Post-secondary planning

or: “What the HECK am I going to do NOW!?!?”

Vidalia High School Senior Guidance

The fact is...• By 2010, more than 42

percent of job growth in the economy will require a vocational certificate, associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, or higher. -Bureau of Labor Statistics

…postsecondary education is

important!

The fact is...Eight of the ten fastest growing jobs from 2000 to 2010 require some form of postsecondary education, and this trend will continue. -Bureau of Labor Statistics

…postsecondary education is important!

The fact is…

21 of the 30 fastest growing jobs in the United States require some type of post-high school education.-U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. 2004.

…postsecondary education is important!

Did You Know?People who do not participate in post-high school training are three times more likely to be unemployed than people who have some post-high school training.

Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. 2004.

Career Exploration

3 steps to Career Planning

Who Am I?

Discover your interests, aptitudes and the things that are important to you and identify a career or career field in which you would like to work.

Know who you are

• Think• Write • Ask • Surf

Where Am I Going?

Discover your numerous options in the world of work and the relationship work has with education.

Career Exploration• GCIS: www.gcic.peachnet.edu (gcis530)• GAcollege411.org

• Ask

• Explore• Department of Labor: www.dol.state.ga.us

Examples of Careers that Require Formal On the Job Training

• Flight Attendants• Bank Tellers• Emergency Dispatchers• Mail Carriers• Warehouse and factory

Examples of Careers Requiring Diploma/Certificate Training

• Pharmacy Technicians• Practical Nurses• Welders• Computer Repairers• Cosmetologists• Medical Assistants

Examples of Careers Requiring an Associate Degree

• Office Managers• Dental Hygienists• Respiratory Therapists• Radiologic Technicians• Interior Designers• Forensic Science Technicians• Medical Assistants

Examples of Careers Requiring a Bachelor’s Degree

• Management• Computer Information Systems• Graphic Designers• Social Workers• Teachers• Financial Counselors• General Business

Examples of Careers Requiring Training Beyond a Bachelor’s Degree (Master’s, Doctorate)

• Architects• Lawyers• Physicians• University Professors• Psychologists• School Administrators• Dentists

How Am I Going To Get There?

Formulate a plan of action to reach your career goal.

Traditional Options after High School

• College (2 years, 4 years and beyond)

• Technical College• Work• Military• Apprentice Programs• Proprietary schools

Options for Post-High School Training

On the Job Training• Some careers require completion of a

formal, on the job training program. • You may have to pass an aptitude test, then

receive formal training provided by an employer.

Options for Post-High School Training

Military Training• The military trains people in 140

occupations. • Many military occupations involve skills

that can be useful in civilian jobs. • Service members receive basic pay,

allowances and benefits, include tuition assistance at colleges and universities.

Options for Post-High School Training

Technical Certificate/Diploma Training• Some programs at technical colleges

offer six-month to one and a half-year training that provides a certificate or diploma of completion to show that you are certified to do specialized work.

Options for Post-High School Training

Associate Degree Training• You can get a transfer degree at a two-year

college which will transfer to a four-year college or university; OR

• You can get a two-year associate degree that prepares you for a specific career at a technical college.

Options for Post-High School Training

Bachelor’s Degree Programs• Four-year degree programs are available

through state and private colleges and universities.

• Have a plan for what you want to study in college in order to increase the chances that this degree will be completed successfully.

What level of education do you need to reach your career goal?

Options after high school …educational exploration

How do I get where I want to go?

Make a dream, a goal. Formulate a plan of action to reach your goal. Set a timeline.

Writing a Goal

Who: IWhat: will apply/be enrolled/have housing/DO (at

such and such a place)When: by August 1, 2010How measured: because I will be attending class,

living there, etc. How I KNOW I have accomplished my goal.

College Planning

Did You Know?• Freshmen who enter college without a

career goal or academic major in mind have higher college dropout rates.

• If you have a solid plan for life after high school, your chances for success in college increase.

Source: Higher Earning=Higher Learning, Center on Education Policy, 2001.

Where Do I Find information on colleges?

• www.GAcollege411.org

• Visit a variety of schools (check the Admissions page

on their website to find Open House dates)

• Visit individual college websites on the Internet

• PROBE Fair—Monday Sept. 28

What’s the difference between colleges?

• University of Georgia (Research)• Georgia Southern University (Regional)• Armstrong Atlantic State University (Senior)• Fort Valley State University (HBCU) • Brewton-Parker College (Private)• East Georgia College (Two-year)• Southeastern Technical College (Technical)

NOTE: Board of Regents requirements for admissions to the state institutions vary by institutional level (www.GAcollege411.org)

Factors to ConsiderSchool size and class sizes

• At large universities, you may be in some classes that range from 25 to 100 students and beyond and distances between classes can be great.

• At small colleges (and two-year colleges) classes usually range from five to 50 students and distances are shorter.

Factors to Consider

LocationIs the college located in a rural

community, small town, or a city? This can be an important consideration

when it comes to housing, transportation and access to off-campus activities.

Admissions to Georgia Public

Colleges/Universities• H.S. Diploma• Curriculum• Minimum SAT/ACT scores• GPA requirements

Federal and State Financial Aid Programs

Grants provide financial assistance that does not have to be repaid. Examples of Federal and state grants include:• HOPE• Pell Grant• Supplemental Educational Opportunity

Grant

Federal and State Financial Aid Programs

Loans financed by the federal government are guaranteed and are designed to give you flexible repayment options. Examples include:• Federal Family Education Loan• William D. Ford Direct Student Loan• Perkins Loan

Federal Financial Aid Programs

Work-Study provides part-time jobs to students, either on or off their college campus.

ROTC pays students and pays for their college. Students have a service requirement after college.

Private Scholarships and Grants

• Organizations, foundations, businesses and other groups offer scholarships to academically promising students based on different factors (often SAT scores).

• Investigate possibilities by talking to the financial aid office at the college you wish to attend, and applying for local scholarships.

• VHS Financial Aid Workshop—Jan. 25

College Based Financial Aid

Nearly 19 percent of available aid comes from colleges. Contact the financial aid office of the college you wish to attend for more information.

Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance

and increases your chances for

SUCCESS!