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Thursday, May 8, 2014
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Ask Isa: "I don't see why a college degree is needed"
From the Ask Isa inbox:
Dear Isa,
I feel like CC is really a place that had made me reevaluate the value of my education. I don't see why a college degree is needed.
I understand that we, as American's, are extremely lucky to get to go to college but a college degree isn't always a guarantee at a successful life.
What I am saying is, I go to a community college and it's hard for me to get through it, what advice do you have?
Sincerely,
Questioning
Dear Questioning,
Kudos to you for reevaluating the value of your education. I don't think anyone should go to college or pursue any kind of education without first valuing what it means to them and considering the effort required and what they're willing to put forth.
College is HARD. Despite the wrongful stereotypes, community college classes ARE rigorous and require a lot of effort.
To get through it, like any big hard thing in life, you have to have a goal that is meaningful to you personally. You have to be able to imagine what your life will be like after you reach that goal, and it has to be a picture that motivates you when things are hard, because they will be.
I love that you appreciate that getting to pursue a college education IS a huge privilege. But you are right, a college degree alone isn't an automatic ticket to success.
It DOES, however, open doors of opportunity to pursue success through many more avenues. The numbers don't lie, and those with higher degrees on average do earn significantly more over a lifetime. They just do.
However, another great thing about this country is the freedom you have to choose. No one is forcing you towards your college education, and ultimately it is up to you to decide what is best for you. What do you really want? What is going to motivate you to work hard?
I'm not an expert when it comes to vocational and technical programs, but what I do know is that I have tremendous respect for them and the people who work hard to train in those programs and use their skills for things we all need every day.
These types of trainings aren't easy either though. Neither is working full time for that matter. But of course, I get the impression you're not just looking for the "easy" way, but the way that will motivate you; the way that seems worth it to you and your goals.
It's all about deciding what are you willing to work hard at. What are you willing to get really good at? What interests you enough to want to keep learning about it even after the training or course is over?
So here is what I recommend you do:
1) Go to the career center at your community college right away. Be honest and share your dilemma. Ask if they offer a career test you can take based on your interests. Then ask where you can find a listing of all the programs the college offers.
Does anything excite you? Does anything seem worth it to you? If so, go to your advisor right away and reevaluate your education plan, either based on classes you are taking or maybe you want to switch to another program.
If you're not sure, ask to meet with the director of the program you're considering and/or ask to observe a class or talk to someone in the program to see if it's right for you.
2) If nothing is exciting you, if getting through it just doesn't feel worth it, then there is no shame in deciding to work for a while instead. There is no need to put yourself in debt when you aren't even sure why you're there.
I've met so many successful people who really needed to work first and see what is out there before they had the motivation to return to school. Some went from 1.0 GPAs to 4.0 GPAs. The only thing that changed was their motivation and understanding of what kinds of opportunities were really out there without a college degree.
But keep in mind waiting on college can sometimes make it harder - especially if you start a family. However, it's never impossible.
Your job right now is to work as hard as you can to explore career options and decide what you are willing to work really hard for. The truth is college degrees can and do lead to more opportunities, but your effort and strategy matter A WHOLE LOT too.
Figure out what you really want, seek out many mentors along the way, and then decide what path will get you to where you want to go.
I love Michelle Obama's new Reach Higher campaign, and I encourage you that in whatever you decide, to keep in that in mind.
Reach higher than expectations. Don't do something you don't want to do just because you think you should, but also, don't sell yourself short of your amazing potential.
Dear Isa,
I feel like CC is really a place that had made me reevaluate the value of my education. I don't see why a college degree is needed.
I understand that we, as American's, are extremely lucky to get to go to college but a college degree isn't always a guarantee at a successful life.
What I am saying is, I go to a community college and it's hard for me to get through it, what advice do you have?
Sincerely,
Questioning
Dear Questioning,
Kudos to you for reevaluating the value of your education. I don't think anyone should go to college or pursue any kind of education without first valuing what it means to them and considering the effort required and what they're willing to put forth.
College is HARD. Despite the wrongful stereotypes, community college classes ARE rigorous and require a lot of effort.
To get through it, like any big hard thing in life, you have to have a goal that is meaningful to you personally. You have to be able to imagine what your life will be like after you reach that goal, and it has to be a picture that motivates you when things are hard, because they will be.
I love that you appreciate that getting to pursue a college education IS a huge privilege. But you are right, a college degree alone isn't an automatic ticket to success.
It DOES, however, open doors of opportunity to pursue success through many more avenues. The numbers don't lie, and those with higher degrees on average do earn significantly more over a lifetime. They just do.
However, another great thing about this country is the freedom you have to choose. No one is forcing you towards your college education, and ultimately it is up to you to decide what is best for you. What do you really want? What is going to motivate you to work hard?
I'm not an expert when it comes to vocational and technical programs, but what I do know is that I have tremendous respect for them and the people who work hard to train in those programs and use their skills for things we all need every day.
These types of trainings aren't easy either though. Neither is working full time for that matter. But of course, I get the impression you're not just looking for the "easy" way, but the way that will motivate you; the way that seems worth it to you and your goals.
It's all about deciding what are you willing to work hard at. What are you willing to get really good at? What interests you enough to want to keep learning about it even after the training or course is over?
So here is what I recommend you do:
1) Go to the career center at your community college right away. Be honest and share your dilemma. Ask if they offer a career test you can take based on your interests. Then ask where you can find a listing of all the programs the college offers.
Does anything excite you? Does anything seem worth it to you? If so, go to your advisor right away and reevaluate your education plan, either based on classes you are taking or maybe you want to switch to another program.
If you're not sure, ask to meet with the director of the program you're considering and/or ask to observe a class or talk to someone in the program to see if it's right for you.
2) If nothing is exciting you, if getting through it just doesn't feel worth it, then there is no shame in deciding to work for a while instead. There is no need to put yourself in debt when you aren't even sure why you're there.
I've met so many successful people who really needed to work first and see what is out there before they had the motivation to return to school. Some went from 1.0 GPAs to 4.0 GPAs. The only thing that changed was their motivation and understanding of what kinds of opportunities were really out there without a college degree.
But keep in mind waiting on college can sometimes make it harder - especially if you start a family. However, it's never impossible.
Your job right now is to work as hard as you can to explore career options and decide what you are willing to work really hard for. The truth is college degrees can and do lead to more opportunities, but your effort and strategy matter A WHOLE LOT too.
Figure out what you really want, seek out many mentors along the way, and then decide what path will get you to where you want to go.
I love Michelle Obama's new Reach Higher campaign, and I encourage you that in whatever you decide, to keep in that in mind.
Reach higher than expectations. Don't do something you don't want to do just because you think you should, but also, don't sell yourself short of your amazing potential.
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Success Series: How to succeed when you're afraid or 5 things to help you move forward even when you're scared
A student asks a question about being terrified of starting college, and in this video I share the 5 things I do to help me move forward even when I'm afraid...which is a lot.
Check out the video on YouTube here!
Check out the video on YouTube here!
Monday, May 5, 2014
What I learned from my first job out of college OR Why college grads should choose the best opportunity over the best salary
I never felt more awful then when I was looking for my first job out of college. From interviewing for sales jobs I was so wrong for to considering being a Disney costumed character I was epically lost.
Sure, when I started out I had all these dreams when I started college. But when I graduated, I lost my vision completely.
Suddenly, I just had to get a job. That was the next step and it needed to happen right away and it needed to be “good.”
The world became small again and my lack of professional experience and understanding felt overwhelming. What did people actually DO in work? What was this whole professional world all about? Where in the world do I fit in?
I did informational interviews all over the place and while they were incredibly helpful, so far all the interviews were showing me what I DIDN’T want to do.
Eventually, I found my way back to working in education, at my local community college. I took an entry-level job and a tiny itty-bitty salary, and even worked for $10/hour for the first month.
While my role was in the back office processing baccalaureate applications (the community college had just started offering a few bachelor’s degrees) I also filled in a few hours each day on the “floor” where we helped incoming students fill out and prepare for enrolling in community college.
That floor is where I began my journey of learning about the community college experience in an entirely new way. I saw life “on the other side.” I saw what happened in administration and how it affects students, and more importantly, I got to interact with so many hopeful students pursuing their education.
I fell in love with the students who walked into that office. They were so diverse in every way, with one thing in common – they all desperately wanted an education.
I’ll never forget talking to one student from Laos – at the time I had never even heard of the country (pathetic, I know). He was wrapped in a beautiful deep orange cloth and had the widest smile and brightest eyes. He had come so far to be here. Wow.
And then of course there were the adorable toddlers who often sat across from me as their mom or dad filled out their college application.
While I hated being at a desk all day, I loved the people I got to meet during that time in my life, and that experience was integral to my work today.
Eventually another position opened up at the college in the Student Life office and I jumped at it. It was competitive but my previous experience working at the college was definitely a huge benefit.
And that brings me to my point (you knew I’d get there eventually, right?).
When you’re looking for your first job out of college, focus more on the right opportunity then the right salary or the best sounding job.
And by right opportunity I mean the position that is going to give you the best chance in getting where you really want to go.
Because chances are, your first job WON’T be where you really want to be. Chances are it won’t be perfect. It will be hard. It may be frustrating. It may not be what you hoped.
And that’s okay.
Because if you choose the right opportunity, you can use your first job to be a training ground, a place to learn, a place to connect with people in your industry, and a chance to contribute something that can help you get to the next step.
This is the time where you can take risks and go for what you really want. Live with your parents if they let you to save money and focus on taking the right opportunity (sorry parents!).
Channel everything you have in getting yourself into the right organization, the right industry, and the right circle of people. Even if that means working hourly or doing something you’re not totally excited to do.
While doing a menial job to get an “in” in a particular organization can be beneficial, it can also be a really good strategy to choose an opportunity at a smaller organization where you will have a lot chances to contribute creative work or manage your own projects.
The key: choose something that has a huge potential for future growth – whether it’s through a particular company or through the tasks you’ll be able to do and learn from.
Go for something that excites you and motivates you to put your all into the position, even when it’s hard and not perfect.
If I hadn’t of worked at a community college this blog, my book, my entire career right now – would not exist.
I’m SO beyond thankful I was able to begin my career at a place that I really cared about, a place that offered me so many rich opportunities to learn and grow.
Don’t be afraid to choose the right place, the right opportunity.
This is your chance to take risks. Be fearless. It will not be easy. You may sometimes cry (and/or turn to Oreos and Full House re-runs as I did on bad days).
The beginning of your career can be really really hard, and I do wish someone would have told me that. But what I do know is that it’s also THE time to “set the table” for what your career can be.
Do it right in the early stages and you can set yourself up for a career you’ll actually like, maybe even love.
For more career advice check out my summer series, FirstJobOutofCollege.com!
Sure, when I started out I had all these dreams when I started college. But when I graduated, I lost my vision completely.
Suddenly, I just had to get a job. That was the next step and it needed to happen right away and it needed to be “good.”
The world became small again and my lack of professional experience and understanding felt overwhelming. What did people actually DO in work? What was this whole professional world all about? Where in the world do I fit in?
I did informational interviews all over the place and while they were incredibly helpful, so far all the interviews were showing me what I DIDN’T want to do.
Eventually, I found my way back to working in education, at my local community college. I took an entry-level job and a tiny itty-bitty salary, and even worked for $10/hour for the first month.
While my role was in the back office processing baccalaureate applications (the community college had just started offering a few bachelor’s degrees) I also filled in a few hours each day on the “floor” where we helped incoming students fill out and prepare for enrolling in community college.
That floor is where I began my journey of learning about the community college experience in an entirely new way. I saw life “on the other side.” I saw what happened in administration and how it affects students, and more importantly, I got to interact with so many hopeful students pursuing their education.
I fell in love with the students who walked into that office. They were so diverse in every way, with one thing in common – they all desperately wanted an education.
I’ll never forget talking to one student from Laos – at the time I had never even heard of the country (pathetic, I know). He was wrapped in a beautiful deep orange cloth and had the widest smile and brightest eyes. He had come so far to be here. Wow.
And then of course there were the adorable toddlers who often sat across from me as their mom or dad filled out their college application.
While I hated being at a desk all day, I loved the people I got to meet during that time in my life, and that experience was integral to my work today.
Eventually another position opened up at the college in the Student Life office and I jumped at it. It was competitive but my previous experience working at the college was definitely a huge benefit.
And that brings me to my point (you knew I’d get there eventually, right?).
When you’re looking for your first job out of college, focus more on the right opportunity then the right salary or the best sounding job.
And by right opportunity I mean the position that is going to give you the best chance in getting where you really want to go.
Because chances are, your first job WON’T be where you really want to be. Chances are it won’t be perfect. It will be hard. It may be frustrating. It may not be what you hoped.
And that’s okay.
Because if you choose the right opportunity, you can use your first job to be a training ground, a place to learn, a place to connect with people in your industry, and a chance to contribute something that can help you get to the next step.
This is the time where you can take risks and go for what you really want. Live with your parents if they let you to save money and focus on taking the right opportunity (sorry parents!).
Channel everything you have in getting yourself into the right organization, the right industry, and the right circle of people. Even if that means working hourly or doing something you’re not totally excited to do.
While doing a menial job to get an “in” in a particular organization can be beneficial, it can also be a really good strategy to choose an opportunity at a smaller organization where you will have a lot chances to contribute creative work or manage your own projects.
The key: choose something that has a huge potential for future growth – whether it’s through a particular company or through the tasks you’ll be able to do and learn from.
Go for something that excites you and motivates you to put your all into the position, even when it’s hard and not perfect.
If I hadn’t of worked at a community college this blog, my book, my entire career right now – would not exist.
I’m SO beyond thankful I was able to begin my career at a place that I really cared about, a place that offered me so many rich opportunities to learn and grow.
Don’t be afraid to choose the right place, the right opportunity.
This is your chance to take risks. Be fearless. It will not be easy. You may sometimes cry (and/or turn to Oreos and Full House re-runs as I did on bad days).
The beginning of your career can be really really hard, and I do wish someone would have told me that. But what I do know is that it’s also THE time to “set the table” for what your career can be.
Do it right in the early stages and you can set yourself up for a career you’ll actually like, maybe even love.
For more career advice check out my summer series, FirstJobOutofCollege.com!
Thursday, May 1, 2014
5 things to do to avoid the “sorry this class won’t transfer” moment
Transferring from community college to a university with your Associate of Arts degree is one of the best benefits of community college, and most students report that is their very goal upon enrolling at a community college.
However, it’s not always easy.
I just met with a friend and superstar community college graduate this morning who told me she just found out (a year before graduation from her 4-year university) that she’d have to take chemistry because her university and major required a physical science and she had taken two non-physical sciences at her community college.
Ahh!
Her community college education plan was matched with the university’s education plan for her particular major, but unfortunately the science requirement wasn’t communicated.
This happens a lot. And not only to community college students. I’ve had so many friends who’ve had issues with their transcripts, transfer credits, and graduation applications.
The credit-system is not perfect and advisors are swamped with so many students and reliant on computer systems that are not immune to both technological and human error.
While institutionally this should improve, you don’t want to just wait for things to get better or cross your fingers and hope this doesn’t happen to you.
As in all my content, I’m a big believer in giving you the tools necessary to advocate for yourself. So below are 5 things you can do to make sure you are only taking the classes you need to graduate on time:
1. Choose your transfer university and major ASAP
As soon as you can decide on your top-choice* transfer university and intended major at that university. Look online at the college catalog** and print out the degree plan for that major and bring it with you to every appointment with your community college advisor.
*If there are a few colleges you’re considering look at the course catalog education plans for all of them to see if there are any differences. If not, choose one to work from; if there are differences, choose the one that would best fit all the universities requirements.
**If this all sounds confusing to you ask a college graduate to help you navigate the university’s website or call the admissions office to ask for help looking for the education plan for the major you’re interested in. Don’t stop asking for help until you get what you need.
2. Meet with your advisor every semester to talk about your educational plan and graduation track
Show your academic advisor your four-year college catalog plan from the university and ask for help to map out your community college courses to meet those requirements. Check in every semester to ensure you’re still on the right track to graduate on time with the requirements your transfer university requires.
3. Review your transcript closely every semester and match it with your transfer university’s course catalog
This can be difficult at first but ask your academic advisor for help translating the transcript and understanding how it relates to your four-year educational plan. Get used to how it looks and pay attention to your progress towards graduation so that you’ll be attuned to notice if things get off track.
4. When possible meet with an advisor or admissions person at your transfer university to double-check that you’re on the right track
If you can’t meet with someone from your transfer university before you’re admitted, try bringing your transcript to a professor you trust as a mentor and ask for help. Professors have graduate degrees and can be a great second-eye on your transcript and educational plan.
5. Partner with a friend to do a transcript review exchange
Buddy up with a friend (ideally with the same plan as you, but it doesn’t have to be) and review each other’s transcripts every semester along with each other’s four-year educational plan. Getting a second or third eye on your transcript and degree progress is SO helpful.
My advisor at my 4-year university told me I was going to have to take 17 credits my final semester. I was all signed up for a ton of classes until a friend looked at my transcript for me and saw there was a mistake – I only needed 12 credits and was able to drop a class!
This may seem like a lot of extra work, but it’s the only way to ensure you graduate on time. No one cares about your educational plan and progress more than you.
Be your own advocate and be diligent in ensuring you are on the right track. Ultimately this is your life, your education. There are tons of people who will help you all along the way – it’s just up to you to ask and keep on asking.
Good luck and happy transferring. Remember that this journey, while complicated, is an exciting opportunity.
However, it’s not always easy.
I just met with a friend and superstar community college graduate this morning who told me she just found out (a year before graduation from her 4-year university) that she’d have to take chemistry because her university and major required a physical science and she had taken two non-physical sciences at her community college.
Ahh!
Her community college education plan was matched with the university’s education plan for her particular major, but unfortunately the science requirement wasn’t communicated.
This happens a lot. And not only to community college students. I’ve had so many friends who’ve had issues with their transcripts, transfer credits, and graduation applications.
The credit-system is not perfect and advisors are swamped with so many students and reliant on computer systems that are not immune to both technological and human error.
While institutionally this should improve, you don’t want to just wait for things to get better or cross your fingers and hope this doesn’t happen to you.
As in all my content, I’m a big believer in giving you the tools necessary to advocate for yourself. So below are 5 things you can do to make sure you are only taking the classes you need to graduate on time:
1. Choose your transfer university and major ASAP
As soon as you can decide on your top-choice* transfer university and intended major at that university. Look online at the college catalog** and print out the degree plan for that major and bring it with you to every appointment with your community college advisor.
*If there are a few colleges you’re considering look at the course catalog education plans for all of them to see if there are any differences. If not, choose one to work from; if there are differences, choose the one that would best fit all the universities requirements.
**If this all sounds confusing to you ask a college graduate to help you navigate the university’s website or call the admissions office to ask for help looking for the education plan for the major you’re interested in. Don’t stop asking for help until you get what you need.
2. Meet with your advisor every semester to talk about your educational plan and graduation track
Show your academic advisor your four-year college catalog plan from the university and ask for help to map out your community college courses to meet those requirements. Check in every semester to ensure you’re still on the right track to graduate on time with the requirements your transfer university requires.
3. Review your transcript closely every semester and match it with your transfer university’s course catalog
This can be difficult at first but ask your academic advisor for help translating the transcript and understanding how it relates to your four-year educational plan. Get used to how it looks and pay attention to your progress towards graduation so that you’ll be attuned to notice if things get off track.
4. When possible meet with an advisor or admissions person at your transfer university to double-check that you’re on the right track
If you can’t meet with someone from your transfer university before you’re admitted, try bringing your transcript to a professor you trust as a mentor and ask for help. Professors have graduate degrees and can be a great second-eye on your transcript and educational plan.
5. Partner with a friend to do a transcript review exchange
Buddy up with a friend (ideally with the same plan as you, but it doesn’t have to be) and review each other’s transcripts every semester along with each other’s four-year educational plan. Getting a second or third eye on your transcript and degree progress is SO helpful.
My advisor at my 4-year university told me I was going to have to take 17 credits my final semester. I was all signed up for a ton of classes until a friend looked at my transcript for me and saw there was a mistake – I only needed 12 credits and was able to drop a class!
This may seem like a lot of extra work, but it’s the only way to ensure you graduate on time. No one cares about your educational plan and progress more than you.
Be your own advocate and be diligent in ensuring you are on the right track. Ultimately this is your life, your education. There are tons of people who will help you all along the way – it’s just up to you to ask and keep on asking.
Good luck and happy transferring. Remember that this journey, while complicated, is an exciting opportunity.
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