| The number of college graduates has increased | | | | fairs to give you an idea of the many medical |
| dramatically over the past 40 years. In 1997, | | | | professions there are and the education level |
| for example, 30.2% of men and 28% of women | | | | you need to achieve to enter them. |
| entering the work force had College degrees. | | | | |
| The percentages have continued to increase. | | | | Most schools have guidance counselors on |
| While college students with degrees aren't | | | | staff who can discuss career options with |
| exactly a dime a dozen, the stand alone value | | | | you. They know about college admission |
| of their degrees has decreased. Now a degreed | | | | requirements and whether you are on track to |
| worker has more College educated competition | | | | meet them. They can also give advice about |
| than ever before. | | | | which scholarships, student loans or work |
| | | | programs are available at the college you |
| It is important to have the right college | | | | want to attend. As well, they can provide |
| degree. This means understanding what you | | | | advice about getting a two year degree at a |
| must study in College before you actually get | | | | community college or attending a four year |
| there. You need to have an idea of what the | | | | college. They can also talk to you about |
| job market is going to be like four years in | | | | which colleges have the best night school |
| the future when you graduate. | | | | programs if case you have to work while |
| | | | attending school. The guidance counselors |
| If, for instance, you wanted to be a writer, | | | | provide a competent service for free. |
| you would need to enter and pass courses on | | | | |
| English and journalism. If you wanted to be a | | | | There is something called the School of Hard |
| doctor, you would need chemistry, biology and | | | | Knocks. Simply put, you learn from life |
| health sciences. You can't just pass your | | | | experiences what's good for you and what's |
| classes with a "C." You need to excel in your | | | | not. This is a very rough way to learn how to |
| classes. It is important to remember that you | | | | get the most out of life. Many adults find |
| are competing with others in your school and | | | | that, after years on a job, they are |
| students in other schools for a limited | | | | dissatisfied with where their lives have led |
| number of medical school openings or other | | | | them. They want to make changes. This means |
| jobs in the future. While it might be | | | | going back to school while working and |
| tempting to take "Mickey Mouse" courses that | | | | supporting a family. It's long, hard work to |
| are easy to pass, it won't help you in the | | | | take enough courses to get the right degree |
| future when you don't have any foundation to | | | | for a new job. Like you, they face |
| build on. Unless you are looking for an entry | | | | competition from other college graduates. |
| level low paying job, you need to get started | | | | They have to plan what courses will put them |
| in high school and decide what courses will | | | | in a new profession and give them an edge |
| help you get into the college of your | | | | over the competition. |
| choosing and, ultimately, the job you want. | | | | |
| | | | It's best to make your career decisions when |
| You don't have to go it alone. There are | | | | you are young and still have your life ahead |
| career fairs you can attend. You can meet | | | | of you. You can make minor adjustments to |
| with representatives of business, industry, | | | | your career path as you go along. If the |
| fire departments. Rescue services, and even | | | | criteria for a job change, you can change |
| the military and ask questions about what you | | | | your courses to meet them, without |
| need to do to enter a specific field. Medical | | | | introducing additional stress into your life. |
| organizations also hold their own career | | | | |