A Book of Questions to Jumpstart Your Career Search– Interactive eBook and Paperback Now Available!

Looking for a career change or a new job, but don’t know where to start? Thinking about an encore career? AreBofKwith borders lg you stuck in a rut?

“A Book of Questions to Jumpstart Your Career Search” was written as a resource to help students, parents, educators, and anyone entering or re-entering the job workforce. This ultimate resource tool is like having a professional career counselor beside you every step of the way. It will make you think about questions that may be important to you in your career search such as:

  • How Do I Get Started?
  • What Do I Do Next?
  • Who Can Help Me?
  • Where Do I Look For Information?
  • What Kind of Training Do I Need?
  • What Questions Do I Ask Before Choosing a Major?
  • What if I Change My Mind About My Career Track?
  • Where Do I Find Reliable Online Resources?

This book of questions is meant to be fun and thought provoking. So, discover how you really feel about your interests, skills, talents, and goals in life. One question will lead to another. Available on Amazon and in the College Path Bookstore. Click here for free down­loads Read­ing Apps from Ama­zon for PC, Mac, iPad, and other devices for Kin­dle Ver­sion. Click here for free down­load Read­ing Apps from Barnes and Noble for PC, Mac, iPad and other devices for Nook Version. Continue to read customer reviews!

It’s Time to Think About Summer – What Is There To Do?

Every summer, high school students search for summer jobs or activities to fill their summer vacation. It is a time when students can also demonstrate to colleges that they have an interest in development outside the classroom.

Younger students may enjoy heading off to camps including theme-based camps. Campers are encouraged to learn about topics such as art, music, leadership, or special topics such the environment. They will engage in the learning experience through songs, skits, day trips, games, and other camp-wide activities.

High school students may be looking for a more fulfilling summer experience. Some may choose to attend a pre-college program that allows them to test the waters in an area of interest such as writing, technology, the arts, film, sports, science, travel, business, debate, and community service or activism. Volunteering at charitable organizations is a great way to match talents and interests.  Others may choose a study abroad program that immerses the participant in three-dimensional learning experience. Engaging in an internship can offer students the opportunity to gain more knowledge about possible college majors. Read more about what to do during summer break.

Happy Memorial Day!

The ultimate sacrifice – we thank you. God bless our military, their families, & our Nation. We remember & honor you.

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New Net Price Calculator!

This year each institution will have a Net Price Calculator on their website. The estimate provided by the calculator does not represent a final determination, or actual award of financial assistance, or a final net price; it is an estimate based on price of attendance and financial aid provided to students in a previous year. Price of attendance and financial aid availability often change year to year. The estimates shall not be binding on the Secretary of Education, the institution of higher education, or the State. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to be eligible for, and receive, an actual financial aid award that includes Federal grant, loan, or work-study assistance. For more information on applying for Federal student aid, go to http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/

What Military Options Are Available?

Every year thousands of young men and women make the choice to serve their country. They enjoy a military career by enlisting in one of the following branches: Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy, US Merchant Marine Academy, and National Guard. Some individuals will apply directly to a four year service academy such as U.S. Military Academy-West Point, New York; U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland; the Air Force Academy in Denver, Colorado; and the Coast Guard Academy in Groton, Connecticut. Completing your education at one of these programs will earn you a bachelor’s degree, commissioned reserve officer status, and a commitment to the military for a number of years. Another option is applying to a Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) scholarship program at a college. These are two, three, and four year scholarship programs which help you decide which direction you would like to pursue (ROTC College Profiles). You graduate with a degree and serve in the U.S. Military as a commissioned Officer.Your commitment for service will range from 2-5 years depending on the time your scholarship was in effect during your college education. Click here for more information.

Why Do I Need a Resume of Activities?

Involvement in extracurricular activities can make you stand out in the college application process. Are you a leader?  Have you achieved a noteworthy level of achievement?  How does the activity make you distinctly different from others with similar interest?

This same resume will also be helpful for teachers and counselors whom you may ask to write your letter of recommendation. So gather the following information:  name, address, professional email address, cell phone/home phone number, objective or summary, education, extracurricular activities, volunteer service, awards and certificates, skills/academic achievement, music /artistic achievements, references, and other information.

Think about your qualities: Time management; teamwork; goal-oriented; competitiveness; confidence; persistence/endurance, loyalty;  discipline; taking criticism; dealing with setbacks; leadership; and flexibility/adaptability.

I Need a Letter of Recommendation – How Do I Request One?

Colleges may require a letter of recommendation, or they may not. You will need to review what each school requires as part of the application. There are several people who may need to write on your behalf including your counselor and/or a teacher. Sometimes colleges will specify what they are looking for more specifically, like a letter from a teacher who taught you your junior year or one who taught you in a core course like English, math, science, history or foreign language. Review the following tips to help you get an effective letter of recommendation:

The letter should be from someone who knows you well.  He or she will need to be able to produce a well-written piece that will help the admissions office learn something new about you. Read more tips on how to request a letter of recommendation.

Internships for High School Students

Internships are a great way to get experience in a certain field of study.  So why intern in high school?

Work experience in a field of study you want to pursue in college can give you a jump up in the college application process.  It is a way to stand out in a crowd. An internship will also allow you to understand more details about your major of interest and help you to understand how organizations operate.

So, how do you find an internship? First identify your passion. Some companies offer formal internship opportunities to high school students in particular. Some pay, some are unpaid, and some you’ll pay for. Research companies in the industry that interests you.  Start by asking around at local business associations. Use CareerOneStop’s Employer Locator to help you identify companies in your local area. Next, talk to the Human Resource representative or manager to see if positions are available.  Check out local organizations like the newspapers, museums, and hospitals.  You may use your contacts on Facebook or Twitter to find openings in your specific area of interest. Try websites like Internships.com, Indeed.com. , or  Jobs.change.org. For more on how to apply, click here.