1. Unit 1 College & Career Planning
Principles of Health Science
Ms. Thieman
Spring 2014

2. Objectives
Recognize the impact of current decisions on future opportunities
Take the necessary steps to plan for post-secondary education
Explore the requirements for entering college
Understand the cost comparison of a college vs. a university
Identify the differences between the different levels of education (certificate, BA, MA, PhD, etc.)

3. Engage
Sam is bright young sophomore. He really wants to become a physician, but money is an issue for college. His high school counselor has encouraged him to start looking at different methods he can use to make his dreams come true.
Where could you go to find out more about college?

4. Career Planning Overview
Many high school students think career planning begins once they have entered college. On the contrary, it is a process that begins before high school.
Career planning is an ongoing process that allows you to rethink and reevaluate yourself and your career options as you have experiences, and as you grow and develop.
At the high school level, perhaps the best way of starting is to begin the process of self-exploration; which allows you to think about your:
Skills and abilities
Interests
Personal preferences
Training and education
Life experiences

5. Why should I career plan in High School?
During high school, get to know yourself.
Learn who you are & what you are good at.
Take lots of classes to learn subjects, strengths and interests.
Develop new skills through classes, clubs, activities, volunteer work, organizations, sports, etc.
Explore career options. Talk to counselors, teachers, parents, classmates, & friends. Research careers that interest you!
Part-time jobs &/or voluntary experiences allow you to try different career areas.

6. A little encouragement…

8. Keep your High School GPA High
Now is not the time to let your schoolwork get away from you. Stay on track with schoolwork and plan ahead for deadlines.
Spend more time studying the subjects that are the hardest for you.
Your performance in high school gives college admissions something to gauge your motivation are AND allows employers to assess what type of employee you'll make in the future. Plus, you will learn skills in school that will last you a lifetime.
Simply put… a good work ethic in school represents a good work ethic in life.

9. Explore some of the more interesting courses that your high school offers…
Once you identify some career areas that interest you, take a look at your high school curriculum to see what classes may help in your career decision-making.
Interested in journalism? Try a writing class.
Interested in medicine? Sign up for an anatomy or biology class.
Taking a class can re-affirm your interest in the field and build on your skills. If you find that the class is not for you, you still have time to change course and explore different career paths.
High school provides the perfect time to "sample" what's out there before you need to make a commitment.
Take classes now to help establish a direction for the future.

10. What kind of job do you want?
What do you want to do with your life after high school?
Would you like to work in a busy office, or prefer outdoors?
Do you like being around lots of people, or are you a loner?
Completing a Career Interest Inventory helps see what career best fits your personality & interests.
A good career choice "fits" your personality and interests.

11. Career Interest Inventory

12. Get experience.
Get an early start on career exploration by trying out an internship or job shadowing opportunity.
Internships and job shadowing are great ways to get some "real world" experience in a field that interests you.
These types of on-the-job training give you a small taste of what you may face day to day should you pursue full-time work in that field.
Plus, you'll have the opportunity to meet professionals who do what you hope to. Ask questions, find out the challenges they face, and learn from their experience.
Internships and job shadowing look terrific on a college or employment application.

13. Ask the employed adults you know about what they like and dislike about their job.
Many factors go into job satisfaction:
job location, daily stresses, colleagues.
Prioritize the top 10 things you want from your professional life & choose a career that you genuinely would like to do, not just something that will make you a lot of money.
The more informed you are, the more prepared you'll be when you start your career.

14. Talk to your parents/guardians about school & your future plans.
According to a recent study, less than 20% of students talk to their parents about their school day. After spending all day in the classroom, you may just be too tired to rehash it all again at home.
Parents have experience you don't and can help you look at situations more clearly, providing support to problem solve.
And if your parents will play a role in your college choice or contribute money toward your education, keeping them involved in your thought process will allow them to prepare emotionally and economically.
Parents are a great sounding board for important decisions. *Talk to your parents!!!

15. Assignment: Talk to your parents/guardians tonight!
“What I See in My Child”
Strengths Worksheet
*Homework

16. Other considerations…
Types of degrees:
Certificate- received upon completion of a trade or technical school, can range from a few months to a year
Associate’s- awarded from a 2-year community college
Bachelor’s- awarded from 4-year college or university
Master’s- awarded following 1-2 years of education after receiving a bachelor’s degree
Doctorate- awarded after an additional 2-4 years of education following a bachelor’s or master’s degree

17. Professional Credentials
Certification- may be given by an agency or a training program, indicates successful completion of a particular course.
Licensure- controlled by the state and is usually based on successful completion of an examination.
Registration- may be earned through the state or an agency, and is for individuals who have met a criterion of excellence or legal responsibility.
NOTE: It is illegal to practice without holding the proper credentials in the professions that are regulated. Regulations vary from state to state.
Accreditation- determines if a training program meets acceptable standards (usually by the health care occupation professional association)

18. Assignment: Reality Check www.texashotjobs.org
Any questions???
Assignment: Reality Check