The Importance of Higher Education

Alyssa HogueJosh PalmerMatt FlakerMatt Beigel

Matt Pollock

Reasons to put off College:Unsure of what it is you want to do..

Unsure of how to pay for it..

May want to experience the ‘real-world’..

Any other ideas???

Benefits of Attending College Immediately after High School

Ever have trouble imagining where you’ll be in a year or two, much less 10, 20, 30 or 40 years down the road? Where do you expect to be, and what do you want out of life? Attending college immediately after high school lets you get a head

start on answering those important questions.College allows you to:

explore and broaden your interestspursue your goalsmeet lifelong friends define yourself in ways you can only imagine

nowWorried about how to cover the cost?

Financial aid is available to everyone with a desire for a college education. Scholarships, loans, grants and prepaid tuition programs are out there,

Scholarships! Apply, Apply, Apply!

Federal Aid is available, but reduce your debt and apply to as many scholarships as possible!

Get info from guidance counselor or online at: - www.fastweb.com

- www.scholarships.com - www.findtuition.com

The Payoff

Experts who have researched the performance and job success of college graduates have concluded that, nationwide, college graduates with a bachelor’s degree earn 74 percent more per year than those who only complete high school.

Which College to Attend?Ask yourself the following questions: - Big College vs. Small College? - Close to Home or Far Away?

- Is it Affordable? - Do I want to commute or live on campus?

- What kind of reputation does it have? - What events, activities, and groups do they have?

Determining the Right Career Path10 questions you should research and explore while making a

career path decision.(whether just starting or changing careers) What Do I Want to Be? What Do I Need to Become That? Are There Jobs and Money for That? Will I Have to Move to Those Jobs? What Do I Want in Life? Will My Career Give Me Those Things? Will My Career Cover Spouse Problems? Can My Career Move Into Another Career? Who Am I Really? Will My Career Make Me Happy?

Need help determining the right career for you?Undergrad Degree Pay Scale

What to Major InYour personality should match your

major/career

Take online career assessment test online at http://www.free-career-test.com/ This will further evaluate your personality

and interests and see what careers are best for you!

Research, Research, Research!After deciding major and college needs/wants compile a list of your top 10 colleges

Thoroughly research each college on their website, including requirements for admission

-certain GPA, ACT, or SAT score

Narrow you list down to the top 6 and then apply

After determining the right college for you………

Build your Resume!Join various on-campus activitiesLook for non-profit opportunitiesVolunteer at various organizationsMost importantly my advice:

Obtain an INTERNSHIP!

InternshipsGain Valuable Work Experience

Develop skills for future positionsLooks better when you go to look for a position

Have an Edge in the Job MarketTransition into a JobDecide if this is the Right Career for YouNetworking OpportunitiesApply Classroom KnowledgeGain ConfidenceMost colleges count internships for class credit---You can

get paid and you receive class credit!Many internships pay more

Do as many as possible over your college career!

Ways to find

Internships

Online Job Boards

Professors

Networking

What is ?Virtual Resumehttp://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssahogue

Business Intelligenc

e

Job

Experience

Professional References

Connect

with

company

recruiters

NETWORKI

NG

Free

Research

Articles

Follow

Companies

Career Examples

Major Related Groups and Organizations

Campus Life: Student OrgsClubs: Racquetball, Ultimate Frisbee, UAB

etc.

Fraternities and Sororities: Delta Zeta and Sig Ep

Student Government

Major Specific Groups: Accounting Club and Engineering Fraternity

Our AdviceCollege can be very exciting/overwhelming

Have fun, but stay focused! Never Give Up!

Attend all classes and don’t procrastinate.

Study, Study, Study!

Your paying for these classes so strive for an A!

Talk to a Guidance CounselorStill have questions and need advice?

SCHEDULE A MEETING WITH YOUR GUIDANCE COUNSELOR

He/she will be able to lead you in the right direction in planning for your future!

Questions?