Making Plans and Putting Them into Action

Do you have a support system? Do you have short-term goals to help you meet your long-term plans? Are you looking for alternative plans?

Now that you have made a realistic career decision, it is time to act on it and begin defining the education, work or life experiences you need to create your goal. There are different philosophies about the purpose of education. If you believe you are attending school strictly for a career goal, then you may want a college curriculum specifically tailored to your needs. That could include a few solid courses to provide you with a skill and technique of foundation to further learn. You might consider a certificate or short-term training program at your community college, or an associate's degree. A college education helps you compete in the job market and advance in later years, as your career changes. Many leadership, research, administrative and managerial types of occupations require a four year degree or greater. Broader educational programs in universities combine world liberal arts course with a deeper academic area preparation. Determining the link to a college major such as philosophy, biology or psychology with a specific job may be more difficult, but also offer more diverse career options. As you explore different colleges and curricula, try to determine whether you want tailored and specialized training or a more diverse approach to learning.

 You may find the links below helpful.

• Career Pathways: http://www.lcc.edu/careerpathways/

• Career Focus: http://www.lcc.edu/mediaservices/college_marketing/career_focus/

• American Universities: http://www.globalcomputing.com/

• Center for all Collegiate Information: http://www.collegiate.net/

• College Source On-line: http://www.collegesource.org/home.asp

• Community College Web: http://www.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/cc/

• Michigan Virtual College: http://www.mivu.org/

• Universities Worldwide: http://geowww.uibk.ac.at/univ/