Top 10 Guidance Counselor Posts - June 2010
ShareThisRethinking Associate's Degrees: Do You Need Four Years of College?
Do you want a meaningful career you can be proud of without dedicating years to school? We get it. The US Census reports that the more education you have under your belt, the better your salary, but that doesn't mean you can't have a perfectly respectable (and stable) career with an associate degree.
As guidance counselor Karen Jo noted to one reader, you can typically earn an associate degree in about two years. A few careers ideal for associate degree holders include:
- Licensed practical nursing
- Radiation therapy
- Medical assisting
- Criminal justice
- Communications
Our Guidance Counselor Helps Prepare You for College
Preparing for college is one thing, but what if you haven't even finished high school due to a disability? As guidance counselor Karen Jo advised one reader with autism, these types of disorders don't have to be road blocks. Earning your GED is a great way to complete your high school education. It can also open the doors to advanced education, including your associate or bachelor's degree (often completely online).
While a GED is a great option for some, it isn't the only option. If you're like one 41-year-old reader hoping to complete high school, you can earn your high school diploma online. Karen Jo notes that these programs offer flexibility and autonomy not found in traditional high schools, but you must be dedicated and a self-learner.
Are you a traditional high school student looking to take your education to the next level? Karen Jo counseled one high school sophomore to take pre-college courses over the summer online. Community colleges are another good option. Do a bit of research to find what works for you.
Launching a Career in a Recession
While today's job market is certainly tougher than in years past, college students need to consider more than just the current economy when selecting a major. Karen Jo advises one college sophomore to consider both her passions and skills when selecting a major and hone skills like networking, being proactive, and thinking creatively. These "recession-proof skills" are sure to help new grads in any job market, whether you major is history or health care.
Likewise, small business owners and the self-employed need to market themselves to build clients and grow their business, even during an economic downturn. Karen Jo offers one life coach advice on marketing herself. You don't have to spend big bucks to get your name out there--social media sites and community centers can be great (and free) ways to reach your target audience.
Shifting Gears: It's Never Too Late to Launch a New Career
Are you tired of your job? Outgrown it? Maybe it didn't suit you from the beginning. You really can start fresh.
As Karen Jo advised one banking professional hoping to launch a second career in the culinary arts, second careers are becoming much more common. Her advice: research applicable traditional and online schools on sites like this one and by visiting campuses. If you want to get your feet wet now, consider an internship or entry-level job that doesn't require a degree immediately.
