Who Are You?A Personal Inventory

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“I wasted time; now doth time waste me.” - Shakespeare

With this quote in mind it is important that we all move forward in our lives with purpose and commitment. Time moves swiftly…and it can move against us if we are not appropriately focused.The Personal Inventory before you can help you begin to map out career and academic plans for the future. The key is to think in terms of personal interests, skills, values, strengths, and motivators. Once these have been crystallized, the rest is quite easy. People generally succeed when they are pursuing career goals in line with their interests, skills, values, strengths, and motivators. The only other ingredient needed is a commitment to work toward the goal of learning as much as you can about the academic subjects linked to your specific career goal.

Centering Down On YouBe honest with your responses. There is no right, or wrong, answer. This is about YOU.

Your 3 Strongest Areas of Interest: Examples: (Writing; Being with People; Teaching Others)

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Your 3 Greatest Skills: Examples: (Athletics; Getting Along with Others; Writing)

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3 Things You Value Most In Life: Examples: (Family Closeness; Personal Time; Integrity in Others)

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Your 3 Favorite Courses in School: Examples: (Math; Science; History)

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Your 3 Least Favorite Courses in School: Examples: (English; Speech; Art)

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The 3 Things People Most Like About You: Examples: (Positive Attitude; Helpful; Strength of Character)

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Three (3) People You Most Admire: ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________

What Are Their Occupations? Examples: (Accountant; Business Recruiter; Career Counselor)

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Three (3) Careers You Would Consider Upon Graduating from College / Vocational School:

Examples: (Accounting; Journalism; Engineering; Welder; Jet Mechanic) ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________

Three (3) Things You Most Hope to Find In Your Career: Examples: (Satisfaction; Prestige; Money)

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Three (3) Things You Most Want to Avoid in Your Career: Examples: (Time Pressures; Excessive Travel; Limited Growth)

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Some of Your Achievements To-Date: Examples: (Academic Award; Varsity Track; Citizenship Award; Band)

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Defining Success

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Please provide in this space your definition of the term Success:__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

When you visualize in your mind’s eye what you perceive to be a successful individual, what do you see?

Age:__________

Occupation:_________________________________________________________________

Educational Background:_________________________________________________________________

Socio-Economic Status:_________________________________________________________________

Social Activities:__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Interests:_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________ Skills:

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Values:__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Strengths:__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Achievements:__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Goals:__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Why People Work

Why do people work? Please list three (3) basic reasons, in your opinion, why people spend at least 33% of their adult life, prior to retirement, at their place of work:

1. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Primary motivators of working people (rank them according to your order of importance):

Rank (1 thru 13…1 representing the highest in importance to you)

_____ Salary _____ Reputation of Organization (Prestige) _____ Challenging Work _____ Low Stress Environment _____ Benefits _____ Job Security _____ Promotion to Greater Responsibility _____ Variety of Work _____ Quality of People within Organization _____ Teaming Environment _____ Personal Satisfaction _____ Training / Development Opportunities _____ Flexible Working Arrangements

Dream Sheeting

If you could name your salary – or, if salary is not important – what jobs would be most appealing to you (an addendum of jobs is included below for your reference)?

1) ____________________________________________________________________________ Why? _______________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________

2) ____________________________________________________________________________ Why? _______________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________

3) ____________________________________________________________________________ Why? _______________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ If cost wasn’t a factor, and you could attend any University or Vocational School of your

choice, which ones would you select?1) _____________________________ Why? _________________________________2) _____________________________ Why? _________________________________3) _____________________________ Why? _________________________________4) _____________________________ Why? _________________________________5) _____________________________ Why? _________________________________

If you could select any academic area, based on your personal / career interests, what are three (3) college / vocational majors you would pursue (an addendum of academic majors is included for your reference)?

1) _____________________________ Why? _________________________________2) _____________________________ Why? _________________________________3) _____________________________ Why? _________________________________

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Career Options: This is a ‘Narrowed Scope’…there are literally thousands of Career Options

ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE

CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING AUDITING TAX CONSULTING FINANCIAL ADVISING INTERNAL AUDITING INVESTMENT BANKING INTERNATIONAL TAX CONSULTING BANKING (VARIETY OF AREAS) COMMERCIAL LENDING MORTGAGE LENDING STOCKBROKER FBI IRS

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

HUMAN RESOURCES RECRUITING CONSULTING DIVERSITY MANAGER PURCHASING PRODUCTION SALES MARKETING PUBLIC RELATIONS HOTEL AND RESTAURANT MANAGEMENT ECONOMICS FORECASTING CORPORATE TRAINING PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT TRAINING LABOR RELATIONS ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY ADVERTISING

COMMUNICATION

ADVERTISING PUBLIC RELATIONS

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FREE-LANCE WRITING EDITING BROADCAST / TELECAST PRODUCTION NEWSCASTING MARKETING GRAPHICS DESIGN FUND RAISING RECRUITING RECREATION DIRECTOR MULTIMEDIA PRODUCTION AD COPY WRITING SPEECH WRITING NEWS REPORTING POLITICS

COUNSELING

GUIDANCE COUNSELING ACADEMIC ADVISING VOCATIONAL REHAB SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELING CHILD WELFARE COUNSELING CAREER SERVICES (COLLEGE AND PRIVATE) CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGIST PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT COUNSELING CLERGY / MINISTRY HUMAN RESOURCES INTERPRETING / TRANSLATING EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY CRISIS INTERVENTION OUTPLACEMENT COUNSELING

EDUCATION

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION ELEMENTARY EDUCATION SECONDARY EDUCATION (VARIETY OF COURSES) COLLEGE PROFESSOR (VARIETY OF COURSES) PRINCIPAL COLLEGE ADMINISTRATION COLLEGE DEAN COUNSELING / ADVISING ATHLETIC COACH PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT COACH LIBRARIAN MUSIC DIRECTOR PUBLIC HEALTH EDUCATION

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PHYSICAL FITNESS TRAINER ADULT DAY CARE CHILD DAY CARE

ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

AEROSPACE CHEMICAL CIVIL COMPUTER ELECTRICAL INDUSTRIAL MECHANICAL METALLURGICAL, CERAMICS, AND MATERIALS MINING NUCLEAR PETROLEUM ARCHITECT SURVEYOR

ENTERTAINMENT

ACTING SCREEN WRITING PLAYWRIGHT COMPOSING DIRECTING PRODUCING DANCING CHOREOGRAPHY MUSICIAN RADIO AND TV ANNOUNCING COMEDY

FINE ARTS/CREATIVE SERVICES

ARTIST POET NOVELIST PLAYWRIGHT INTERIOR DESIGN GRAPHICS DESIGN DESIGN ARCHITECT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT DESKTOP PUBLISHING SOFTWARE DESIGN MERCHANDISE DESIGN

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COSTUME AND WARDROBE DESIGN EXHIBIT DESIGN PHOTOGRAPHER CAMERAMAN / WOMAN SET DESIGN FILMMAKER WEBSITE DESIGN MULTIMEDIA PRODUCTION CARTOONIST / ANIMATOR

GOVERNMENT/POLITICS

GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION URBAN AND REGIONAL PLANNING POLITICAL OFFICE MILITARY POLITICAL ADVISOR POLITICAL ANALYST CIA FBI IRS POLICE AND FIRE PROTECTION PARAMEDIC CORRECTIONS OFFICER

HEALTH CARE / MEDICAL

PHYSICIAN MEDICAL RESEARCH CLINICAL RESEARCH DENTIST ORTHODONTIST OPTOMETRIST PLASTIC SURGEON BIOMEDICAL ENGINEER MICROBIOLOGIST GENETICIST NEUROLOGIST PSYCHIATRIST VETERINARIAN CHIROPRACTOR PODIATRIST PHARMACIST RADIOLOGIST REGISTERED NURSE DIETICIAN / NUTRITIONIST OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST SPEECH PATHOLOGIST / AUDIOLOGIST

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RECREATIONAL THERAPIST PHYSICAL THERAPIST MEDICAL TECHNICIAN LAB TECHNICIAN HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATOR MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR

JOURNALISM

NEWSPAPER REPORTER NEWPAPER EDITOR INTERNATIONAL NEWS CORRESPONDENT BROADCAST JOURNALISM TV NEWS REPORTER FREE-LANCE WRITER TV / RADIO PRODUCER MAGAZINE EDITOR WEBSITE CONTENT EDITOR

LAW

ATTORNEY LABOR RELATIONS ARBITRATOR LEGAL ADVISOR OFFICE OF GENERAL COUNSEL POLITICS SPORTS AGENT BUSINESS AGENT VALUATIONS

MARKETING AND SALES

MARKETING STRATEGIES FORECASTING VARIETY OF SALES POSITIONS SCOPING BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CONSULTING SALES AGENT: SECURITIES AND COMMODITIES BUSINESS MANAGER MANUFACTURER'S REP SPORTS MARKETING

RECREATIONAL SERVICES

RECREATION DIRECTOR

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RECREATION THERAPY PERSONAL FITNESS TRAINER TRAVEL AGENT RECREATION AGENT CAMP SUPERVISOR PARK SERVICES PARK RANGER

RELIGION

MINISTRY RELIGIOUS EDUCATOR MISSIONARY PASTORAL COUNSELING PROFESSOR OF PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGION

SCIENCES

ASTRONOMER BOTANIST GEOLOGIST ZOOLOGIST MARINE BIOLOGIST FORESTRY ARCHAELOGIST PHYSICIST MATHEMATICIAN RESEARCH SCIENTIST

SOCIAL SERVICES WELFARE COUNSELING REHAB COUNSELING CRISIS INTERVENTION MENTAL AND PHYSICAL IMPAIRMENT ASSISTANCE FUND-RAISING ASSISTANCE / DEVELOPMENT SOCIAL SERVICE ADMINISTRATION CASE WORKER ABUSE SHELTER COUNSELING HOMELESS INTERVENTION TUTORING AND MENTORING

TECHNICAL

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INFORMATION SOLUTIONS INTERNET ARCHITECT WEB DEVELOPMENT SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT COMPUTER SECURITY SPECIALIST

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ANALYST COMPUTER PROGRAMMING ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN SCIENCE TECHNICIAN ELECTRICAL TECHNICIAN ADVANCED TELECOMMUNICATIONS AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL BROADCAST TECHNICIAN NETWORK INTEGRATION SPECIALIST

VOCATIONAL

PROJECT MANAGER CARPENTER PIPE FITTER WELDER ELECTRICIAN HVAC SPECIALIST MACHINIST ASSEMBLER WAREHOUSE SPECIALIST MAINTENANCE ENGINEER JET MECHANIC AUTOMOBILE MECHANIC STEEL WORKER BRICK LAYER ROOFING SPECIALIST PLUMBER LINEMAN FLOOR SUPERVISOR TIMEKEEPER HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR

Academic Majors Offered at the Majority of Mainstream Colleges & Universities and Vocational Schools… and Various Career Fields Best Served By the Major

Accounting

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Accountants & AuditorsFinancial ManagersInspectors and Compliance Officers, Except ConstructionSecurities & Financial Services Sales Representative

Advertising

Advertising or Marketing SpecialistCopy WriterAccount ExecutiveSales ManagerMedia PlannerMedia BuyerCreative DirectorMedia Sales RepresentativePublic Opinion Researcher

Anthropology

Administrative Services ManagementAnthropologistsArchivists and CuratorsHuman Resources Specialists and ManagersSchool Teachers

Architecture

ArchitectsLandscape Architect

Art

Archivists and CuratorsArtistsDesignersPhotographers and Camera OperatorsPhotographic Process WorkersPurchasers and BuyersSchool Teachers

Biology

Biological ScientistMedical ScientistAquatic BiologistBiochemistBotanistMicrobiologist

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ZoologistEcologistAgricultural & Food ScientistClinical Lab TechnicianScience TechnicianTeacher

Chemistry

Material ScientistAnalytical ChemistOrganic ChemistInorganic ChemistPhysical & Theoretical ChemistMacromolecular ChemistMedicinal ChemistMaterials ChemistBiochemist

Communication

Communication EducationLanguage Arts CoordinatorHigh School Speech TeacherForensics/Debate CoachDrama DirectorCollege or University ProfessorSpeech Communication Department Chairperson

Electronic Media/Radio-Television/BroadcastingBroadcasting Station ManagerDirector of BroadcastingFilm/Tape LibrarianCommunity Relations DirectorUnit ManagerFilm EditorNews DirectorNews WriterTransmitter EngineerTechnical DirectorAdvertising Sales CoordinatorTraffic/Continuity SpecialistMedia BuyerMarket ResearcherActorAnnouncerDisc JockeyNews AnchorPublic Relations Manager

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Comedy WriterCasting DirectorProducerBusiness ManagerResearcherAccount ExecutiveFloor ManagerTalk Show Host

JournalismReporterEditorNewscasterAuthorCopy WriterScript WriterPublisherNews Service ResearcherTechnical WriterAcquisitions EditorMedia InterviewerTalk Show Host

Public RelationsPublicity ManagerAdvertising ManagerMarketing SpecialistPress AgentLobbyistCorporate Public Affairs SpecialistAccount ExecutiveDevelopment OfficerFund RaiserMembership RecruiterSales ManagerMedia AnalystMedia PlannerCreative DirectorAudience AnalystNews WriterPublic Opinion Researcher

Theatre / Performing Arts / Dramatic ArtsPerforming ArtistScript WriterProducerDirectorArts AdministratorPerforming Arts Educator

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Costume DesignerScenic DesignerLighting DesignerTheatre CriticMakeup ArtistTheatre ProfessorCasting Director

Communicative DisordersSpeech-Language Pathologists and AudiologistsHearing Exchange Online

Computer Science

Communications Equipment MechanicsComputer and Peripheral Equipment OperatorsComputer EngineersComputer OperatorsComputer ProgrammersComputer Scientists and Systems AnalystsCost EstimatorsEconomists and Marketing Research AnalystsEngineering, Science, and Computer Systems ManagementManagement, Advertising, and Public Relations ManagerPurchasers and BuyersSchool Teachers

Criminal Justice

Airport Security OfficerBodyguardBorder Patrol AgentCIA AgentChild Support Agency WorkerCommunity Service CoordinatorCompliance ManagerCorrections OfficerCourt AdministratorCustoms Agent Deportation OfficerDeputy MarshallDetectiveDiscrimination InvestigatorDrug Enforcement AgentEmployment Agency RecruiterEnvironmental Conservation OfficerFBI AgentFish & Game WardenHousing/Tenant Representative

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Industrial Security SpecialistJuvenile Court CounselorLoss Prevention SpecialistLitigation ManagerMilitary OfficerNaval InvestigatorNon-Profit Organization AdvocateParalegalPark RangerPolice OfficerPostal Service InvestigatorPre-Trial Services OfficerPrivate Security OfficerProbation & Parole OfficerPublic Safety OfficerSecret Service AgentSheriff Social WorkerTeacher US Customs AgentVictim Services SpecialistYouth AdvocateUS Marshall

Economics

Agricultural ScientistsBudget AnalysisEconomists and Marketing Research AnalystsFinancial ManagersInsurance Agents and BrokersManagement Analysts and ConsultantsSchool TeachersSecurities and Financial Services Sales RepresentativesStatisticians

Education

Adult Education TeachersCareer InformationCollege and University FacultyCounselorsEducation AdministratorsFinancial Aid InformationPreschool Teachers and Child Care WorkersSchool TeachersSpecial Education TeachersSocial and Human Services Assistant

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Teacher AidesWriters and Editors

Engineering

Aerospace EngineersChemical EngineersCivil EngineersElectrical and Electronics EngineeringEngineering TechniciansEngineering, Science, and Computer Systems ManagerIndustrial EngineersMechanical Engineering Metallurgical, Ceramic, and Materials EngineerMining EngineersNuclear EngineeringPetroleum Engineering

English

Administrative AssistantAdvertising Account ExecutiveCampaign ManagerClaims ExaminerCopy WriterCorporate TrainerCriticCustomer Service RepresentativeEditorial AssistantEducation DirectorFundraiserHuman ResourcesInsurance UnderwriterJournalistLegislative AssistantLobbyistMarketing/Sales ManagerMedia BuyerProduction AssistantPublicity AssistantPublic Relations AssistantRecruiterResearch AssistantResearch/WriterSales RepresentativeSpecial Events Coordinator

Environmental Studies

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ChemistsForesters and Conservation ScientistsForestry and Logging OccupationsInspectors and Compliance Officers Inspectors, Testers, GradersLandscape ArchitectsMeteorologistsRecreation WorkersSchool TeachersWater and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators

Finance

ActuariesAdministrative Services ManagerBudget AnalystsEconomists and Marketing Research AnalystsFinance and Wealth ManagersLoan Officers and CounselorsMarketing, Advertising, and Public Relations ManagerOperations Research Analyst

Stock BrokersProperty ManagerReal Estate Agents, Brokers, and AppraisersSecurities and Financial Services Sales Representative

Fine Arts

Actors, Directors, and ProducersMusiciansPhotographers and Camera OperatorsVisual Artists

Foreign Language

Advertising CopywriterAirport PersonnelArchivistCIA / FBI AgentColumnist/ReporterCommunity Affairs SpecialistCourt InterpreterCultural Affairs OfficerCustomer Service RepresentativeCustoms / Immigration OfficerEditor / Writer

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Employee Relations SpecialistFlight AttendantForeign CorrespondentForeign Film SpecialistForeign Service OfficerForeign Student AdvisorHealth Care ProviderImport / Export SpecialistIntelligence ResearcherInternational Conference PlannerInternational ConsultantInternational Trade SpecialistInterpreterInvestment BankerLibrarianMarket Research SpecialistPeace Corps / VISTA WorkerProofreaderPublic Health AdministratorPublic Relations SpecialistRadio / TV AnnouncerSocial WorkerTeacherTour Organizer / GuideTranslatorTravel AgentUNESCO Official

Geography

Agricultural ScientistsArchitectsBiological and Medical ScientistsFarmers and Farm ManagersForesters and Conservation ScientistsGeologists and GeophysicistsHuman Resources Specialists and ManagersLandscape ArchitectsMeteorologistsPublic Relations SpecialistRecreation WorkersSchool TeachersSocial SciencesSurveyors and Mapping ScientistsUrban and Regional Planners

Geology

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Archivists and CuratorsBiological and Medical ScientistsForesters and Conservation ScientistsGeologists and GeophysicistsLandscape ArchitectsManagement Analysts and ConsultantsMeteorologistsPhysicists and AstronomersSchool TeachersWriters and Editors

History

Archivists and CuratorsLibrariansManufacturer’s and Wholesales Sales RepresentativeParalegalsPublic Relations SpecialistsPurchasers and BuyersReporters and CorrespondentsSales (General) School TeachersWriters and Editors

Human Resource Management

Administrative Services ManagerEducation AdministrationHotel Managers and AssistantsHuman Resource Managers/Directors Human Service WorkersInsurance Agents and BrokersRecruiters Retail Sales Worker Supervision and ManagersSchool Teachers

Human Services

Correctional OfficersCounselorsHuman Resources, Training, and Labor Relations Managers and SpecialistsLegal AdvocateOccupational TherapistsPolice OfficersProbation Officers and Correctional Treatment SpecialistsPreschool Teachers and Child Care WorkersPsychologistsPublic Relations Specialists

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Recreation WorkersSocial and Human Services AssistantSocial Workers

International Studies

Travel AgentsGovernment Chief Executives and LegislatorsPublic Relations SpecialistsHuman Resources Specialists and ManagersEconomists and Marketing Research AnalystsReporters and CorrespondentsClinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians

Journalism

Broadcast TechniciansMarketing, Advertising, and Public Relations ManagerPhotographic Process WorkersPublic Relations SpecialistPurchasers and BuyersRadio and Television Announcers and NewscastersReporters and CorrespondentsWriters and Editors

Law

Lawyers and JudgesParalegals

Management Information Systems

Computer and Peripheral Equipment OperatorsComputer ProgrammingComputer ScientistsCost EstimatorsEconomics and Marketing Research AnalystsEngineering, Science, and Computer Systems ManagerManagement Analysts and Consultants Marketing, Advertising, and Public Relations ManagerPurchasers and BuyersSchool Teachers

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Marketing

Economics and Marketing Research AnalystHealth Service ManagersManufacturer’s and Wholesale Sales RepresentativeMarketing and Sales OccupationsMarketing, Advertising, and Public Relations ManagerPublic Relations SpecialistPurchasers and BuyersReal Estate Agents, Brokers, and AppraisersRetail Sales ManagementServices Sales RepresentativeWriters and Editors

Mathematics

Accountants and AuditorsActuariesAdjusters, Investigators, and CollectorsAdult Education TeachersBookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing ClerksBudget AnalysisComputer OperatorsComputer ProgrammingSystems AnalystsCost EstimatorsDraftersEducation AdministratorsInsurance Agents and BrokersManagement Analysts and ConsultantsMarketing and Sales OccupationMathematiciansSchool TeachersSecurities and Financial Sales RepresentativeSpecial Education TeachersStatisticians

Medical Technology

Clinical Laboratory Technologists and TechniciansAdult Education TeachersPhysical Therapist

Medicine

PhysiciansMedical Scientist

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Cardiovascular Technologists and TechniciansVeterinary Medicine Military Science

Aerospace EngineersAir Traffic ControllersGuardsVarious Job Opportunities in the Armed Forces

Music

Dancers and ChoreographersMusiciansRadio and Television Announcers and NewscastersSchool Teachers

Nursing

Advanced Practice Nursing Case Management NursingClinical Nurse SpecialistCritical Care NursingDermatology NursingEmergency NursingGenetics NursingLactation ConsultationNeonatal Intensive Care NursingNephrology NursingNeuroscience NursingNurse PractitionerNursing AnesthesiaOffice / Clinic Nursing (Ambulatory Care Nursing)Oncology Nursing (Cancer Nursing)Operating Room Nursing (Preoperative Nursing)Ophthalmic NursingOrthopedic NursingPain Management NursingPediatric NursingPsychiatric NursingRadiology NursingRehabilitation NursingReproductive NursingRespiratory NursingSub-Acute NursingSurgical NursingTranscultural Nursing

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Trauma Nursing

Operations Management

Computer OperatorsIndustrial EngineersMaterial Recording, Scheduling, Dispatching, and Distributing OccupationsOperations Research AnalystsPurchasers and Buyers

Philosophy

ClergyCounselorsEducation AdministratorsProtestant MinistersRabbisRoman Catholic PriestsSchool TeachersSocial Workers

Psychology

Correctional OfficersCounselorsEducation AdministratorsHuman Resources Specialists and ManagersMarketing, Advertising, and Public Relations ManagersMinistryNursing Aides and Psychiatric AidesPreschool Teachers and Child Care WorkersPsychologistsPublic Relations SpecialistsPurchasers and BuyersRecreational TherapistsSchool TeachersSocial and Human Services AssistantsSocial ScientistsSocial WorkersWriters and Editors

Physical Education and Health Promotion

Physical TherapistSchool TeachersDietitian and NutritionistCoaching

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Physics and Astronomy

Biological and Medical ScientistsCardiovascular Technologists and TechniciansComputer ProgrammingDispensing OpticiansEngineering, Science, and Computer Systems ManagerEngineersGeologists and GeophysicistsLibrariansMathematiciansMeteorologistsPhysicists and AstronomersPublic Relations SpecialistSchool TeachersWriters and Editors

Political Science

Budget AnalysisEconomists and Marketing Research AnalystLawyers and JudgesLibrary TechniciansPublic Relations SpecialistPurchasers and BuyersReporters and CorrespondentsSchool TeachersSocial WorkersWriters and Editors

Radio/TV/Film

Actors, Directors, and ProducersBroadcast TechniciansRadio and Television Announcers and NewscastersReporters and CorrespondentsWriters and Editors

Religious Studies

ClergyCounselorsMarketing, Advertising, and Public Relations ManagerPreschool Teachers and Child Care WorkersPsychologistsPublic Relations SpecialistSchool TeachersSocial and Human Service Assistants

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Social WorkersWriters and Editors

Sociology

Agricultural ScientistsBiological and Medical ScientistsCorrectional OfficersCounselorsInsurance Agents and BrokersLawyers and JudgesMarketing, Advertising, and Public Relations ManagerPolice, Detectives, and Special AgentsSchool TeachersSocial and Human Services AssistantSocial ScientistsSocial WorkersStatisticiansUrban and Regional Planners

Social Work

CounselorsRecreation WorkersSocial and Human Services AssistantSocial Workers

Urban and Regional Studies

Computer Scientists, Computer Engineers, and Systems AnalystsFirefightingForesters and Conservation ScientistsSurveyors and Mapping ScientistsUrban and Regional Planners

Vocational Curriculums

Variety of Roles: Welders; Plumbers; Electricians; Project Managers; Chefs; Riggers; Machinists

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Selecting a College / Vocational School / Grad School

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“It’s not just about the college, university, or trade school; it’s also about the individual.”

Students and parents alike should take heart in the above statement. For all the time, effort, money, emotional energy, and anxiety invested in trying to select the ‘perfect’ institution of higher education, in the end it matters little where you attend. It’s more about what you do while you are there, and what you do after you graduate. There is scant evidence that earning an undergraduate degree from an ‘elite’ college, by itself, improves long-term employment and earnings prospects. According to the authors of The College Majors Handbook, “Graduates from elite colleges earn only 2% to 3% more over their lives than graduates from ‘non-elite’ colleges.” This is based on the results of a recent study of 150,000 college students. To put that in a real-earnings formula: If you average a $100,000 annual salary over a 40-year period ($4,000,000), based on this research, you would earn over the course of your career a total of $100,000 more with an ‘elite’ degree. This, most likely, would be the cost above what you would have spent attending a ‘mainstream’ university. In other words, it becomes a wash. It doesn’t have to be Harvard.

College Selection Criteria

Listed below are a number of areas which normally impact on a student’s perception of a prospective college, university, or vocational institution. Please take the time to rate, or comment on each of these items which might effect your decision in selecting an institution just right for you. Keep in mind that one of the most important of all selection criteria is the ‘Career Planning & Placement’ department of a college / university / vocational tech institution. Check this department out closely for proactive student assistance and employer recruiting statistics. I cannot overstate the importance of this.

Maximum cost per year for tuition and room/board:$__________ (Range $6,000 to $45,000)

School location:1. In-state ______ or out-of-state ______2. Rural setting ______ or urban setting ______3. Less than ______ miles from home, if applicable

Student population:1. Less than 2,000 students ______2. 2,001 to 5,000 students ______3. 5,001 to 10,000 students ______4. More than 10,000 students ______5. Number of students is not important ______

State versus Private School: State ______ Private ______

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Major Areas of Study:__________________________________________________________________________________________

Availability and Type of Financial Aid:1. Academic ______2. Athletic ______3. Interest Group ______4. Financial Need ______

On-Campus Social Policy:1. Open ______ 2. Restrictive ______ 3. Semi-Restrictive ______

Strength of Liberal Arts Program:Important ______ Not Important ______

Faculty to Student Ratio (Larger the school, the greater the disparity):Important ______ Not Important ______

Provisions for Disabilities:Important ______ Not Important ______

Security & Safety:Important ______ Not Important ______

On-Campus Extracurricular Activities:Important ______ Not Important ______

Off-Campus Social and Cultural Offerings:Important ______ Not Important ______

Active Career Services and Placement Function: CRITICAL to your successImportant ______ Not Important ______

Heavy Recruiting of Seniors by Employers: CRITICAL to your successImportant ______ Not Important ______

Religious-Affiliated Institution:Important ______ Not Important ______

Campus Aesthetics:Important ______ Not Important ______

Weather: Important ______ Not Important ______

Co-op / Internship Opportunities:Important ______ Not Important ______

Fraternities/Sororities:Important ______ Not Important ______

Successful Intercollegiate Sports Program:Important ______ Not Important ______

School Pride:Important ______ Not Important ______

National or Regional Recognition: Important ______ Not Important ______ Co-educational Student Body Make-up:

Important ______ Not Important ______ Campus Housing Policy / Housing Options:

Important ______ Not Important ______

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Other areas, not mentioned above, which you perceive to be important in your selection process might be included below: _________________________________________________________

Understanding the ‘Cost of College’Understanding the ‘Cost of College’

• The College BoardThe College Board Average Average Annual Annual CostsCosts• Private Colleges Private Colleges Moderate Price: Moderate Price: $43,250$43,250• In-State Public In-State Public Moderate Price: Moderate Price: $22,300$22,300• Out-of-State Public Out-of-State Public Moderate Price: Moderate Price: $35,300$35,300

• The College BoardThe College Board Average Average AnnualAnnual CostsCosts•• Tuition & Fees:Tuition & Fees:

• Private Private $29,000$29,000• In-State Public In-State Public $8,700$8,700• Out-of-State Public Out-of-State Public $21,700$21,700

•• Housing & Meals:Housing & Meals:• Private Private $10,500$10,500• Public Public $9,200$9,200

•• Books & Supplies:Books & Supplies:• Private Private $1,250$1,250• Public Public $1,200$1,200

•• Personal & Transportation:Personal & Transportation:• Private Private $2,500$2,500• Public Public $3,200$3,200

• Another Cost Related to CollegeAnother Cost Related to College::•• The College Selection ProcessThe College Selection Process

•• Factoring in the costs related to applying to six different schools Factoring in the costs related to applying to six different schools (the normal expectation promoted by high school guidance (the normal expectation promoted by high school guidance counselors) results in pretty significant debt. Based on the counselors) results in pretty significant debt. Based on the following items related to applying to and visiting colleges and following items related to applying to and visiting colleges and universities, a student and his/her family can easily spend universities, a student and his/her family can easily spend severalseveral thousand dollarsthousand dollars. And this is . And this is beforebefore you take a class. you take a class.

Related Costs of Applying to 6 Colleges:Related Costs of Applying to 6 Colleges:•• PSAT / Pre-ACT Prep MaterialsPSAT / Pre-ACT Prep Materials•• PSAT / Pre-ACT Exam FeesPSAT / Pre-ACT Exam Fees•• SAT / ACT Prep Course MaterialsSAT / ACT Prep Course Materials•• SAT / ACT Exam FeesSAT / ACT Exam Fees•• Air Fares / Travel Costs for Campus VisitsAir Fares / Travel Costs for Campus Visits•• Hotel / Food CostsHotel / Food Costs•• College Informational MaterialsCollege Informational Materials• Application Fees & PostageApplication Fees & Postage

Having said all of the above…Having said all of the above…The Cost of The Cost of ‘Not College’ ‘Not College’ is even more significant:is even more significant:•• 67% Difference67% Difference in in ‘Earning Potential’‘Earning Potential’ of a College Grad and a High School Grad of a College Grad and a High School Grad •• Over a 40-year period based on a $100,000 average for a College Grad Over a 40-year period based on a $100,000 average for a College Grad

•• Earning Potential $4,000,000Earning Potential $4,000,000 for College Grad. for College Grad.

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•• $1,320,000$1,320,000 for High School Grad. for High School Grad.•• Think whatThink what $2,680,000 $2,680,000 would purchase over that period of time.would purchase over that period of time.

Mapping Your Personal Preferences With Respective Colleges

Review profiles of various colleges Narrow your list of preferred colleges Contact Alums of these schools to get their perspective Visit Campuses

FOR PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE: PLEASE CONTACT DAN BISIG AT www.collegeandbeyondllc.com

First Things First: Preparing for Post-High School Education______________________________________________________________________________

ACADEMIC PREPAREDNESS: ALL CAREERS, ALL MAJORS:

Writing Skills Effective Vocabulary (Using ‘impact’ words.)

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Strong Grammar (Using words properly; correct sentence structure; correct punctuation; correct spelling.)

Why? Successful students and employees are expected to present written thoughts andideas in essays, exams, e-mail messages to friends and business associates, marketingproposals to clients, performance feedback to subordinates, policy instructions tocolleagues, consulting advice to superiors, and/or math/science interpretations to thepublic. All of these types of communiqués require language creativity, structural design,effective ‘word-smithing,’ and error-free construction in order to inform, advise, motivate,inspire, or persuade.

Oral Presentation Skills Effective Vocabulary (Using ‘impact’ words) Structure of a Presentation Appealing to an Audience Persuasion and Motivation Conviction ListeningWhy? Just as in writing, successful individuals are expected to convey thoughts, advice,and critical information in a manner that will inform, enrich, motivate, persuade, and inspireaudiences – in the classroom and in the workplace. As well, others depend on your adeptlistening for appropriate and effective interaction and counsel. In the classroom, stronglistening skills are critical to the understanding of educational matter and retention.

Research Skills Where to look What to look for How to interpretWhy? To better frame personal thoughts and ideas, to analyze issues and providesolutions, and to validate claims are contingent on one’s ability to effectively research. College students are required to do heavy research as part of the normal learningprocess. In a similar light, most high-level jobs require diligent research efforts in evaluating credibility and establishing products and services.

Logic (Ability to Reason) To think critically To divorce yourself from personal emotion when judging arguments Understand seeming complexitiesWhy? Employers depend heavily on those professionals who can listen carefully to asituation, dispassionately focus on a central theme, and provide sound counsel orfeedback. Most successful people embrace this ability.

Basic Math Skills The ability to apply ratio, proportions, rates, and percentages to solve problems To be able to use basic algebraic operations to solve equations and inequalitiesWhy? Basic math skills are key to functioning in everyday situations, whether it bedesigning a household budget, purchasing a home, leasing a car, analyzing personalfinancial statements, saving for a major family project, or planning for retirement. In theworkplace, successful professionals will be impacted in many ways by budgets, forecasting, market plans, compensation issues, financial statements, and demographicanalyses.

Technological Skills

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PC literacy Basic software applicationsWhy? Suffice it to say we live in a world of technology. Email, voicemail, social media,

internet, intranet, ‘virtual’ presentations, ‘wireless,’ PowerPoint©, webcasts, Right fax, document centers…etc. There is no place where someone can be successful without this knowledge/capability.

SUGGESTED SUBJECTS / RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO ENSURE EFFECTIVE PREPARATION

Subjects English Composition Speech & Communications History Psychology Literature (English or American) Logic Philosophy Business Math Algebra Accounting

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