Imagine you’re in the market for a car. You see an advertisement featuring one that you like, that gives the basic details, and shows the happiest person you’ve ever seen in the accompanying picture. Would you buy it? Of course not! Nobody invests over $20,000 on something they don’t really know much about, right? Wrong. It happens every year when high school students submit their applications to colleges and universities. As a society, we expect 17-year-olds to somehow intuitively know what path is right for them, and then we ask them to make the biggest decision of their lives without much information at all. They can’t vote, they can’t drink, and they can’t sign up for military service, but we expect them to choose a postsecondary program that will start them on their career journey.
Guidance counsellors are great, but there aren’t enough of them. Parents are well-meaning, but often influenced by their desire to see their child land “a good job” when they graduate. STEM programs might seem like a likely investment, but only if that’s where a student’s aptitude is. Over half of all postsecondary students admitted in a recent survey that if they had it to do all over again, they would choose differently. Somewhere along the way, we’re missing the boat. I want to help students and families make the right choice from the start.
As a career coach, I’ve dedicated my professional life to helping people find their right fit and make smart decisions that match their goals. I am so pleased to be able to return to my professional roots and help secondary students make smart decisions about their postsecondary education plans. On November 9 at 7pm, I’ll be giving a free info session in Hamilton, hosted at MacNab Presbyterian Church in Johnston Hall.
One of the perks of being an entrepreneur is the ability to donate my time and services to the community for causes I support. Access to education, and the ability to make an informed decision tops my list. Registration is free, and open to the whole family. Click here for more details & to register. Hope to see you there.