College counselors are fantastic resources for high school students. They help bring focus to your educational goals, which can help you attain the type of education you need to be successful.
However, like any consultant, college counselors can only provide the highest quality of advice if you provide them with pertinent, accurate information.
Most college counselors will have you fill out some forms designed to reveal your aptitudes, but they will also speak with you casually to help fill in the gaps. These chats are just as important as the quizzes and questionnaires are, so be sure to share the following three facets of your personality with the counselor.
Your Interests
Many people are fortunate to have decided upon a career path while still in grade school, but if you haven't yet decided what you want to do, the counselor may be able to help you decide on an exciting career. In fact, because your counselor has considerably more experience in the work force than you do, he or she may be able to present you with options you never would have thought of on your own.
For example, if you love music and technology, your counselor may suggest a career as a music engineer. On the other hand, if you spend most of your time reading fashion magazines and shopping, a career in the clothing industry may be a perfect match for you. Your counselor can tell you about careers that you may have never heard of.
Your Learning Style
Your preferred learning style will have a significant impact on your career path, so be sure to talk about the subject with your counselor. It doesn't matter how long you have wanted to be a doctor, for example, if you don't like to read and you prefer to work with your hands. Instead, a vocational career, such as a technician or mechanic, may be a better fit for you.
Your Financial Goals and Needs
In a perfect world, earnings would not be a factor to consider when deciding upon a career path; you would just pick a profession that you liked, and let the money take care of itself. Unfortunately, in the real world, the financial implications of a career path are important to consider.
If you want to support a large family and live in an impressive home, you will need to embark upon a high-earning, professional career – you will struggle to accomplish your goals on a teacher's salary, for example. Conversely, if you desire a simpler life, in which you place a strong emphasis on enjoying your job, projected earnings are not as important a concern.
Speak with a college counselor from Fulfilling Futures or another similar company about your goals so that the counselor can help guide you onto a path that will lead where you'd like to go.
