Page 1 - Counselor’s Personal Note to Juniors & Seniors

Page 2 - Career Planning Quiz

Page 3 - Labor Force Predictions

Page 4 - Junior & Senior Year Calendar Checklist

Page 5 - Making Career Moves

Page 6 - Self-Assessment Questionnaire

Page 7 - Taking a Look at Yourself

Page 8 - Sample letter & phone script requesting school information

Page 9 - College catalogs - Selecting a major

Page 10 - Application Procedures

Page 11 - The Campus Visit

Page 12 - The Campus Interview

Page 13 - College Essay

Page 14 - Average annual costs - Requirements for MN colleges

Page 15 - College cost comparison

Page 16 - Loan repayment chart

Page 17 - Map - MN Campus Locations

Page 18 - Two year / Technical college program listings

Page 22 - 4 year college/university program listings

Page 24 - Military

Page 41 - Importance of high school

Page 42 - Do I need more education?

Page 43 - Entering the workforce

Page 44 - A winning resume

Page 45 - Reference Examples

Page 46 - Interviewing Do’s & Don’ts

Page 47 - How to handle employers questions

Page 48 - Sample questions for Job Shadowing Interview

Page 49 - Where to get help

Page 50 - Tips to take a standardized exam & test explanations

Page 51 - ACT Test Dates

Page 52 - Resources - Internet Career Web Sites

Page 53 - Web Site Scholarship Searches

Page 54 - Parent Information, Media & Counseling Department Resources

This Post Secondary Planning Guide is designed to answer some of the questions you may encounter in the next one or two years as you prepare for your life after high school. Answering the self-assessment questions, following the calendar checklist and filling in the technical and/or college choices on the comparison chart will make you better prepared for making your post high school decisions. In addition to those materials, you will find some information concerning potential careers and labor projections for the year 2000.

Throughout your Junior and Senior years, you will be meeting with the counselor often, both in class groups and individually. You will be given information concerning testing deadlines, scholarships, financial aid, career opportunities and post high planning. We hope that you, as students, keep these planning guides in your portfolio and bring them to the Counseling Office each time you set up a visit with the counselor. If you have questions and concerns, please stop by the Counseling Office.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Hunt

Don’t Be Afraid to Fail

You’ve failed many times, although you may not remember.

You fell down the first time you tried to walk.

You almost drowned the first time you tried to swim, didn’t you?

Did you hit the ball the first time you swung a bat?

Heavy hitters, the ones who hit the most home runs, also strike out a lot.

R.H. Macy failed 7 times before his store in New York caught on.

English novelist John Creasy got 753 rejection slips before he published 564 books.

Babe Ruth struck out 1,330 times, but he also hit 714 home runs.

Don’t worry about failure.

Worry about the chances you miss when you don’t even try.

by Brian McNeill

JUNIORS: 

____ Discuss/research career choices, Post Secondary Education Opportunities (PSEO) options. See counselor for catalogs, applications, financial aid information.

____ October -- take PSAT-NMSQT tests.

____ October -- attend Post High Planning Day.

____ December -- take ASVAB test.

____ Visit school campuses during Junior Day activities.

Research when these events will be held.

____ Spring -- preregister for the ACT in April/June. Do practice test.

____ Take (CAI) Career Interest Inventory, CAPP test.

____ Complete school comparison chart and narrow down choices.

____ Summer -- Visit schools in which you have the greatest interest.

SENIORS:

 ____ September -- Visit with recruiters.

____ September -- Check graduation standards and credits earned.

____ September -- Complete and mail scholarship applications according to deadlines.

____ October -- Attend Post High Planning Day.

____ Review catalogs and resources.

____ Observe deadlines for applications, financial aid forms, and scholarships.

____ Complete and mail applications for admission during first semester.

____ December/January -- Attend Financial Aid Information Night and receive FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

January 1 is earliest date to file for financial aid. (FAFSA)

Copy forms before mailing.

____ Receive Student Aid Report.

____ March - CAPP test. Vocational Entrance for MN West students.

____ Receive letters of acceptance.

____ Receive financial aid award letters.

____ May 1 -- Notify school of your choice.

Before you choose a career option that will be right for you, you should think about yourself. What are your goals, your likes and dislikes, your strengths and weaknesses? This list will get you started.

High School Grade Point Average _________ Class Rank _________

Test Scores:

PSAT -- Verbal _________ Math _________

ACT -- English _________ Math _________

Reading _________ Science Reasoning _________

ACT Composite _________

SAT -- Verbal _________ Math _________

CAI -- top 3 letter codes ______ ______ ______

ASVAB -- top 3 letter codes ______ ______ ______

SDS -- top 3 letter codes ______ ______ ______

**************************************************************************************

Classes I have enjoyed: ___________________________________________________

Jobs I have had: _________________________________________________________

Jobs I have enjoyed: _____________________________________________________

School, Community, and Church Activities: ____________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Offices and Special Activities: _______________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

New things I would like to try: _______________________________________________

My strengths: ___________________________________________________________

My weaknesses: ________________________________________________________

Asking yourself the following questions may help you with your search for post secondary options.

1. What am I looking for in a college or technical school...what criteria have I established that will help me narrow down my choices?

2. What areas of study would I like to explore in college or technical school, military, workforce; what talents, interests would I like to develop?

3. What can I do to explore potential colleges, technical schools or military options? (Consider recruiters that visit the high school, Post High Planning Day, Post Secondary Education Opportunities (PSEO), campus visits and reference materials)?

4. Do I need to take college entrance examinations such as the ACT or SAT? When should I take them?

5. What special talents or interests might make me a unique candidate to a college admissions committee?

6. How do I plan to finance my college or technical school education? How much will my family be able to contribute toward my college or technical school expense?

7. What special talents, interests, abilities, etc., might qualify me uniquely for financial aid?

(Sample Letter or Phone Script Requesting School Information)

Check with the counselor before calling or writing to a school; the desired information may be available in the Guidance Office already or the counselor may be able to telephone the institution or give you the phone number for your use.

Your Street Address

City, State, Zip Code

Date

Director of Admissions

Name of School

Street Address (if given)

City, State, Zip Code

Dear Director:

I am a student at Canby High School in Canby, Minnesota, and will graduate in June of 2002. I am interested in attending (name of post secondary school) beginning (month, 20__).

Would you please send me an application, a catalog, and any other information regarding your (area of interest) department (use the word "program" when writing to a technical school)? Please send me information regarding financial aid also.

Thank you for your assistance.

Sincerely,

(hand-written signature)

Your Name (typed)

Students: You may personalize this letter by using your own words. This sample is just to get you started. You may also use this letter as a phone script if you are calling the college instead of writing the college. Remember 800 telephone numbers are available from many schools.

1. Check the Guidance Office for guides that can assist you in locating post secondary programs that interest you. These reference books also contain a wealth of comparative information as well as addresses and phone numbers. The MCIS (Minnesota Career Information System) is another source of this information. MCIS is a computer program that matches programs of study you are interested in with schools that offer that program. It also provides a wealth of information on individual schools and specific careers.

2. Check the date to make sure the catalog is current. Programs are added and removed periodically. Tuition rates change nearly every year!

3. Do not attempt to read it cover to cover; use the index to find areas in which you are most interested.

4. Read carefully about admissions requirements to assure that you have taken or will take all courses and tests required for admission. (If you are a PSEO student, you will want to make sure you complete this step before applying).

5. Read graduation requirements to find out what you will be required to take before graduating from that college.

6. Study course descriptions for an explanation of the courses you want to take and compare departments in different colleges.

7. Scan the catalog to see if masters or doctoral level courses are offered. A department that offers a masters and/or doctoral level degree may be a stronger program.

An important consideration in choosing a specific college is to make certain that it has a program that fits your needs in terms of your future career. Choosing a location will probably be the most significant decision you will ever make. That is why a student should be sure that a college will provide him/her with the type of training and education needed to enter the field of his/her choice. DO NOT PANIC if you are uncertain or indecisive about your future career. For the most part, a college student does not have to designate a college major until the beginning of the sophomore year in college.

Students planning to attend a technical school do need to apply to specific programs. If you change your mind, it is possible to make changes in your program, although it may slow down your graduation time.

1. Where do I start?

        b. Check the admission requirements and deadlines. (Note: Some of the more "elite" schools have VERY early admission deadlines.)

        c. Obtain the application from your school counselor, a recruiter or by letter.

        d. When filling out the application, type or print very neatly. Make sure to answer secondary school input.

        e. In some cases, recommendations are a part of the application process.

        You may need to ask administrators, the counselor, teachers or community people, depending on the requirements of the school. BE SURE TO ALLOW SUFFICIENT TIME FOR PEOPLE WRITING RECOMMENDATIONS TO COMPLETE THEM. IT IS WISE TO GIVE ADVANCE NOTICE AS SOMETIMES THEY MAY HAVE TO WRITE SEVERAL RECOMMENDATIONS. Inform the person what they are to do with the completed recommendation. If they are to send it directly to the school, provide them with a stamped envelope.

        f. Thank all people in writing for doing recommendations.

2. How do I obtain an official transcript?

3. What about my test scores?

        b. An additional copy of your score report is received by the Guidance Office.

        c. Your ACT or SAT scores are also placed on your high school transcript.

        d. Official copies of your test scores may be sent to colleges with an "Additional Score Report Request Form" and the appropriate fee.

        e. When you take the ASVAB, CAI and SDS, your score report is received by the Guidance Office. Usually the student and counselor both receive a copy.

4. Other useful facts:

        b. The SAT test can be retaken; however, colleges will often use only the first or last score even though all scores are listed on the report form.

MN West requires students/parents (if under age 18) to request in writing a transcript to be sent to the school of your choice. There is no fee for this service at MN West.

Once you have made your list of post secondary possibilities, plan to visit several of the schools for more information. Here are some tips to make your visit(s) more effective.

1. Plan your visit in advance. Call or write ahead for an appointment with the Admissions Office and include information on your primary area of interest. The Guidance Office can assist you in arranging your visit. Some schools offer special Fridays that are scheduled for campus visits. You may want to avoid large events if you only have time for one visit. Some students report that they do not get specific information during those events.

2. Visit when school is in session. Late spring and fall are good visiting times. You may also be able to get a useful visit while summer school is in session.

3. Avoid "dropping in." That is a waste of your time and does not allow you to make a fair evaluation of the school.

4. Include your parent(s) in campus visits. Their comments and observations can be useful.

5. Be sure to examine the following areas:

            a. Surroundings and atmosphere. Does the campus seem peaceful or friendly? Is it active enough or too rushed? How does it feel to you?

                    I. Are the older buildings in good repair, and are there new buildings, too?

                    II. Are rooms in residence halls pleasant? Quiet enough for studying?

                    III. What’s the cafeteria like?

                    IV. Are the grounds well kept?

                    v. What’s the surrounding town or city like? Would I feel comfortable here?

            b. Libraries and other research facilities. Are stacks well stocked? Does the library staff seem helpful? Is there student access to facilities?

            c. Departments of interest. What opportunities exist in your intended field of study? What are the requirements? Are the facilities adequate?

            d. Student life. Visit residence halls, student union, eating places. Eat a meal on campus.

            e. Classes. Visit a class if possible. If you attend a class, ask yourself:

                      I. Are students interested in the material?

                     II. Is there time for questions and discussion? Do students participate?

                    III. Are students prepared for the class?

                    IV. Am I intellectually challenged by what is taking place in the class?

                    V. Is there good rapport between professors an students?

            f. Extracurricular activities. Look into fraternities, sororities, service clubs, organized sports, school paper and magazine, student government and social events.

If the college requires or recommends an interview, see if you can schedule it during your campus visit. As with any interview, be on time. If you know you’ll be delayed, call ahead.

In your interview, you’ll probably be asked about your background, interests, hobbies, goals and why you’re applying to the college. It’s natural to be a little nervous. Try to see it as a conversation in which you ask questions, too. If you do that, you’ll be more likely to relax an enjoy the experience.

Your interviewer may ask you about:

1. Scholastic standing: grades, class rank, entrance exam scores.

2. Coursework: why did you take each subject, what material was covered, how are you doing at present, and how did you benefit from your studies?

3. Extracurricular activities: special interests, sports, all non-academic activities may be discussed.

4. The personal you: do not let these questions surprise you. The interviewer is interested in finding out as much as possible about you. Be frank about your weak points as well as your strong ones. Answer all questions honestly and completely. The interviewer will know if you are bluffing or trying to make an impression.

Things you should talk about:

1. Your fields of interest: how do you like to spend your time when you are not in school? Discuss your hobbies and pass times.

2. Your plans and objectives: what do you want out of a college education, what would you like to be doing 20 years from now, do you plan to go on to graduate school?

3. Your reasons for interest in this school. Let your interviewer know that you are applying for specific reasons. Know what the school has to offer and how you might fit in at the school.

4. Your strengths (academic and/or non- academic) should be mentioned.

5. Your values and ideals: what things in life are important to you and what do you know about them, whom do you admire and why?

6. Your interviewer’s name needs to be obtained and recorded. After your visit, write him/her a thank you note.

Questions you could ask:

1. What is distinctive about the college?

2. Will I have easy access to computers? Where are computer labs located? 3. Will I have to pay extra for computer time?

4. What extracurricular activities are there on campus? What are the facilities like?

5. Are there new programs or facilities that will be available in the next couple of years?

6. What are the college’s recent graduates doing now?

7. Is it likely I’ll be admitted?

8. When might I hear word about my admission status?

THE LABOR FORCE OF THE YEAR 2000.

WHAT WILL IT OFFER YOU?

In only a few years, we will reach the year 2000 and forecasts about this new era abound. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that between 1994 and 2000 our economy will create 20 million new jobs. Not all occupations will share equally in the increased demand, however, and this chart shows the estimated growth for different fields.

MAKE YOUR CAREER MOVES STRATEGICALLY

Unless you were born under a lucky star, chances are that you’ll spend a large part of your life in the work force. If chosen well, your career path could be interesting, challenging, satisfying and rewarding. Unless you’re extremely lucky, that just won’t happen. You have to make your moves toward a career path carefully and strategically to make it happen! Here are some things to consider:

                                                    Working Preferences

To what degree do you like working with people, places, things, & ideas?

Do you prefer working alone or with others? Or a mix of both?

Do you like working with your hands, tools, machinery?

                                                   Preferred Lifestyle

Where would you like to live? In Minnesota or elsewhere? In a small town or in a big city?

Would it bother you if your job involved routinely being gone from home overnight?

What leisure activities would you need to fit around your job?

What types of personal possessions do you want to have?

What fringe benefits are important to you? (health or life insurance, vacation time, sick leave, etc.)

Do you want to marry? Have a family?

                                                Personal Worth

What things make you feel fulfilled?

Wealth? Independence? Serving others? Opportunity for creativity? Taking risks? Recognition from the public or peers?

                                                Skills

What skills do you already have?

What skills could you learn?

What skills are you the most interested in developing?

                                        Experiences

What work-related experience have you already gotten?

What areas would you like to get experience in?

One way to help yourself answer these questions is to think about past jobs or activities. Just because you don’t have a mile-long list of jobs doesn’t mean you haven’t had work- related experience! Don’t forget to include things like volunteer work, hobbies, leisure activities, clubs or organizations you belong to, etc. All those life experiences help you learn about yourself and how you’ll best fit into the world of work. Take a few minutes and jot down on a piece of paper all of your work experience.

Look at your list. Think about the reasons why you liked and disliked the things you did. Do you see any patterns? Are there similar reasons you liked or disliked different jobs or activities? Understanding why you didn’t like something is just as important in learning more about yourself as understanding why you did like something. Keep in mind the things you learn about yourself when considering and planning for a career - so you can make the best moves toward the future you want!!

What Will Your Costs Be?

Use this chart to estimate your expenses and to compare the amount of money you and your parents will actually have to pay for the schools you’ve selected, based on the aid packages they offer.

INTERVIEWING DOS AND DON’TS

DO practice interviewing with a friend or family member. You’ll be more polished for the real thing.

DO arrange your transportation in advance and allow extra time to arrive. If you’re late for an interview, the employer may think you’ll be late for work, too. That’s reason enough to turn you down. (P.S. Wearing a watch sends the right message.)

DON’T make a fashion statement. No one is going to reject you for looking too boring and normal.

DON’T bring your ride to the interview. If someone drops you off, have him or her wait in the parking lot, not the lobby. The company is hiring you, not your mother or buddy.

DO be prepared to break the ice with a neutral comment about the weather, the traffic, or the day’s news. If you’re nervous, it’s OK to admit it to the interviewer.

DO show your enthusiasm and interest, but don’t appear desperate for the job. That is a turnoff.

DO look the interviewer in the eye. Otherwise, you’ll appear untrustworthy or lacking in self confidence. This doesn’t include staring. And don’t slouch, yawn, chew gum, or otherwise show an attitude.

DO avoid one-word answers; remember, this is a conversation. Avoid slang and filler words such as "um," "like," and "you know."

DON’T disagree about anything. Even the smallest negative comment can sway an employer to decide against you.

DO answer the specific questions an employer asks. Otherwise, he or she will think you don’t listen and don’t follow directions well.

DO be ready with the information you’ll need, such as the phone numbers of previous employers.

DO find out when you’ll hear whether you got the job. Or say something like, "May I call you next week if I haven’t heard from you." When you call, remind the employer who you are: "Hello. This is Chris Jones. We met last week to talk about the cashier’s job."

MILITARY ENLISTMENT’S

Students may call the recruiter and enlist on their own or they may visit the Counseling Office for more information. ROTC Scholarship program deadline is December 1st.

                                                Personal Background:

1. When you were getting your post high school training, what did you think your career was going to be?

2. What was your undergraduate major/ program of study/ post-secondary training?

Preparation:

3. What credentials, educational degrees, licenses, etc. are required for entry into this kind of work?

4. What kinds of prior experience are essential in your career?

5. How did you prepare yourself for this work?

                                                    Present Job:

6. Describe how you spend your time during a typical work week.

7. What skills or talents are most important in this occupation?

8. What are the toughest challenges you face?

9. What do you find most rewarding about the work itself, aside from the salary, fringe benefits, travel, and etc.?

10. What would cause you to leave this kind of work?

                                                Prior Experiences:

11. Which of your past work experiences are relevant to what you do now?

12. Have any of your job changes been because of lifestyle preferences?

Please explain.

                                                Future Opportunities:

13. If things develop, as you’d like, what is the ideal career you see for yourself?

14. If your job were suddenly eliminated, what other kinds of work do you feel you could do?

15. How rapidly is your present career field growing? How would you describe your future prospects?

                                                Lifestyle:

16. What obligations do your work place on you outside of the ordinary work week? Do you enjoy these obligations? Yes or no?

17. How much flexibility do you have in terms of dress, hours of work, vacation schedule, place of residence?

                                            Other possible questions to ask:

1. What are the working conditions?

2. How many employees do you have?

3. What kind of personal qualities are necessary for me to be successful in this career?

TIPS FOR TAKING STANDARDIZED EXAMS

1. Get plenty of sleep the night before the test.

2. If you feel nervous before beginning, try to relax by taking a few deep breaths.

3. Maintain confidence in your abilities and plan to do your best. Your attitude can affect your performance.

4. Listen carefully to all instructions and ask questions if you hear something you don’t understand.

5. Focus your attention entirely on your work.

6. Position your answer sheet next to your test booklet so you can mark answers quickly and accurately.

7. Before answering each question, read it completely, as well as all the possible responses.

8. When you are unsure of an answer, choose the one you think is best and go on to the next question. Be sure to answer every question.

9. Pace yourself throughout the test by occasionally checking the time.

10. If you complete the test before your time is up, reread the questions and check your answers.

Sample tests for the ACT can be found by contacting www.act.org on the internet, or by picking up the PREPARING FOR THE ACT ASSESSMENT booklet found in the Counselor’s office.

ACT - College Entrance Exam - measures knowledge in English, mathematics, reading and science reasoning.

ASVAB - Interest and abilities test - also used as a military entrance exam.

CAI - Career Assessment Inventory - measures students’ career interests.

CAPP - Vocational entrance exam - measures knowledge in English, mathematics, and reading.

SDS - Self directed interest inventory search - measures student’s career interests.

1. The Occupational Outlook Handbook - http://www.stats.bls.gov/ocohome.htm

This site has good information about specifics in careers including detailed information, and who to contact for more information.

2. FutureScan - http://www.futurescan.com

FutureScan says it’s the "first interactive career guide for teenagers." It offers profiles of careers, which are added to frequently. Connects visitors with "guidance gurus."

3. The Career Planning Process - http://tgserv2.tgsic.org/adventr/planning/htm

This site includes a number of self-assessment tests - Helps discover your skills and interests and learn which well-paying jobs fit.

4. Youth Careers - http://www.labor.state.ny.us/youth/youth.htm

An intensive site that is geared toward teens. Includes detailed descriptions and salary ranges.

5. Kiersey Temperament Sorter - http://sunsite.unc.edu/jembin/mb.pl

This site includes a 70 question test, which reveals your personality type and describes which jobs are best suited to each type.

6. Kindomality - http://www.cmi.Imi.com/kingdomality.html

This site is more like a game that reveals your medieval vocation after answering 10 questions.

7. Futures’ Own Web Site - http://www.myfuture.com

Great articles on subjects including: creating a resume, making career decisions, Armed Forces career options. Most helpful.

8. Planning a career: A guided tour. - http://tgserv2.tgsic.org/adventur/planning.htm

Huge site, more for adult job seekers - offers excellent reference materials.

9. College sites - Use a search engine such as Yahoo! - http://www.yahoo.com

Type in the college of your choice or just the word college and watch the screen fill up.

10. ACT - www.act.org This site provides educational services to students and their parents, to high schools and colleges, and to professional associations and government agencies.

11. America’s Career Info Net - www.acinet.org This site contains occupational information that will assist you in your employment search and give you information on current job markets.

12. Mapping Your Future - www.mapping-your-future.org This site provides information to help you plan your career, select a school, and pay for your education.

13. Peterson’s Education Center - www.petersons.com This site offers information on educational opportunities at all levels from K-12 through graduate school.

14. SAT Preparation Guide - www.testprep.com This web site contains a free complete online SAT test-prep course.

15. School Counseling Resources - www.indep.K12.mo.us/wc/wmccane.html In addition to containing links to college information, profiles, and home pages, this site also offers information on financial aid and careers.

16. Minnesota Careers - http://www.des.state.mn.us.lmi.careers Offers an overview of careers and training.

17. Minnesota State Colleges and Universities - www.mnscu.edu - Offers information on all MNSCU.system schools. ***

1. www.nslp.org - a free scholarship search program

2. Student Loan Marketing Association - www.salliemae.com - provides information to help families learn about planning and paying for college.

3. Scholarship search program - www.cashe.com

4. Financial Information Page - www.finaid.org/ - Contains access to an online searchable database of more than 180,000 private sector scholarships, grants and loans; advice on identifying scholarship scams; electronic calculators, including those for computing expected family contributions, loan repayments, and savings.

5. US Dept of Education, office of Post Secondary Education-www.ed.gov/offices/OPE/index.html

6. College Board - www.collegeboard.org - national organization providing useful background info about student financial aid for students.

7. EAC Home Page - www.eac-easci.org - This site contains financial aid and other information for students, parents, counselor’s, financial aid officers, and lenders. It w .

10. EXPAN - www.collegeboard.org/fundfinder/bin/funfind01.pl - This free scholarship search site allows you to search on-line for scholarships for which you may be eligible.

11. FAFSA Express - www.edgov/offices/OPE/espress.html - FAFSA Express is a software program that can be downloaded. It transmits an electronic Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to the U.S. Dept. of Education.

12. FAFSA on the Web - www.fafsa.ed.gov - This site allows you to complete the FAFSA and submit it for processing on-line.

13. Financial Aid for Students - www.ed.gov/offices/OPE/students - This site contains information about financial aid programs. It includes the Student Guide, Guide to Defaulted Loans, FAFSA on the Web, Title IV School Code List, and much more.

14. Fast Web - www.fastweb.com - This free scholarship search allows you to search on-line for scholarships for which you may be eligible.

15. Financial Aid Information Page - www.finaid.org - This site contains an Estimated Family Contribution Estimator, a college cost projector, and educational Savings Plan Designer, scholarship information, and much more.

16. MACH 25 - finaid.org/finaid/mach25.html - This free scholarship search site allows you to search on-line for scholarships for which you may be eligible.

17. SRN Espress - www.rams.com/srn/search.htm - This free scholarship search site allows you to search on-line for scholarships for which you may be eligible.

18. Student Guide - www.ed.gov/prog_info/SFA/StudentGuide - This site was developed by the U.S. Department of Education and explains the types of financial aid that are available.

19. Timely Information for Parents (TIPS) - finaid.org/nasfaa/tips/index.html - The TIPS site provides timely and accurate information on financing the cost of higher education and attaining higher education goals.

1. MN Dept. of Children, Families & Learning - http://children.state.mn.us - This site has information about the state’s graduation standards and links to the Minnesota Career Information System.

2. National Parent Information Network (NPIN) - http://ericps.ed.uiuc.edu/npin/npinhome.html - Provides information for parents and those who work with parents, including numerous articles and resources, and links to other related Internet sites.

3. Children, Youth, and Family Consortium - http://www.cyfc.umn.edu - This University of Minnesota site is an electronic clearinghouse of information for families.

4. National PTA - http://www.pta.org - Offers a variety of information on family involvement in children’s learning.

5. Minnesota Careers by MN Dept. of Economic Security - Overview of careers and training.

http://www.des.state.mn.us.lmi.careers - *******

1. Handbook of Job Facts / Compiled by James M. Murphy - (Ref. 331.2 Mu)

2. Chronicle Guidance Occupational Library Guide / Blue Binder (Ref. 331.7)

3. College Blue Book (Ref. 378.025)

4. Occupational Outlook Handbook / U.S. Dept. of Labor (Ref. 331.4 Oc)

5. Young Person’s Occupational Outlook Handbook (Ref. 331.7 Yo)

6. Career Connections (Ref. VC 331.7 AAL)

7. Time of Discovering (Ref. SC Fe)

8. Jobs for the 21st. Century (Ref. VC 331.1 Jo)

9. World of Work (Ref. AC 331.1 Wo)

1. MCIS - (Minnesota Career Information System) - updated yearly - information on schools both in Minnesota and Nationwide. Also, military, job search, interviews, school sorts, career interest test.

1. Peterson’s Guide to 4 year schools.

2. Peterson’s Guide to 2 year schools.

3. Various interest inventories, ACT, SAT test packets.

4. Financial Aid materials.

5. College, university, vocational school, and military catalogs.

6. Student computer with MCIS and Internet access.

1. All computers in the IBM lab located on third floor have MCIS installed on the At Ease menu.

WHERE TO GET HELP

Network, and make friends,and acquaintances.

 Get to knowpeople in the business.

Perhaps you can work together with friends.

It will pay off in the long run.

TEN WAYS TO GET FIRED

1. Be late.

2. Don’t phone in when absent.

3. Be rude to clients.

4. Take it easy on the job.

5. Ignore your manager’s wishes.

6. Break company rules.

7. Be unsafe.

8. Do sloppy work.

9. Be undependable.

10. Refuse to learn new skills.

TEN WAYS TO GET PROMOTED

1. Be honest.

2. Have a good attitude, be motivated.

3. Be flexible; adapt to change.

4. Learn how to plan and organize.

5. Set personal and career goals.

6. Be a team player.

7. Develop leadership qualities.

8. Accept constructive criticism.

9. Express yourself clearly.

10. Be a self-starter. WHY HIGH SCHOOL IS IMPORTANT

"What good is the quadratic equation in real life!?!?"

TEN MOST WANTED:

SKILLS EMPLOYERS WANT

1. analytical thinking

2. organizing

3. writing

4. math and science

5. technology skills

6. researching

7. speaking

8. human relations

9. applying ethics

10. goal setting

Stay in school

HERE’S THE PICTURE:

You’re looking forward to

graduation. You can’t wait--

freedom is just around the corner.

You’re humming:

"no more pencils, no more books..."

but wait. hold it. stop. it’s not

over. in fact, it just beginning.

we all need more education. some

is formal, some isn’t.

but we will never stop learning.

ever.

Education Does Pay!!

Estimated Lifetime Earnings

HS dropout $ 608,810

HS grad $ 820,870

Some college $ 992,890

Associate degree $1,062,130

Bachelor’s degree $1,420,850

Master’s degree $1,618,970

Doctorate degree $2,142,440

Professional degree $3,012,530

Everyone does

The short answer is yes. We are all life-long

learners.

Very simply, education increases your options.

The more you get, the more choices you have. In

a job market that is always changing, flexibility is

very valuable.

What kind of education do I need?

The answer to this question depends on you.

What kind of career do you want? Some careers

will require a formal college or university.

Use your jobs to test drive a career.

How can I pay for my education?

Education can be expensive. But believe this: you

can afford it - somehow.

How much have you saved, and how much can

you earn with a part-time job? Can your parents

help you out?

Then check out grants and scholarships. You

probably fit the criteria for someone’s financial aid.

Your guidance department and college financial

aid office also have information.

ENTERING THE WORKFORCE

You’ve probably seen more than a few:

students who have graduated from college

but just can’t seen to find a job.

It’s never easy, but there are a number of

things you can do to meet this challenge

successfully.

THE KEY

Start at the beginning.

Try to create a smooth progression of

experience and responsibility from

job to job.

TWELVE WAYS TO GET THE JOB

1. get good grades

2. set clear goals

3. show interest in the company

4. have realistic wage expectations

5. demonstrate maturity

6. prepare for the interview

7. be positive

8. be enthusiastic

9. express yourself clearly

10. be well-groomed

11. join extra-curricular activities

12. be willing to relocate Key step: part-time and summer work

   Be aware; part-time jobs are not just part-time

jobs!! Most people view them only as ways to

earn money.

But if you can land a job that in some way relates

to your career interests, you are starting to build

your resume. And as you know, there’s nothing

an employer wants more than experience.

Build connections between school

and work

Education and experience can sometimes be

connected. Examples:

* apprenticeship programs

* work-study programs

* internships

* job-shadowing

* service learning

* volunteer work

These will tell you more about a career and

increase your chances of getting a job. Some of

them even pay you to learn. Talk to your school

counselor about options.

Finding the job

This is the last and most challenging part of going

from school to work.

Increase your odds of finding the right job

opportunities:

1. tell friends and family you are looking for work

2. check employment offices often (public and

private)

3. let people in careers you want know you’re

looking for work; 

4. network to find job openings

5. check trade publications for information,

openings

6.check newspapers for want ads

7. be positive

8. be enthusiastic

9. express yourself clearly

10. be well-groomed

11. join extra-curricular activities

12. be willing to relocate Key step: part-time and summer work