
Suggestions below
Picking the right career is a significant decision that requires thoughtful consideration. Here are some steps you can take to help you in the process:
Self-assessment: Begin by understanding yourself, your interests, values, skills, and personality traits. Reflect on what you enjoy doing, what motivates you, and what you excel at. Consider your strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. This self-awareness will provide a foundation for identifying careers that align with your attributes.
Explore your options: Research and explore different careers that spark your interest. Look into job descriptions, required qualifications, and the skills and education needed for those roles. Consider the potential growth prospects, work environment, and lifestyle associated with each career. Networking, informational interviews, and job shadowing can provide valuable insights from professionals already working in those fields.
Consider your passions: Passion can drive your motivation and satisfaction in a career. Determine what subjects or activities you are truly passionate about and see if there are career paths related to those interests. However, keep in mind that passion alone may not be sufficient for long-term career success, so it's important to balance it with realistic expectations and market demand.
Evaluate your skills and education: Assess your current skills and qualifications. Identify any gaps between your existing skill set and the requirements of your desired career. Determine if further education, training programs, or certifications are necessary to acquire the skills needed. Additionally, consider the feasibility of pursuing the required education or training in terms of time, cost, and resources.
Consider your values and lifestyle: Reflect on your personal values and the kind of lifestyle you desire. Some careers may align better with your values and offer the flexibility or work-life balance you seek. Consider factors such as salary expectations, geographic location, and the potential for advancement within the career path.
Experiment and gain experience: Whenever possible, gain hands-on experience or exposure to your potential career choices. This could involve internships, volunteering, part-time jobs, or freelancing in relevant fields. Practical experience will help you better understand the day-to-day realities of different careers and give you a clearer sense of whether they are a good fit for you.
Seek guidance and advice: Discuss your career aspirations with mentors, career counselors, or professionals in your desired fields. They can provide valuable insights, share their experiences, and offer guidance based on their expertise. Consider joining professional associations or online communities related to your areas of interest to connect with industry experts and peers.
Make an informed decision: After thoroughly exploring and considering the above factors, make an informed decision about your career path. Keep in mind that career decisions are not set in stone and can evolve over time. Be open to adapting and learning along the way.
Remember, choosing the right career is a process, and it's okay to make adjustments as you gain more clarity and experience. Trust yourself, be open to new opportunities, and embrace the journey of discovering a fulfilling career path.
2) How should I go about choosing the right college?
Suggestions below
Choosing the right college is a significant decision that can shape your educational experience and future opportunities. Here are some steps to help you in the process:
Determine your goals and priorities: Clarify your academic and personal goals. Consider what you want to study, the type of degree you are seeking, and any specific career aspirations. Identify your priorities, such as location, size of the college, campus culture, extracurricular activities, academic reputation, cost, and available financial aid.
Research and gather information: Explore different colleges and universities that align with your goals and priorities. Utilize online resources, college search websites, and college rankings to gather information about each institution. Look into the programs, majors, and courses offered, as well as the faculty, facilities, and support services available.
Visit campuses (if possible): Whenever possible, visit the campuses of the colleges you are considering. Campus visits provide an opportunity to experience the atmosphere, interact with students and faculty, and get a sense of the campus culture. Attend information sessions, take campus tours, sit in on classes, and explore the facilities. If in-person visits are not feasible, virtual tours and online resources can still provide valuable insights.
Consider academic fit: Assess the academic programs and majors offered by each college. Look into the faculty's expertise, research opportunities, internship programs, and alumni network. Consider if the curriculum matches your interests and aligns with your career goals. Additionally, evaluate the class sizes, academic support services, and overall academic rigor to determine if they meet your needs.
Evaluate campus culture and environment: Consider the overall atmosphere and campus culture of each college. Research student organizations, clubs, and activities that align with your interests. Evaluate the diversity of the student body, the social scene, and the overall environment to see if it aligns with your preferences and values.
Review financial considerations: Assess the cost of attending each college, including tuition, fees, room and board, and other expenses. Research the available scholarships, grants, and financial aid options offered by each institution. Consider the long-term financial implications of attending each college and determine if it is financially feasible for you and your family.
Seek advice and recommendations: Talk to counselors, teachers, mentors, and current college students or alumni to gain their perspectives and insights. They can provide valuable information about their own experiences and offer advice on the college selection process. Consider reaching out to college admissions officers with any specific questions or concerns.
Compare and make a decision: Compare the information you have gathered for each college, taking into account your goals, priorities, academic fit, campus culture, and financial considerations. Create a pros and cons list or use a spreadsheet to organize your thoughts. Ultimately, make a well-informed decision based on the factors that matter most to you.
Remember that choosing a college is a personal decision, and what works for someone else may not necessarily be the best fit for you. Trust your instincts, seek guidance from trusted individuals, and consider the information you have gathered to make a choice that aligns with your aspirations and values.
Hope this helps
1) How should I go about deciding on a career
Suggestions below
Picking the right career is a significant decision that requires thoughtful consideration. Here are some steps you can take to help you in the process:
Self-assessment: Begin by understanding yourself, your interests, values, skills, and personality traits. Reflect on what you enjoy doing, what motivates you, and what you excel at. Consider your strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. This self-awareness will provide a foundation for identifying careers that align with your attributes.
Explore your options: Research and explore different careers that spark your interest. Look into job descriptions, required qualifications, and the skills and education needed for those roles. Consider the potential growth prospects, work environment, and lifestyle associated with each career. Networking, informational interviews, and job shadowing can provide valuable insights from professionals already working in those fields.
Consider your passions: Passion can drive your motivation and satisfaction in a career. Determine what subjects or activities you are truly passionate about and see if there are career paths related to those interests. However, keep in mind that passion alone may not be sufficient for long-term career success, so it's important to balance it with realistic expectations and market demand.
Evaluate your skills and education: Assess your current skills and qualifications. Identify any gaps between your existing skill set and the requirements of your desired career. Determine if further education, training programs, or certifications are necessary to acquire the skills needed. Additionally, consider the feasibility of pursuing the required education or training in terms of time, cost, and resources.
Consider your values and lifestyle: Reflect on your personal values and the kind of lifestyle you desire. Some careers may align better with your values and offer the flexibility or work-life balance you seek. Consider factors such as salary expectations, geographic location, and the potential for advancement within the career path.
Experiment and gain experience: Whenever possible, gain hands-on experience or exposure to your potential career choices. This could involve internships, volunteering, part-time jobs, or freelancing in relevant fields. Practical experience will help you better understand the day-to-day realities of different careers and give you a clearer sense of whether they are a good fit for you.
Seek guidance and advice: Discuss your career aspirations with mentors, career counselors, or professionals in your desired fields. They can provide valuable insights, share their experiences, and offer guidance based on their expertise. Consider joining professional associations or online communities related to your areas of interest to connect with industry experts and peers.
Make an informed decision: After thoroughly exploring and considering the above factors, make an informed decision about your career path. Keep in mind that career decisions are not set in stone and can evolve over time. Be open to adapting and learning along the way.
Remember, choosing the right career is a process, and it's okay to make adjustments as you gain more clarity and experience. Trust yourself, be open to new opportunities, and embrace the journey of discovering a fulfilling career path.
2) How should I go about choosing the right college?
Suggestions below
Choosing the right college is a significant decision that can shape your educational experience and future opportunities. Here are some steps to help you in the process:
Determine your goals and priorities: Clarify your academic and personal goals. Consider what you want to study, the type of degree you are seeking, and any specific career aspirations. Identify your priorities, such as location, size of the college, campus culture, extracurricular activities, academic reputation, cost, and available financial aid.
Research and gather information: Explore different colleges and universities that align with your goals and priorities. Utilize online resources, college search websites, and college rankings to gather information about each institution. Look into the programs, majors, and courses offered, as well as the faculty, facilities, and support services available.
Visit campuses (if possible): Whenever possible, visit the campuses of the colleges you are considering. Campus visits provide an opportunity to experience the atmosphere, interact with students and faculty, and get a sense of the campus culture. Attend information sessions, take campus tours, sit in on classes, and explore the facilities. If in-person visits are not feasible, virtual tours and online resources can still provide valuable insights.
Consider academic fit: Assess the academic programs and majors offered by each college. Look into the faculty's expertise, research opportunities, internship programs, and alumni network. Consider if the curriculum matches your interests and aligns with your career goals. Additionally, evaluate the class sizes, academic support services, and overall academic rigor to determine if they meet your needs.
Evaluate campus culture and environment: Consider the overall atmosphere and campus culture of each college. Research student organizations, clubs, and activities that align with your interests. Evaluate the diversity of the student body, the social scene, and the overall environment to see if it aligns with your preferences and values.
Review financial considerations: Assess the cost of attending each college, including tuition, fees, room and board, and other expenses. Research the available scholarships, grants, and financial aid options offered by each institution. Consider the long-term financial implications of attending each college and determine if it is financially feasible for you and your family.
Seek advice and recommendations: Talk to counselors, teachers, mentors, and current college students or alumni to gain their perspectives and insights. They can provide valuable information about their own experiences and offer advice on the college selection process. Consider reaching out to college admissions officers with any specific questions or concerns.
Compare and make a decision: Compare the information you have gathered for each college, taking into account your goals, priorities, academic fit, campus culture, and financial considerations. Create a pros and cons list or use a spreadsheet to organize your thoughts. Ultimately, make a well-informed decision based on the factors that matter most to you.
Remember that choosing a college is a personal decision, and what works for someone else may not necessarily be the best fit for you. Trust your instincts, seek guidance from trusted individuals, and consider the information you have gathered to make a choice that aligns with your aspirations and values.
Hope this helps
Marshall Main
Director, Manager, Videographer
75
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Marshall’s Answer
Kaylin-
College is really about learning how to learn. You can make mistakes, try, learn, experiment and fail without destroying your career. Its practice, learning the basics, the foundation of what will be. Think of College as the job you have now: the job is to learn the job.
College offers a few things that tie to later in life:
You learn some independence (choice to go to class/ showing up for work). Choice of activity (what you do with your day). Choice of task completion (do your homework/ reports etc). College holds you hand, helps you learn to walk so to speak. You will continue to stumble in your first few years of a career as you learn to get better at what you do - its natural.
You lean how to work with others, both authority figures/Bosses (professors, boards, upperclassmen) and coworkers (classmates).
You learn the basics of your trade (names/terms, processes for problem solving, theories etc). You will practice things (maybe theoretical, maybe practical) in an environment where making a mistake is ok.
You job that you get after college in the real world will not be the same. It will be doing the work for real (not theoretical - so real data/problems). There will be real world consequences and risks (breaking something or losing the company money could cost you our job or worse).
You will also be more independent when you have a job. Once you leave school, things like bills, rent, feeding yourself, figuring it out because you have to survive become more real and part of dealing with work that didn't exist before.
For me personally, I treated school like work (School was the job). I worked hard to be successful (working odd job 30-40 hours a week while taking classes). I did my homework and attended all my classes ( iwas paying for it, so I was going to get my moneys worth).
The jobs I did after college were different. Since my line of work is creative, being a student you can kind of do what you want, go nuts, make garbage, its ok - its learning. In the real world, business run on money, so my work had to be stellar, exactly what the company/ client wanted and had to deliver successfully ontime and under budget. Learning can not be at the expense of the company/ client. My work was also built upon things I had tried in school that I knew didn't work, so I didn't make those types of mistakes when I started working. I of course made other smaller mistakes, but I did learn from them and didn't do them again.
Also, the real world is complex, much more so then the classroom. And that intentional, if you have to deal with everything when learning something new, its overwhelming and you can't learn or you even just give up. College taught me some basics or how to think in certain types of events which then when the world stuff hit me I was able to adapt because I was taught that.
College is really about learning how to learn. You can make mistakes, try, learn, experiment and fail without destroying your career. Its practice, learning the basics, the foundation of what will be. Think of College as the job you have now: the job is to learn the job.
College offers a few things that tie to later in life:
You learn some independence (choice to go to class/ showing up for work). Choice of activity (what you do with your day). Choice of task completion (do your homework/ reports etc). College holds you hand, helps you learn to walk so to speak. You will continue to stumble in your first few years of a career as you learn to get better at what you do - its natural.
You lean how to work with others, both authority figures/Bosses (professors, boards, upperclassmen) and coworkers (classmates).
You learn the basics of your trade (names/terms, processes for problem solving, theories etc). You will practice things (maybe theoretical, maybe practical) in an environment where making a mistake is ok.
You job that you get after college in the real world will not be the same. It will be doing the work for real (not theoretical - so real data/problems). There will be real world consequences and risks (breaking something or losing the company money could cost you our job or worse).
You will also be more independent when you have a job. Once you leave school, things like bills, rent, feeding yourself, figuring it out because you have to survive become more real and part of dealing with work that didn't exist before.
For me personally, I treated school like work (School was the job). I worked hard to be successful (working odd job 30-40 hours a week while taking classes). I did my homework and attended all my classes ( iwas paying for it, so I was going to get my moneys worth).
The jobs I did after college were different. Since my line of work is creative, being a student you can kind of do what you want, go nuts, make garbage, its ok - its learning. In the real world, business run on money, so my work had to be stellar, exactly what the company/ client wanted and had to deliver successfully ontime and under budget. Learning can not be at the expense of the company/ client. My work was also built upon things I had tried in school that I knew didn't work, so I didn't make those types of mistakes when I started working. I of course made other smaller mistakes, but I did learn from them and didn't do them again.
Also, the real world is complex, much more so then the classroom. And that intentional, if you have to deal with everything when learning something new, its overwhelming and you can't learn or you even just give up. College taught me some basics or how to think in certain types of events which then when the world stuff hit me I was able to adapt because I was taught that.
Chris Helvajian
Recruiter
8
Answers
Rancho Santa Margarita, California
Updated
Chris’s Answer
I'll answer your question with another question - what is something that's absolutely necessary for a school to have for you to consider it? You can pretty quickly define what colleges should be in your consideration set based on whether or not they satisfy those characteristics.
Size, location (rural, suburban, city), what state, majors offered, certain academic opportunities (like debate teams, or academic sororities) - these could be characteristics you sort by. But what else? What do you feel you absolutely need or have access to?
One other thing you can do is go on college tours if possible - it'll really help you understand the type of campus that suits you and how you feel on that campus.
Size, location (rural, suburban, city), what state, majors offered, certain academic opportunities (like debate teams, or academic sororities) - these could be characteristics you sort by. But what else? What do you feel you absolutely need or have access to?
One other thing you can do is go on college tours if possible - it'll really help you understand the type of campus that suits you and how you feel on that campus.