Step-by-Step Guide to College and Career Planning: How Teens Can Get Ahead

Planning for college and a career is one of the most significant steps a teenager can take toward building a successful future. The earlier teens start this process, the more opportunities they can create for themselves. In this guide, we will walk through a step-by-step approach to college and career planning, highlighting valuable resources like BigFuture and other tools that can assist in making informed decisions.

Step 1: Self-Assessment and Interest Exploration

Before diving into college options or potential careers, it's crucial to understand oneself. Self-assessment helps teens discover their interests, strengths, and values, all of which are foundational in choosing a suitable career path.

Tools for Self-Assessment

- CareerOneStop's Interest Assessment: This tool allows teens to explore careers that align with their interests by answering a series of questions about their preferences and hobbies. It's an excellent starting point for those who are unsure about their future career.

- 16Personalities Test: This personality test is based on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and helps users understand their personality traits and how they align with different career paths. Understanding whether one is more introverted or extroverted, for example, can significantly influence career choices.

Exploring Interests

Encourage teens to get involved in extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or part-time jobs related to their interests. This hands-on experience can provide insight into what they enjoy and where their strengths lie. For instance, a teen interested in healthcare might volunteer at a local hospital to gain firsthand experience.

Step 2: Research Potential Careers

Once teens have a clearer idea of their interests and strengths, the next step is to research potential careers. Understanding the day-to-day responsibilities, required education, and long-term prospects of various careers will help teens make informed decisions.

Resources for Career Research

- O*NET OnLine: A comprehensive resource that provides detailed descriptions of various occupations, including the skills needed, expected salaries, and job outlook. Teens can search for careers based on their skills, interests, or even the amount of education they plan to pursue.

- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook: The BLS offers up-to-date information on hundreds of careers, including the job growth rate and required qualifications. This is a great resource for understanding which fields are growing and which may be more competitive.

Step 3: Set Academic and Career Goals

With a better understanding of potential careers, teens should begin setting academic and career goals. These goals will serve as a roadmap for their educational journey and future career.

Academic Goal Setting

Encourage teens to set both short-term and long-term academic goals. Short-term goals could include achieving a certain GPA, taking Advanced Placement (AP) classes, or improving in a specific subject. Long-term goals might involve attending a specific college or earning a particular degree.

Career Goal Setting

Career goals should be based on the research conducted in the previous step. For example, if a teen is interested in becoming a software developer, a career goal might be to secure an internship at a tech company during college. These goals can help keep teens focused and motivated as they progress through their education.

Step 4: Prepare a Plan

With goals in place, the next critical step is to develop a comprehensive plan that outlines the steps needed to achieve both academic and career objectives. A well-structured plan can serve as a guide, helping teens navigate the complexities of education and career preparation.

Utilizing "So What Comes Next?" by Michael A. Deffina

One highly recommended resource for creating a personalized plan is the book So What Comes Next? by Michael A. Deffina. This book is specifically designed to help teens and young adults build a structured life and career plan that incorporates both educational and personal goals. 

Key Features of the Plan:

- Goal Setting and Milestones: The book encourages teens to set realistic, measurable goals and to break them down into manageable milestones. This approach helps ensure that progress is steady and that teens remain motivated.

- Personalized Life Plan: “So What Comes Next? provides downloadable tools that guide teens in creating a customized life plan. This plan includes academic goals, career aspirations, and personal development objectives, ensuring a holistic approach to future planning.

- Career Pathways: The book also offers strategies for exploring various career pathways, including the education and skills required for each. It helps teens identify potential roadblocks and plan accordingly to overcome them.

Creating the Plan

1. Outline Major Goals: Start by outlining major academic and career goals, such as the desired college, degree, and career field.

2. Break Down Goals: Using the methods described in “So What Comes Next?“, break down these major goals into smaller, actionable steps. For example, if a teen's goal is to attend a specific university, steps might include researching admission requirements, improving standardized test scores, and participating in relevant extracurricular activities.

3. Set Timelines: Assign realistic timelines to each step. This might include deadlines for college applications, dates for taking standardized tests, or time frames for completing internships.

4. Review and Adjust: The plan should be reviewed regularly and adjusted as needed. Life circumstances and interests can change, and the plan should be flexible enough to accommodate these changes.

5. Use Downloadable Tools: Take advantage of the downloadable tools provided in “So What Comes Next?” to track progress and stay organized. These tools can help ensure that nothing falls through the cracks and that the plan remains on track.

Step 5: Explore College Options

Once career goals are set, it’s time to explore college options that align with those goals. The college a teen chooses should offer the programs and resources that will help them succeed in their chosen field.

Tools for College Exploration

- BigFuture by The College Board: BigFuture is an excellent resource for researching colleges. It allows teens to search for schools based on criteria such as location, major, size, and cost. The platform also provides information on scholarships, financial aid, and the college application process.

- College Navigator: Managed by the National Center for Education Statistics, College Navigator offers a detailed look at colleges, including graduation rates, tuition costs, and available majors. It’s a valuable tool for comparing different schools.

Consider Factors Beyond Academics

While academics are crucial, teens should also consider other factors when choosing a college. Campus culture, location, extracurricular opportunities, and support services are all important aspects that contribute to the overall college experience. Visiting campuses, if possible, or taking virtual tours can provide a better sense of what each college has to offer.

Step 6: Build a Strong Application

With a list of potential colleges in hand, the next step is to prepare strong applications. This includes maintaining good grades, participating in extracurricular activities, and preparing for standardized tests.

Academic Preparation

Encourage teens to take challenging courses, such as honors or AP classes, to demonstrate their academic abilities. Consistent study habits and seeking help when needed can lead to better grades and a stronger transcript.

Extracurricular Activities

Colleges look for well-rounded students who are involved in their communities. Encourage teens to pursue leadership roles in clubs, sports, or volunteer organizations. These experiences not only enhance college applications but also help teens develop valuable skills.

Test Preparation

Standardized tests like the SAT or ACT are often a significant component of college applications. Teens should start preparing early, using resources like Khan Academy for SAT practice or ACT's official prep guides. Practice tests can help identify areas for improvement and build confidence.

Step 7: Plan for Financial Aid

College can be expensive, but there are many financial aid options available, including scholarships, grants, and loans. Early planning is essential to maximize these opportunities.

Financial Aid Resources

- FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid): Completing the FAFSA is the first step in applying for federal financial aid. It's important to submit this form as early as possible since some aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

- Scholarship Search Engines: Websites like Fastweb and Scholarships.com offer databases of scholarships that teens can apply for based on various criteria, such as academic achievement, community service, or specific talents.

Understanding Costs

Encourage teens and their families to consider the total cost of attending each college, including tuition, room and board, books, and other expenses. Comparing financial aid packages from different schools can help in making an informed decision.

Step 8: Prepare for College Life

The transition from high school to college can be challenging, but preparing ahead of time can ease this transition.

College Readiness

Teens should start developing essential life skills, such as time management, budgeting, and self-care, before they head to college. Books like “Life Skills for Teens” by Karen Harris can be valuable resources for building these skills. Additionally, understanding how to navigate campus resources, such as academic advising and health services, is crucial for a successful college experience.

Career Preparation

Encourage teens to take advantage of career services offered by their future college, such as resume workshops, internship opportunities, and job fairs. Building a professional network early can open doors to future job opportunities.

Conclusion

Planning for college and a career is a significant undertaking, but with the right tools and resources, teens can confidently navigate this journey. Starting early with self-assessment, career exploration, and academic goal setting lays a strong foundation for future success. By using resources like “So What Comes Next?”, BigFuture, O*NET, and FAFSA, teens can make informed decisions that align with their goals and aspirations. Remember, the path to a fulfilling career is not always linear, but with careful planning and persistence, teens can get ahead and achieve their dreams.