parents guide to college & career

WHAT EVERY PARENT NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT COLLEGE AND

CAREERSBy Sheila J. Curran, President, Curran Career Consulting &

Program Director, Catapult Advising

So what do you do with a degree in Philosophy?...or any other subject!

Assumptions are no longer valid

Good GPA

Good College

Good Career

+

=?

TODAY’S AGENDA• Myths and realities about how students get from college to career

• What students need to do while in college to best prepare for their lives after graduation

• Where to go for advice and help

What is the return on investment from a college education?

• College is expensive

• Graduate premium is decreasing

• College still necessary for really good jobs

• ROI dependent on student career interests and capabilities

Does it matter what college or university you go to?

• Name brand?

• Public vs. private?

• Liberal arts vs. pre-professional?

Does it matter what you study and how well you do?

• Major may not equal career

• The higher the GPA, the less important other factors

• Extra-curricular activities help develop interests and skill sets

• Study abroad, done right, can be a career advantage

• Internships are increasingly critical

Are there good reasons to postpone college?

• Step off the educational conveyer belt; build different experiences

• Components of good gap year: away from home; outside comfort zone

• Value of good gap year: better prepared for college; more mature

Isn’t a college degree just a preparation for graduate school?

• Graduate school is expensive

• Graduate school may not be necessary

• Most students now take at least 1-2 years off before graduate school

• Unemployment rates for grad school grads are lower than for those with just a BA/BS

What’s the career prognosis for the liberal arts Graduate?

• A liberal arts education provides broad knowledge and skills that are valued by employers

• Skills may not be valued in entry level jobs

• Students need to be able to articulate “transferable skills” to potential employers

How do you make sure your child is not jobless and living in your basement

after graduation?

• Start early to figure out what you want

• Develop a compelling story that integrates your work in and out of the classroom

• Develop skills and attributes that employers desire

• Understand career strategy and how to position yourself for success

Does the current economic climate change everything?

Unemployment stats for bachelors‘ grads under 25 (BLS Data)

January, 2009

Unemployment rate increased almost 18% in the past year

2 year increase (2008-2010) = over 100%

7.8%

January, 2010

9.2%

Four years to success

• Explore options

• Build experience

• Search intelligently

• Execute successfully}No lock-step process

to finding career success

Explore optionsLearn and Focus

Assessments:What am I good at?

What are my values?

Interest profiles:What do I enjoy doing?

Career exploration:What career options are available to

someone with my skills, interests, and values?

Career path:What do I have to do now to get where

I want to go?

© 2009 - Catapult Advising

Build experiencebe capable and compelling

Academics:How do I shape my course of study to

support my career aspirations?

Off campus study:Which programs will help me in my

career?

Internships:How can I use internships to learn more about career possibilities?

Extracurriculars:Are there opportunities for me to build

job-related skills?

© 2009 - Catapult Advising

Search intelligentlytap the hidden job market

Market Research:Which industries and employers should

I target?

Informational interviews:What is the nature of this career

choice?

Plan of attack:What is my action plan for landing my

dream job?

Networking:Am I effectively using personal and

alumni connections?

© 2009 - Catapult Advising

Execute successfullylaunch your career

Professional Etiquette:Do I understand the accepted rules

and norms in my field?

Resume and cover letter:Is my experience presented in the best

light?

Interviewing:How can I ace the interview?

Closing the deal:How do I negotiate the terms of my

new position?

© 2009 - Catapult Advising

The Catapult Methodology

© 2009 - Catapult Advising

HELP!!!

• Academic Advising

• Career Advising

• External Resources e.g., Catapult Advising

Questions

• Sheila CurranCareer strategy consultant401-861-2278curranoncareers@gmail.com

Program director, Catapult Advising919-599-6207sheila@catapultadvising.com