College and Career Choices
 

Choosing a college is often difficult if you don’t have any idea of what you want to do with your life. If you aren’t sure what you want to major in when you take off toward college, then consider some of the following before you ask your parents to fork over the cash for school.

• What college or university seems to offer the majors you believe you will be interested in?
• What activities do you enjoy and does the school offer those activities?
• What is the student life like on campus?
• Do you know anyone who has attended the schools you are interested in attending and if so, do you think they would be interested in showing you around if they are still on campus?
• Make a list of pros and cons of the schools you would consider attending.
• Which school or university is the most expensive and which one is the least expensive?
• What do you want from your college education?
• Which schools do you like and is it in a city where you might remain after graduation?
• Which school is the closest to home?
• What do your parents think about your possible school choices?

Something to keep in mind when trying to decide on an appropriate college is the cost factor. If you are undecided on what you want your major to be then you might be doing your parents a great favor by attending a community college until you decide. Even though it’s highly advisable to choose where you want to go to college and stay there for the entire four years, if you are undecided on a major, you can usually get your core class requirements out of the way at a local community college. However, if you choose to do this, then you may want to contact the school where you will end up and ask about transferring so that you will be knowledgeable about the courses which will transfer to your intended college.

College is never an easy decision and if you aren’t sure what you want to do then try to be considerate of your parents and either pay your own way until you decide or choose a local college. Local community colleges are about 25% of the cost of larger colleges and private colleges and universities are too expensive to expect your parents to pay for if you don’t know what you want to be when you grow up. Part of growing up is learning to make up your mind and following through on intelligent decisions. If you aren’t able to do this yet then decide where you want to go to school until you are ready to make a mature and conscious decision about your future.

Universities and colleges also offer some excellent career planning services. Sometimes there might even be the opportunity of getting involved on a university project, such as a friend of mine who was given the chance to work on some software to monitor keys and master keys in the university campus.

If you aren’t certain what direction you need to pursue, then check out these options for planning your future. Also, make the time to ask questions and seek answers about chosen fields you are considering. You can also find career path guidelines and assistance online through the occupational handbook which can give you an idea of careers which college students are pursuing because of the upcoming anticipated demand. It is also a great way to compare salaries as well as offer other important information for college students planning their career.