Objective 3.02
UNIT:B / Career and Educational ExplorationCompetency
CM03.00 / Evaluate career goals in terms of the experience, knowledge and skills needed to achieve them.
Objective
CM03.02 / Check the progression of formal and informal learning experiences toward achieving personal and career goals.
Journal Prompt(s) / Which requirements must I meet to be best prepared to pursue my intended
lifestyle and career goals?
How does my participation in formal and informal learning experiences help
me to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to reach my career goals?
How have my previous decisions as a student already impacted my
progress toward achieving career goals? What further decisions do I
need to make?
OUTLINE
Objective 3.02: Check the progression of formal and informal learning experiences toward achieving personal and career goals.
A. Check personal attainment of graduation requirements/post-secondary
education entrance requirements.
1. Career pathway
2. Course of Study/4 Year Plan
3. University of North Carolina entrance requirements (Visit
4. North Carolina Community College System entrance
requirements (Visit
5. Attainment of College credit
a. Huskin’s courses
b. Dual Enrollment courses
c. Articulation Agreement
d. AP/IB courses
6. Completion of placement tests/practice tests
a. Community college
1). ASSET
2). COMPASS
3). Accuplacer
b. College/University
1). PSAT
2). SAT 2400
3). ACT
7. Military training – ASVAB
8. Government training – Civil Service Exam
B. Exemplify verification of formal and informal learning experiences.
C. Use collected information to complete an application for post-
secondary education admission.
D. Summarize financial aid opportunities and the application process.
1. Grants
2. Work study
3. Scholarships
E. Evaluate options for reducing the cost of post-secondary education.
1. Develop a savings plan.
2. Work while in school (part-time employment/work study).
3. Choose an option you can afford (community colleges, in-state
tuition and state colleges).
4. Live at home or with a relative.
5. Apply for scholarships in addition to government funded
financial aid.
6. Borrow money (Guaranteed Student Loan – Stafford Loan)
7. Join the military to enjoy the benefits of the GI Bill.
8. Talk with your guidance counselor.
ACTIVITIES CONTINUED
Information
Create a Career Pathway Brochure outlining course offerings within your school that meet requirements for the respective pathway and the College Tech Prep (CTP) and Career Prep (CRP) Courses of Study. Use the brochures during 8th grade orientation/registration to introduce students to pathway options.
Prepare a handout on tips for financing post-secondary education. Distribute the hand-out at College Day or make them available to students in the Guidance Office.
Complete Appendix 3.02 (1) - Consider a 2 Year College.
Complete Appendix 3.02 (2) - Consider a 4 Year College.
Complete Appendix 3.02 (3) - Consider a Trade/Technical School.
Complete Appendix 3.02 (4) - Consider an Apprenticeship.
Complete Appendix 3.02 (5) - Consider On-the-Job Training.
Complete Appendix 3.02 (6) - Consider the Military.
Visit or the web-site of the community college/college/university/training program of your choice to research entrance requirements. Create a checklist to document your progress towards completing the requirements.
Research and locate scholarships that may be available to you. Create a database of the eligibility criteria, deadlines and contact information for each scholarship.
Practice completing a FAFSA form with your parents. Forms can be downloaded from the Internet or requested through your school’s Guidance Office.
ACTIVITIES CONTINUED
Using Appendix 3.02 (7) - Survey the Possibilities, search for community colleges/colleges/universities/training programs in your geographical area that offer degree programs of interest to you. Using the grid, make a comparison of the programs in relation to location and setting, type and size, cost, financial aid, curricula, admission requirements, student demographics, campus life and length of program.
Using Appendix 3.02 (8) - The Total Package, describe the various types of Financial Aid available.
Visit the ASVAB Career Exploration Program at to view military career options, and to link core subjects to career exploration.
Interpersonal
Interview 5 college-educated adults to find out how they paid for their education. Compile class interview results in a computer-generated graph and discuss your findings.
Interview a military recruiter. Use Appendix 3.02 (9) - Military Recruiter Visit to pose questions and record responses.
Technology
Search the Internet to locate the following information:
- University of North Carolina entrance requirements.
- North Carolina Community College System entrance requirements.
Visit to take a sample ASVAB, ASSET, PSAT, and/or SAT test.
Visit to review testing tips and strategies, view minimum scores for military job placement, and to take a short or full length sample test.
Complete an on-line or paper format college application. Include the completed application as part of the Course Portfolio.
Thinking Skills
Complete Appendix 3.02 (10) - Junior Year Timeline. Determine a target date for the listed tasks. Check off the tasks as they are completed.
Complete Appendix 3.02 (11) - Senior Year Timeline. Determine a target date for the listed tasks. Check off the tasks as they are completed.
Using a sample transcript and Career Development Plan, evaluate the individual’s progress towards meeting the eligibility criteria for the University of North Carolina College System.
ACTIVITIES CONTINUED
Complete Appendix 3.02 (12) - Skills from High School Courses/Experiences.
Complete Appendix 3.02 (13) - Skills from Hobbies and Leisure Activities.
Complete Appendix 3.02 (14) - Skills from Volunteer Activities.
RESOURCES
Primary Resources
Kimbrell, Grady & Vineyard, Ben S. (2003). Succeeding in the World of Work. (7th Edition). New York,
NY. Glencoe/McGraw Hill. pp. 54-55, 98-1-1, 301.
Bailey, Larry J. (2003). Working, Career Success for the 21st Century. (3rd Edition). Mason, OH.
Thompson/South-Western. pp. 8-13, 21-24, 256-258, 482-489.
Littrell, J.J., Lorenz, James H. & Smith, Harry T. (2004). From School to Work. Tinley Park, IL. The
Goodheart-Willcox Company. pp. 1-23, 31-35, 186-181.
Carter, Carol, Izumo, Gary, Kravits, Sarah L. & Reeves, Diane L. (2001). The Career Tool Kit for High
School Students; Making the Transition from School to Work. Upper Saddle River, NJ. Prentice
Hall. pp. 230-233, 263-264.
Workbook Resources
Kimbrell, Grady & Vineyard, Ben S. (2003). Succeeding in the World of Work - Student Activity Book
(7th Edition). New York, NY. Glencoe/McGraw Hill. pp. 69-70.
Bailey, Larry J. (2003). Working, Career Success for the 21st Century - Student Working Papers and
Exploration Package (3rd Edition). Mason, OH. Thompson/South-Western. pp. 184-186.
Supplementary Resources
Syndistar, Inc. (1-800-841-9532)Meet Your Future: Science
ISBN: 1-56230-759-2
Syndistar, Inc. Meet Your Future: Art & Music
ISBN: 1-56230-760-6
Syndistar, Inc. Meet Your Future: Social Studies
ISBN: 1-56230-762-2
Syndistar, Inc. Meet Your Future: Language Arts
ISBN: 1-56230-761-4
Syndistar, Inc. Meet Your Future: Health & Physical Education
ISBN: 1-56230-758-4
Syndistar, Inc. Meet Your Future: Math
ISBN: 1-56230-757-6
Saunders, Hal. (1988). When Are We Ever Gonna Have to Use This?. Parsippany, NY. Dale Seymour
Publications.
ISBN#: 1-57232-364-7
North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Building Career Pathways – Educator’s Edition.
RESOURCES CONTINUED
Lindsey, Norene. (1999). Pathfinder: Exploring Career and Educational Paths. Indianapolis, IL. Jist
Publishing. Pp. 47-70.
Wolfinger, Anne & Gordon, Rachel S. (2004). Best Career and Education Web-Sites. Indianapolis, IL.
Jist Publishing.
ISBN#: 1-56730-960-0
Thompson Peterson. (2005). Peterson’s Two-Year Colleges. United States. Thompson-Peterson’s.
ISBN#: 8504402700
Thompson Peterson. (2005). Peterson’s Four Year Colleges. United States. Thompson-Peterson’s.
ISBN#: 8504403200
Fiske, Edward B. (2006). Fiske Guide to Colleges. Napersville, IL. Source Books, Inc.
ISBN#: 1-4022-0374-8
Thomson Arco. (2003). Vocational and Technical Schools: East. United States. Thomson Arco
Publishing.
ISBN#: 0-7689-1272-5
Kravets, M & Wax, Imy. (2003). The K&W Guide to Colleges for Students with Learning Disabilities.
New York, NY. Random House, Inc.
ISBN#: 0-375-76357-0
College Board. (2006). College Cost & Financial Aid Handbook. New York, NY. The College Board.
ISBN# 0-87447-751-4
Web-Site Resources
(NC Community College System)
(NC College Foundation)
(NC Independent Colleges & Universities)
(University of North Carolina)
(Financial Aid)
(Financial Aid)
(College Information)
(Practice ASSET, PSAT, SAT, ASBVAB tests)
RESOURCES CONTINUED
(ASVAB)
(ASVAB Career Exploration Program)
(Practice ASVAB Test)
(Community College Articulation Agreement)
(CTE requirements for CTP Course of Study (Career Pathway)
(NCDPI CTE Standard Course of Study)
(NCDPI Career Pathways)
(Careers & Colleges)
(College Preparation Checklist)
(College Admission Roadmap)
(Widen Your Choices)
(ChooseCollege - English/Spanish)
(Campus Daze)
(College Admissions Process - Behind the Scenes)
(College Visit - Campus Pursuit)
(College Map)
(Blueprint for ChoosingRightCollege - College Match)
(College Application)
(College on Line Resources - College EDU)
(Choosing a College Major - College Majors that Work)
(College Applications - Acing the College Application)
(SATVocabularyBuilding)
RESOURCES CONTINUED
(The College Scoop)
(SAT Readiness)
(My Road)
(College)
(College Times)
(Army National Guard)
(College Savings Plans Network)
(Choosing a College, The “Major dilemma, College success Secret #9: Synergy, What Do I Need to Know about College)
(This site lets students create a personalized profile that can be matched against expansive databases of colleges and scholarships. As one of the most popular free online scholarship matching services, their database has over 600,000 scholarships.)
(FinAid is an award-winning site that has grown into one of the most comprehensive annotated collection of information about student financial aid on the Web. Access to FinAid is free.)
(Hobson’s College View - This user-friendly and comprehensive site provides college search, financial aid and career information.)
(Education and Training, Institutional Profiles, Occupation to Training, Schools to Training, Description of Institution Training Programs)
Education and Training Choices after High School, Assessing Your Desire for Further Education, Choosing a College, College Costs, Financial aid Information, Post Secondary Directory Link, Professional Associations, Career Briefs – Education & Licensing)
(College Information)
(NC Career Licensing Requirements and Information)
(NC STARS – Training Programs)
(College Checklist, Plan for College)
(College Planning Guide)
(What Can I Do withy a Major in . . ?)
RESOURCES CONTINUED
(SelectingSchools, Paying for School, Senior Year College Planner, Academic Preparation)
(Educational Planning)
(Military Career Options)
(Career Options, Education, Military Life)
(Public NC Colleges Click campuses for All 16 Websites)
(Private NC Colleges Click colleges for all 36 websites)
(NC Community Colleges)
(Click Rankings and Guides or Education)
(SAT/ACT Practice, College Application Tips, Financial Aid Tips)
(College, Financial Aid)
(Off to College, College Life Links)
Appendix 3.02
Consider a 2 Year College – Appendix 3.02 (1)
Advantages / DisadvantagesYour tuition and living expenses will be much more affordable. / Some employers prefer a Bachelor’s degree.
You can complete most degree programs in 2 years or less
Most community colleges offer college transfer programs if you wish to continue your education at a 4 year college/university.
Directions: Research to determine the answers to the following questions. Record the answers in the space provided.
Question / AnswerIs the college accredited and respected?
Is financial aid available?
What is the current cost of tuition?
How much can I expect tuition costs to increase each year?
Does the school offer career/job placement services?
How long will it take me to earn my degree?
Will the Associate’s degree I’m considering apply toward a Bachelor’s degree if I decide to continue my education?
What percentage of students find related work after completing this program?
What scholarships/financial aid opportunities does the college offer?
What courses should I be taking in high school to meet entrance requirements?
Adapted from:
Jist Publishing. (2003). Creating Your High School Portfolio. Indianapolis, Indiana.
Consider a 4 Year College – Appendix 3.02 (2)
Advantages / DisadvantagesA Bachelor’s degree is valued by employers. / Your education will be costly.
Employers will view you as possessing a broad base of knowledge. / You program will last 4 years.
Directions: Research to determine the answers to the following questions. Record the answers in the space provided.
Question / AnswerIs the college accredited and respected?
Who accredits the college/university?
What percentage of students graduate within 4 years?
Will I be required to live on campus?
Does the school offer career/job placement services?
What is the total annual cost for tuition, books, and room and board?
How much can I expect these costs to increase each year?
What is the admissions deadline?
What is the deadline for applying for financial aid?
What scholarships/financial aid opportunities does the college offer?
What courses should I be taking in high school to meet entrance requirements?
Adapted from:
Jist Publishing. (2003). Creating Your High School Portfolio. Indianapolis, Indiana.
Consider a Trade/Technical School – Appendix 3.02 (3)
Advantages / DisadvantagesYou can complete the program in 2 years or less. / Your education will be costly.
You will learn from people already practicing in the field. / You probably won’t be able to work full-time while attending School.
You get into the workforce sooner. / Quality may vary from school to school.
You will have access to valuable career services.
Directions: Research to determine the answers to the following questions. Record the answers in the space provided.
Question / AnswerIs the college accredited and respected?
Who accredits the schools that offer programs for people in my career?
Does the school offer career/job placement services?
What is the total annual cost for tuition and books?
How much can I expect these costs to increase each year?
What percentage of students find related work after completing the program?
Can the school provide a list of companies where graduates are working?
Adapted from:
Jist Publishing. (2003). Creating Your High School Portfolio. Indianapolis, Indiana.
Consider an Apprenticeship – Appendix 3.02 (4)
Advantages / DisadvantagesYou can work while you learn. / You will be an apprentice for several years.
You will work under the close supervision of a skilled worker. / You will probably only be paid about half as much as an experienced worker.
You will learn about all aspects of a job. / There may only be a limited number of programs in your area of interest.
Directions: Research to determine the answers to the following questions. Record the answers in the space provided.
Question / AnswerHow long will my apprenticeship last?
Will I work full time during my apprenticeship?
How much money will I receive during my apprenticeship?
How much time will I spend in the classroom?
How much time will I spend on the job?
What tools will I need?
Do I have to supply my own tools?
What are my chances of getting a related job at the end of the apprenticeship?
Will I be certified at the end of the apprenticeship?
According to the US Department of Labor, the top occupations open to apprentices are:
Cook / Painter / MachinistCorrection Officer / Boilermaker / Millwright
Power Plant Operator / Operating Engineer / Electrician
Electronics Mechanic / Construction Craft Laborer / Roofer
Plumber / Carpenter / Bricklayer
Pipe Fitter / Fire Fighter / Sheet Metal Worker
Tool and Die Maker / Structural Steel Worker / Telecommunication Technician
Adapted from:
Jist Publishing. (2003). Creating Your High School Portfolio. Indianapolis, Indiana.
Consider On-the-Job Training – Appendix 3.02 (5)
Advantages / DisadvantagesYou begin earning immediately. / You probably learn to perform only one job, so you’ll have a hard time moving to another job.
You don’t have to go into debt to get training. / You’ll probably earn less pay than you would if you attended additional post-secondary training.
You develop skills for a specialized job.
Directions: Research to determine the answers to the following questions. Record the answers in the space provided.
Question / AnswerAm I guaranteed a job after I complete my on-the-job training?
What will my training qualify me to do?
Will I receive some kind of certification after I complete my training?
Will there be opportunities for additional training later?
What courses should I be taking in high school to prepare me for the job?
Adapted from:
Jist Publishing. (2003). Creating Your High School Portfolio. Indianapolis, Indiana.
Consider the Military – Appendix 3.02 (6)
Advantages / DisadvantagesYou can get free training that will enable you to find employment when your service ends. / You are committed to a specified term of time.
You are eligible for financial assistance to attend college after you complete your service through the GI Bill. / You will give up a lot of control over your life.
You will have to transfer to wherever you are sent.
Directions: Research to determine the answers to the following questions. Record the answers in the space provided.
Question / AnswerIf I enlist, how long will I have to be in the military?
Do I get to have input concerning where I will be stationed?
Where will I most likely be stationed?
What will be my base pay?
What benefits are offered?
What jobs in the military will my ASVAB scores qualify me for?
What are my chances of getting trained in the job that I want?
Are there any others tests that I must pass to get the job that I want?
Will I be eligible for the GI Bill?
Adapted from:
Jist Publishing. (2003). Creating Your High School Portfolio. Indianapolis, Indiana.
Survey the Possibilities – Appendix 3.02 (7)
Directions: Search for community colleges/colleges/universities/training programs in your geographical area that offer degree programs of interest to you. Using the grid below, make a comparison of the programs in relation to location and setting, type and size, cost, financial aid, curricula, admission requirements, student demographics, campus life and length of program.
Use the following resources:
The College Handbook
Lovejoy’s College Guide
Barron’s Profiles of American Colleges
Patterson’s Schools Classifieds
The NC community College System Guide
Computerized Career Information System/Internet
Barron’s Guide to the Most Prestigious Schools
A Comparative Guide to Colleges
Peterson’s Guide to 4 Year Colleges
Barron’s Guide to 2 Year Colleges
College / Location / Type/Size / Cost/Financial
Aid / Curricula / Entrance
Requirements / Student Demographics / +
or
-
Appendix 3.02 (7) : Survey the Possibilities Continued