College Planning Handbook

What Are My Options?

Colleges and Universities

Colleges and universities offer various courses of study.

You can earn a bachelor's degree in your area of interest and increase your opportunities in finding employment in your chosen field. You may decide that you wish to pursue post-graduate work beyond a four year degree for either a master's degree or a professional degree or a Ph.D. Check websites and catalogues for admission requirements, transfer policies and cost factors.

Community and Junior Colleges

Community and junior colleges offer many courses that are academic, technical, and career-oriented for credit and non-credit.

You can earn an associates degree if you complete a program of study. Many classes taken a community at a community or junior college will transfer to a four -year college. Check websites or contact the office of admissions directly for admission requirement, transfer policies, and cost factors.

Technical Training

Receiving additional training after high school at technical schools or community colleges will increase your opportunities in seeking employment.

Additional job skills will raise entry-level salaries, improve working conditions, and allow for more advancements and promotions.  Articulated courses may be taken in high school that will give credit or hours toward a postsecondary course plan. Many of these courses are offered at the Guthrie Center.

A Military Career

Joining the military enables you to do several things at once.

You can serve your country, earn a salary, and receive training whether you make the armed services your life time career or not. You can also earn a college degree while in a military program or receive financial help from the government after you leave the service. Remember to talk with your counselor about R.O.T.C opportunities that are offered at the Guthrie Center.

If military service is your best option after graduation, contact recruiters or talk with one that visits your campus.

Remember, not all armed services offer the same opportunities; you need to find out what each one offers and what you obligation is in return.

Immediate Entry into the Workforce

You can prepare to enter the workforce by researching job opportunities and careers in the immediate and long-range future by:

• taking an interest aptitude survey
• looking at the want-ads in the newspaper
• preparing a resume
• checking the internet
• checking the library for career information
• obtaining work experience
• part time jobs after school hours
• technology jobs after school hours
• co-op programs
• internships
• apprenticeships
• summer employment