College & Career Advising in Superior

Many high school students feel both internal and external pressure to have their lives planned out before high school graduation. That’s not realistic or practical because goals and ambitions will change over time. Deciding on a career path can be an overwhelming choice for even the most accomplished high school student. At Great College Advice^® we help students explore their strengths and interests while encouraging self-awareness.

Choosing a career path requires careful thinking, plenty of research, hours of planning, and should never be set in stone, because the average person changes career fields two or three times in a lifetime. Students who have a general or specific idea of the career they would like to pursue have an easier time choosing a college major and delving into the coursework required for that career path. Great College Advice specializes in helping identify and explore colleges and careers that complement your high school student’s educational goals, interests, and strengths.

What are College Majors?

A college major refers to an undergraduate student’s specialized area of study. According to statistics, the top five college majors are business administration and management, psychology, nursing, biology, and education. Many factors can influence a college student’s choice of major. Factors such as interest in the field, academic ability, familiarity, and economic stability all play a critical role in a student’s decision.

Once a student forms a good idea of the career he or she wishes to pursue, assesses strengths, and evaluates interests, it’s time to begin the training or education needed to move in that career direction. At some schools, students can even design their own majors. The major students choose will neither predict nor guarantee their future. In fact, the majority of undergraduates (research indicates the figure is 75%) go on to secure jobs that have little to do with their college major.

What are Career Pathways?

Career Pathways refer to clusters of related occupations that require different levels of education and training. Career paths help high school students identify a career focus without feeling locked into a specific occupation. By exploring different career paths, students expand possible future choices. In turn, students develop a detailed understanding of the best career path that aligns with his or her unique goals. Some students may be unsure about a career path or simply cannot choose between two career paths. But career tests usually offer a wide range of questions that will pool all of a student’s interests and group them into possible job fields and majors.

Career tests often show where students need development in work skills or business world experience. Once a student identifies some possible career options, your student should review the high school curriculum to see what classes may assist with the career learning process. Students can also take advantage of many college prep courses to sharpen skills that are needed to be successful in college. Some courses involve taking tests that will show activities and interests that can help students decide what path to follow.