Unit 1: Preparing for the Future

Before Reading …

Preparing for the future can bring about a mix of emotions – some are excited, some are nervous, and some are scared. When you prepare ahead of time for your life after high school graduation, achieving that milestone can be a little less scary.

In this unit, you'll look at how to consider a college or a potential job.

Day 1: Vocabulary

Here are the vocabulary terms for this unit. The reading samples will be easier to understand by becoming familiar with these terms.

GPA: grade point average; calculated by dividing grade points earned by the number of credits attempted

Admissions: a department at a college that manages the review of applications that potential students submit

Reference: a person who is qualified to recommend someone for a position, such as a job

Resume: a report that includes contact information and lists a person's qualifications for a job, such as jobs held, educational experiences, and accomplishments

Application essay: a writing prompt that is a part of the college application; used to learn more about the student

Applicant: someone who is applying for a position, such as a job or acceptance at a college or university

Qualified: having the right experience or education for a particular job

Let’s Practice

Day 2: Considering College

"What do you want to do when you grow up?" You've probably been asked this question a lot throughout your life. As the end of high school approaches, it's important to plan what to do after graduation. One option after graduation is to further your education.

Many people use the term "college" to refer to any school you attend after high school.

Did you know there are a variety of post-secondary (after graduation) schools you can attend?

Community colleges, or local colleges, are where students can earn a two-year or four-year degree.

Vocational Schools are where students can learn trades such as plumbing or dental assisting.

Universities are where students can earn four-year degrees, master's degrees, and Ph.Ds.

Online colleges are where students can earn degrees by taking online classes.

Recently, many community colleges and universities have begun to offer online classes in addition to face-to-face classes (or when you attend class in a traditional classroom with a teacher and other students.)

With all these options, how do you begin to select what college to attend? Completing internet searches and talking with your school counselors are two ways to begin investigating colleges. Here are some guiding questions to help:

What job or career would you want to pursue?

· Some colleges and universities specialize in certain areas of study. It's also possible that the degree you want to pursue isn't offered at every college you're considering.

Would you prefer a small school or a big one?

· The size of a college campus can be a deciding factor for some students. Would you be more comfortable on a campus with a large student body? Would you prefer a smaller number of students?

Would you prefer a campus that is in a rural or urban area?

· Some students would be more comfortable at a campus located in a small or medium-sized town, while others would prefer a campus in a major city.

Would you like to live at home, near home, or far from home?

· Maybe you want to stay at home and commute to campus. Living in a dorm at a college close to home would allow you to return home frequently easily. Some students want to attend a college that is far from home. All three options have positives and negatives to consider.

Does a sports program or other activities matter to you?

· Do you intend on playing a sport after high school? Are you looking for a college that offers a specific extracurricular activity?

How would you plan to pay for college?

· Most schools offer financial aid, such as scholarships and grants. You may also be able to take out student loans. Often, students work part-time jobs while attending school to pay for college. Colleges that are located outside your state of residence are often more expensive than the schools in your own state.

What are the requirements for admissions?

· Different schools have different requirements. Some requirements may include a certain GPA, a specific college entrance exam score, or a variety of high school credits. Some applications require an application essay or an interview.

Talk to those around you if you're still unsure what schools to consider. Where did your teachers go to college? Is anyone in your community still active at their college or university? Often, people are excited to talk about their alma mater or the school from which they graduated. Feel free to ask questions!

Day 3- Entering the Workforce

College certainly isn't for anyone, so you might consider going straight into the workforce upon graduation. There are multiple ways to "look" for a job.

Here are just a few:

Classified ads, or newspaper listings, contain information about available jobs in your area.

Online job databases are listings of available jobs in your area and worldwide.

State employment services, or government-run services, help people find jobs.

Whichever sources you use, look for jobs you are both qualified for and interested in doing.

Applying for a job can seem intimidating, but it's quite simple once you get used to it. You are essentially talking about yourself but on paper. When you apply for a job, you'll need to submit basic personal information, such as your name and address. You'll also have to include facts such as schools you have attended, diplomas or certifications you have earned, and jobs you have held.

When you begin the job search, here are some questions to keep in mind:

Which is a better source of jobs: newspaper ads or online?

· Both are okay, but many employers are moving away from posting in a newspaper and prefer online postings.

What is a resume?

· A resume is a written document that reports an individual's contact information, personal qualifications for a job, education history, and career history.

What kinds of things can I find at a state employment service office?

· Offices such as Jobs and Family Services, or online sites like OhioMeansJobs.ohio.gov, can provide job listings, help you apply for jobs, provide resume help, and other helpful tips for employment.

How do I find online databases?

· Finding an online job database or listing is as simple as using keywords, such as "jobs in *my town*" or "jobs in Ohio."

Day 4 and 5:

1. Look over your work and submit ti to your teacher.

2. Complete the "Let's Practice" activities included in the Unit Resources folder.

3. Redo any questions sent back to you by your teacher.