Will my daughter find a job in her field after graduation?

Note:  This is the second in a 4-Part Series about "Face Down Your Top Four College Fears & Help Your Student Succeed!"

This question requires a bit of a crystal ball and depends on a number of factors.

A primary factor is how diligently did your student look for a job both while in college and after graduation? Getting your résumé read can be challenging and dependent on factors out of the control of the applicant. But your student can enhance her chances of getting that all-important interview by:

• Seeking out and taking advantage of internship opportunities

during her college years

• Finding chances to shadow someone in the career she is seeking

• Doing informational interviews with professionals in her desired field

• Taking advantage of the college career center to keep her résumé up to date and ensure it contains the elements that will attract prospective employers

Some colleges require students to present an up-to-date résumé to professors at the beginning of every course they take. This forces students to learn the constructs of a résumé, to go through it with a career professional and
to keep it current by adding each honor, job and enhanced skill as these are acquired. If your student has not done this, feel free to call us for help.

Watch for Red Flags Along the Way

What if you don’t see your daughter progressing toward a career while she is in high school and college? First, try to determine what is keeping her from doing the things she needs to do to become independent and employable.

And try to avoid some of the well-meaning roadblocks I see parents putting in the paths of their student:

• Is she afraid of her looming independence?
• Is she concerned that she cannot make it on her own?
• Has she been given the opportunities to both succeed and to fail, or have you protected her from this?
• When you speak with her, is your focus on her intellectual growth or on her social growth?
• Is she subliminally receiving messages that your goals for her are different than those for her brother?
• Does she know how to keep a budget or do you pitch in when she runs short?

Foster responsibility by helping your high school student plan her budget, and making your financial expectations clear before your student leaves for college.

Tell her exactly how much spending money you are willing to put into
her account each semester and what you expect her to do if she overdraws that amount.  The goal, of course, is not to enable the behavior by adding more money to the account, but to expect that she will do something to earn money to offset the overdraw. There will be no advance on next semester’s deposit.

One of my students could not understand why she was not free to park in front of her residence hall even though it was clearly posted as a no parking zone. Soon after she brought her car to campus in her sophomore year, her parents began to see $10 parking tickets added to the quarterly tuition bill. After warning her of the consequence, rather than pay these fees for her, they opted to take the fee out of her next allotment.

She was incensed until she was willing to accept that the rules applied to her as well as to everyone else on campus and that she could not change them because she didn’t agree.

These are life lessons that responsible adults have to learn; without consequences, there is no growth!

Watch for Part 3 - Can I Afford to send Him to the School of His Dreams?  Our answer may surprise you!

Summer Jobs Give You a Head Start on the Real Thing!

Ice cream cones, swimming, going to the beach; there is no question that students love summertime!  But, even as you look forward to summer’s slower pace, it’s time to get moving on finding a summer job or internship!

A job or internship can teach you much needed employment and job searching skills, along with the responsibilities of being part of the adult world. Future employers – even those offering internships – will look for students who took the initiative to hold jobs and internships in high school and college.  A job or internship can also help you determine what types of work or fields interest you.

What kind of job/internship should I apply for?

Think about fields or jobs that you’ve always dreamed of doing.  Are you artistic?  Perhaps a job at a design studio – even as a receptionist –  would give you the opportunity to interact with designers and learn more about the type of work they do, and what skills are needed. Also consider what jobs could help build your resume.  

While at your job or internship, try to get the most out of it. Ask lots of questions; if you don’t understand how to do something, this is the time to learn.  Take advantage of every opportunity, such as attending staff meetings to learn how business works!

Also start to develop more financial independence; budget the money you earn and save a portion for college.  

Where to look:

·         Online job sites, such as Indeed.com, as well as listing sites such as Craig’s List.

·         Ask  your school counselor

·         Use social network sites such as LinkedIn and Facebook.

For more guidance on high school courses and activities, finding a college that’s a good fit, financing, deadlines and more, call Klaar College Consulting, 301-834-6888. Charlotte@cklaar.com.

 

Fiction vs. Fact: What You & Your Student REALLY Need to do Senior Year

What do seniors – and their parents – need to expect during the senior year of high school?  Here’s a simple list that separates some common myths from the facts.

Three of the most common myths surrounding senior year are:

Myth #1 Students can take relaxed course loads during their senior year.

Myth #2 It’s okay to for students to slack off during their senior year.

Myth #3 Once a student has been accepted into a college, it doesn’t matter what they do.

All of these are complete fiction. Senior year is incredibly important. Even after a student has been accepted into a college, the college will continue to check up on said student’s course load and grades.

If colleges see a slip in performance, they may do any number of things, including withdrawing admission, making students participate in academic advancement programs over the summer, reducing students’ financial aid offers, or placing students in remedial courses during their freshman year.

If your student wants to avoid these penalties, it’s crucial that they stay focused during their senior year.

Now that we’ve cleared up some of the fictions surrounding senior year, let’s talk about some of the facts:

Fact #1 Your student’s guidance counselor can opt out of sending a letter of recommendation when using the Common Application, and they don’t have to inform you of this. Be sure you’re aware of whether or not your student is getting a letter of recommendation.  Also, have other options in place, such as letters  from a teacher, club leader, Scout leader, minister, etc.

Fact #2 Knowing what’s in store for your child and planning accordingly is crucial. Having a financial plan, a communications plan, and even a plan for emotionally letting go, can make senior year and beyond much easier.

Fact #3 Being supportive of your child is very important. Be sure to stress that senioritis is not an excuse to slack off, and that there is a lot at stake. Also be available to your child for informal discussions about how their senior year is going, and what they can anticipate in college.

Remembering the facts and forgetting the fiction can make your child’s senior year a little bit easier for everyone involved, including you!

Don’t Forget to Check the Status of Your College Applications

Some of you may have heard back from colleges, some may not.  Don’t get discouraged.

All colleges provide a timeline of when important documents are due.  Closely monitor the timeline so you don’t miss out on the little things.  As time goes on, remember to:

Make sure applications are complete

Check in with the colleges to ensure they have received all the necessary application documents.  Many colleges have online profiles for the applicants; log into your account and see the status of your application.

Send mid-year grades

Many colleges require mid-year grades.  Take the time to go to your guidance counselor and request having your transcripts sent.  Use this opportunity to update colleges about any information that may have changed.

Send SAT/ACT scores

Whether you are taking the SAT/ACT for the first time or are retaking the test, don’t forget to send your scores to all of the colleges to which you applied.

Keep all applications on file

Keep hard copies of all your applications on file.  You never know when you will have to refer back to them.

Be patient as you wait to hear from colleges.  I wish you the best of luck!

Senioritis... the Disease College-Bound Students Should Avoid

Already accepted to college? Beginning to lose interest and focus in school? Be careful not to catch senioritis!

Senioritis- a disease effecting high school seniors, especially during second semester; identified by laziness, lack of focus, repeated absences, and a strong desire to graduate.

Senioritis can sneak up on you faster than you think! Here are some tips we give students for avoiding this dread condition: 

Take a strong course load

Don’t take a relaxing course load just because you can. This is your time to shine!  Many high schools only require three years of all the basic subjects (math, science, history, etc.) and four years of English.  Go above and beyond and take a fourth year of the quality courses.  Try to avoid taking study hall or three different gym classes to get out of studying your senior year.  Admissions officers view the hard work and dedication you put forth late in the game as a good indicator of how you will perform in college.

Grades matter

Use your senior year effectively.  College acceptance is based on senior year performance. 

Colleges look at your grades for the first three years of high school.  What many students don’t realize is that grades during their senior year are just as important!  Colleges require you to submit your first quarter, mid-year, and end-of-year grades.  If you have a downward trend in your grades, colleges will notice and take that into account in determining your ultimate acceptance, your financial award, and whether you acceptance is rescinded.

The college application process is competitive and there are many students on a wait-list ready to take your spot.  Your grades senior year can make or break you.  Don’t become a red flag and give colleges a reason to revoke your acceptance.

Tired of high school classes?

Take a course at a local community college.  This is a perfect way to demonstrate your intellectual curiosity, plus you can earn college credits in the process.  Not a bad deal!

Time Magazine also has a great article about combatting senioritis: http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1191831,00.html  

High School Students: Time to Get Back to Work

Summer is over and it is now time to get back to school. No matter what you have done in previous years, this is an opportunity to reinvent yourself and become the student that you want to be. As you get closer to graduation, you need to begin thinking about college or a job. That means that it is time to grow up and recognize that your parents will not be there to hold your hand and fight your battles for you. What you have learned and how you approach your responsibilities will determine the college who will accept you, the job you will get, and the success you will have. No one else can do that for you or shield you from the realities of life. Knowing this should encourage you to begin to do your best work, take the most challenging classes, take your work seriously and, most of all, feel the thrill of success that you know you have earned.

If you are a high school senior, it is not too late to find a college that will want you. There are many great colleges that will help you learn and grow. If college is your goal, don't let anyone discourage you from trying no matter what your high school record looks like. There are schools that will help you get the education you want, if you are willing to do your part. We are here to help you find the college that will fit your style and your family finances. Don't give up the dream!