How to Select the Right College for Your Career Goals
Selecting the right college is among the most important decisions any student will make in life. While campus culture and location are important considerations, aligning your college selection with your career goals is essential. Here’s our advice on how to go about making this vital decision:
Start with Self-Assessment
Before you begin to research colleges, take some time to reflect on your career goals. They will probably change, but having a general direction will help narrow your search. Consider the kinds of jobs that interest you, what skills you’ll want to acquire, and what sorts of work environments appeal to you. If you find that you’re interested in several options, then look for schools that offer students quite a bit of flexibility to try different areas of study while building some universally useful skills.
Assess Academic Programs Carefully
Be sure to do more than just read over program descriptions. In general, strong programs offer a variety of tracks, innovative curricula, and active learning. Pay particular attention to what is required, what electives are available, and whether the emphasis of the program is the skill set currently desired for the target industry. For technical disciplines, make sure labs and other equipment are up-to-date. For creative fields, look at examples of student portfolios and projects.
Research Faculty Expertise and Industry Connections
It almost goes without saying, but the faculty will be important to one’s career path. Research faculty backgrounds for both academic and industry credentials. Do they have active contacts within companies of interest to you? Are they currently researching or consulting? These often provide students with much better opportunities regarding internships and jobs.
Investigate Career Services and Support
Your college’s career services department should do more than just resume assistance. Find out if colleges have full-service career development programs, which would include mentoring, mock interviewing, and networking events. Ask how often career fairs are held and what companies are regular recruits of the school. A few even have guaranteed internship placement or provide stipends to students who take unpaid internships.
Research Internship and Co-op Programs
The growing importance of work experience has meant that schools that take internship programs seriously develop relationships with employers and staff to support students’ securing of these positions. Ask about internship placement rates and sample lists of organizations at which students have held internships. Co-op programs, where students alternate academic terms with paid work, can also be great experiences in fields such as engineering and computer science.
Look at Alumni Networks and Outcomes
A solid alumni network can lead to opportunities throughout your career. Research where alumni are employed, their positions, and how actively they work with current students. Check out any mentoring programs between alumni and students, as well as networking opportunities. Note job statistics for employment rates, starting salaries, and career paths for the most recent graduates in your intended major.
Consider Location and Industry Access
Location matters when it comes to opening career doors. Schools located close to industry hubs often have better access to internships, part-time jobs, and networking opportunities. For instance, students who will seek or are seeking finance jobs can benefit from attending schools located near a center of finance, such as Boston or New York City, while students interested in technology could be better suited at institutions near well-known technology hubs like San Francisco.
Factor in Financial Considerations
While this degree represents a considerable investment in your education, consider the return on investment. Research the starting salary within your career and then compare that with potential debt after graduation. Look for colleges that offer solid financial aid, scholarships within your major, and work-study opportunities related to your future career.
Consider that the “right” college is not necessarily the most prestigious; it’s actually the place that will serve you best for your career goals, learning style, and financial position. Research options, visit campuses if possible, and speak to existing students and alumni in your prospective field. Your college choice should be made with the perspective of setting you up for long-term success for your entire career.