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