4 Ways to Choose a Career Path

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Choosing a career path is an intimidating task. Children are often asked what they want to be when they grow up and high school seniors are expected to know what they want to do with the rest of their lives by the time they’re applying for college. Yet studies show that workers tend to change careers or industries several times over their lifetimes. Whether you’re looking for your first job or a career change, there are four main ways to choose a career path.

1. Assess your interests. Focus on broad, transferable skills and interests and not specific hobbies. For example, although you may like birdwatching and watching movies, think about why you enjoy those activities: you may consider yourself patient and okay with spending time alone. If you’re finding it difficult to assess your interests, a personality test like the Myers-Briggs type indicator may help.

2. Search job boards with your interests to see what kinds of jobs are available. Using a large job board and just searching some of your qualifications (“analytical” or “people person”) can help guide you to the perfect job.

3. Find out what the requirements are for the position you want. For instance, if you were looking for pharmacy positions, you should know that many pharmacy careers require at least an associate degree and applicants for some jobs will need specific degrees to qualify.

4. Put together your résumé and apply for jobs. Job hunting may have become more difficult in the  present economy but there are still dream jobs out there for the right applicants. Sending out your résumé and a specific, passionate cover letter—and following up with an in-person or over the phone conversation—is a great way to find a job.

Filed Under: Careers

What is a GED?

A picture of a GED issued in the state of Iowa

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A GED, or General Education Development is a test developed by the American Council on Education which determines if the taker has the skills and knowledge necessary to get the equivalent to a high school diploma. Therefore it is also called a ‘high school equivalent’.

Contents of the GED Test

The GED test consists of:

  • Language arts: Writing (2 parts)
  • Language arts: Reading
  • Social studies
  • Science
  • Mathematics

Language Arts: Writing

In the first part of this section, basic grammar skills such as sentence structure, usage and mechanics are tested. This is done by providing the test taker with texts that need correcting. The student is then graded on how well they edit and correct the texts.

In part two, the student is required to write an essay on a topic assigned by the test designers. The student needs to show a well-structured piece of writing to received good marks.

Language Arts: Reading

In this section a test taker answers question from text which are similar to those found in a high school classroom. It incorporates writing from both the fiction and non-fiction genres which are used to assess the test takers reading comprehension.

Social Studies

Topics covered in this section include:

  • American history
  • World history
  • Civics and government
  • Economics
  • Geography

Science

Topics covered in this section include:

  • Life science
  • Earth science
  • Space science
  • Physical science

Mathematics

This part of the test includes the following sections:

  • Number operations and sense
  • Measurement and geometry
  • Statistics, such as data analysis and probability
  • Algebra and functions

With around 15 million American obtaining a GED since its start, it has become a very recognized way of proving your knowledge.

 

 

 

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User Friendly Apps for Students

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Science classes will appreciate having the ability to convert units with just a few taps. Most unit converter apps will include abbreviations as well as the unit names, a helpful resource for younger kids who may not know that “lb” is short for pound.

  • The Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Android tablets can use this practical app that offers text definitions as well as audio of correct pronunciations, something that could help a student who’s prepping for a presentation.
  • CliffsNotes. Those slim black and yellow summaries of literary greats are now available on your smartphone and tablet. All your favorite features are here including quizzes and character descriptions.

Downloading the right apps can make a student’s life easier and can enrich the learning process. These applications can also reduce stress because students can more quickly access the information they need to complete assignments.

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College Applications

Universal College Application

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College applications are very involved and can seem daunting to any high school student. Here is a rundown of items that are standard in many college applications.

  • Application form and Application fee: depending on the college you are applying for, they will have either a paper or online application form, so be sure to find out. The application fees are usually around $50, but if you need financial help some colleges will waver the fee.
  • High school transcript: also known as your academic record, this is probably the most important document in your college application. It provides colleges with a snapshot of your grade history, usually beginning in 9th or 10th grade. So if you are in one of those grades now, then keep that in mind!
  • Admission test scores: test scores, such as the SAT are required by most colleges for entry. Although these days your test score is sent automatically to the colleges of your choice, it is good to include a copy with your application as a back up.
  • Letters of recommendation: be sure to give those you want to write letters plenty of warning about when you will need them by. Enlist teachers or other adults who have played a part in your learning who know your strengths and skills well.
  • Essay answer: this gives the review board a chance to get to know you and your writing style. Use the essay as a way of showing in a literal way your uniqueness.
  • Portfolio (if needed): courses such music, art, and writing regularly require potential students to give a portfolio of work.

Be sure to thoroughly put together all of your college applications.

 

 

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Student Exchange Programs

BMA students write

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A student exchange program is when a student, usually of a high school or a university, exchanges places with another student in a high school or university in another country. Sometimes a student is not exchanged with another, in which case it is referred to as a ‘study abroad’ program.

Exchange programs usually range from short stays, such as the summer, or longer, up to 12 months.

The Purpose of a Student Exchange Program

Life is about experiencing the world and all the cultures that make it up. The purpose of a student exchange program is to give young people the opportunity to study in another country and experience another culture, which they may not have experienced otherwise. It also allows a student to learn about the history, politics and traditions of another country.

How Does an Exchange Program work?

An Exchange program works by educational institutions partnering up and devising a program where students from other countries can come and stay with a host family and attend classes at the school. It is organized so the classes taken are equal to those the student would take in his or her own country, so no academic points are lost in the process.

The Benefits of Student Exchange

  • Exposes a student to new learning opportunities, on both academic and personal development.
  • The student could use a current second language, or learn a new language which could help them in later career.
  • It opens up doors for the student in regards to their career development as employers look favorably upon it.

If you want to find out more about student exchange programs, speak to your school for more details.

 

 

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