College Career Planning

There are really two major pieces to the process of college career planning. The first part is more an individual assessment and self-study, while the second piece brings in more formal programs and career planning systems from private companies and universities.

One of the things that young folks can do to get started is take some sort of assessment test that can help identify personal interests, values and skills. One key element in the college career planning process is determining just who the person is and what personality traits fit with which college and career paths.

While engaging in this more personal part of the process, the individual, along with friends and family, should begin to look at certain colleges by location, cost and so on. During this time, students and teachers can help clarify which majors are strong at the school and how those majors may lead into careers in the working world. This is also the time to put together a resume, list of activities, interests etc. to use as a personal portfolio. Using the Internet is a great idea, and one that has grown in popularity over the past couple of decades. The Internet offers a lot of resources for those involved in college career planning.

Then comes a second part of the process, in which the individual determines which college/career path will allow use of the skills, abilities, interests and values that are strongest. The amount of information uncovered in college career planning can overwhelm the first-time searcher. But with a focus on certain questions and areas of interest, the search can become a bit easier.

Helping to narrow the choices and focus attention are some excellent formal programs offered by both private companies and universities. Young job seekers often make use of a formal system to assist with college career planning. These systems range from skill assessment and interest testing to personality analysis and education searches.

A university may also offer its own college career planning program. The university plans may have extensive information and assessment material designed for those choosing a college-to-career path. These can be an excellent activity for recent high school graduates and community college graduates. Some of these systems that can be shipped to the individual for use at home. Other companies offer their program as a Web-based, interactive system. Most, if not all, have one goal – helping the applicant or job seeker find a rewarding position as part of a continuous college career planning effort.