Planning for the Future

 Choose a major  Develop a good cover letter and resume.  Identify career services at your college and in your community.

 Demand will be high for college grads  The new market: ◦ Sophisticated technology developments ◦ Expanding globalization ◦ Shortage of skilled workers ◦ Worldwide shift in demographics

 Take your time  Research a variety of careers  Talk to your advisor and professors  Read trade publications from the field  Get a part-time job in the field  Shadow someone in the field  Take general education courses

 Four fields to explore: ◦ Medical professions ◦ Engineering ◦ Healthcare ◦ Education

 What was the first career you ever wanted?  Is this your major now? Why or why not?  Money aside, what would you do if you could do ANYTHING in the world?  Who is a person that has the job you want?  What is your purpose in life?

 Dream  Talk to an advisor  Use college electives  Visit the career center  Read and research  Shadow  Join pre-professional clubs  Get a part-time job  Get a practicum or internship

 ◦ User Name: Luzerne ◦ Password: lccc  Complete the Career Matchmaker section  Explore careers including the starting salaries

 Your network may include people from: ◦ High school and college ◦ Student government ◦ Clubs and professional interests ◦ Newspaper staff ◦ Sports teams ◦ Family connections ◦ Fraternities and sororities ◦ College committees ◦ Community organizations ◦ Volunteer work

 In today’s America: ◦ We spend 40% less time with our children ◦ We spend 163 more hours on the job per year ◦ 69% of us would like to slow down and live a more relaxed life

 Transferring to a four-year university  Entering the workforce  Re-entering the workforce

 Request a catalog from the 4-year institution  Apply early for financial aid  Ask about transfer scholarships  Request that transcripts be sent  Ask for recommendation letters  Note student activities and groups  Get started now

 Career values and goals  Career counseling  Résumés  Cover letters  Career fairs  Internships  Interviewing  Other considerations

 Ask someone who knows you well.  Ask someone who has seen you at your best.  Ask at least two weeks before due date.  Provide necessary materials, including addressed, stamped envelopes.  Provide information about your goals and accomplishments.  Refrain from asking to see the letter.

 Tailor the resume to the job you want.  Provide name, address, phone number, and professional address.  Include: ◦ Information about educational background and work experience. ◦ Extracurricular activities. ◦ Awards and accomplishments.  Provide references.  Make sure information is accurate.  Proofread.

 Research the company to ask questions.  Practice interviewing before going.  Dress professionally and pay attention to details.  Arrive early.  Listen carefully and pause before answering.  Maintain eye contact.  Highlight strengths and accomplishments.  Follow up with a thank-you note.

 Evaluate types of loans and grants  Make decisions about borrowing money  Construct and use a budget  Protect yourself from identity theft  Understand your credit score  Practice fiscal fitness

 Grants ◦ Money you don’t need to repay  Work study ◦ Money for work you do at the college that does not have to be repaid  Loans ◦ Borrowed money that you must repay with interest  Scholarships ◦ Money you don’t need to repay ◦ Often have specific qualifications

 Have financial need  Meet educational requirements  Be enrolled in a degree program  Be a U.S. citizen  Have a social security number  Make satisfactory academic progress

 Pay attention to deadlines  Read instructions carefully  Complete all of and proof your application  Submit required documentation  Never lie about your financial situation  Apply early  Meet with a Financial Aid Officer

 Look for information on private aid  Apply for aid along with admission  Try electronic filing  Keep copies of your annual tax returns  Complete the FAFSA  Apply for as many sources as possible

 Determine your monthly income  Identify your fixed expenses  Identify your variable expenses  Plan for savings ◦ Emergencies ◦ Retirement ◦ Big expenses (Vacations, new car, house)

 Fixed expenses ◦ Housing (rent or mortgage) ◦ Utilities (electricity/gas/oil, water, phone, cable) ◦ Car expenses (loan, insurance, saving for repairs) ◦ Student loan payments ◦ Child care ◦ Insurance payments/Medical bills

 Variable expenses ◦ Food (groceries, eating out) ◦ Entertainment (movies, concerts, books) ◦ Clothing & personal grooming ◦ Credit card payments  Pay more than the minimum!

 The worst kind of debt  76% of college students have credit cards  Average balance carried is $2,169  Students with high debt have lower GPAs  Students with high debt have higher dropout rates  How long will it take to pay off? ◦

 TRACK YOUR SPENDING ◦ Keep a notebook/computer file ◦ Record every penny you spend ◦ Identify your biggest areas of spending  Control impulse buying  Carpool, take public transportation, walk  Stop eating out  Use coupons and buy during sales  Live more simply

 Carry only I.D. and cards you need right now  Sign credit cards in ink (write Check ID on back)  Use only secure web sites for purchases  Do not write you PIN #, SS # or passwords down  Have a friend check your mail when you’re away  Destroy all carbon copies, including the carbon  Watch for “shoulder surfers” at ATM machine  Avoid using your Social Security #  Check your credit file periodically ◦

 Complete the Career Cruising activity  Complete the Monthly Income Worksheet and the Budget Plan