Tag Archives: career information system

Changing Colleges? Four Things to Consider Before Making a Move

If you are student who is thinking about changing colleges, you need to think about the costs in time, money and college credits before you decide to switch.

Why transfer?

transferring-collegesStudents switch colleges midway through their education for many reasons. Sometimes it may be simply a matter of continuing from a two-year school to a four-year school or pursuing a program of study that isn’t offered at their original college of choice.

Other times there is a financial or personal situation that necessitates a move to a school closer to home. And finally, sometimes students change schools because they may be in the wrong college, city or region of the country or realize they don’t want to attend a large college or live in a small town.

 Money matters

Changing colleges can be costly, even if the school the student wants to transfer to participates in Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE). Under this program undergraduate Idaho students who meet academic requirements may enroll in a participating state institution in other Western states at a reduced tuition rate.

Continue reading →

Apprenticeships Can Launch Careers

Employers and people who want rewarding careers are taking a second look at a historic training method that may solve some 21st century problems. Several states believe apprenticeship programs can help them compete globally, and European nations using apprenticeships have lower youth unemployment rates.

With soaring tuition keeping young people out of school and employers finding it hard to hire skilled workers, apprenticeships are gaining traction during this time of rapid technological change and intense global competition. This time-honored method of training gives today’s workforce entrants 21st century skills without incurring debt. They earn while they learn the things they actually use on the jobs, and they see theory put into practice.

Under the eye of mentors, apprentices learn on the job and in class. In many cases, the education in a highly skilled field is free. Apprentices work from two to six years – usually about four – to become journeymen certified as competent in all major aspects of their occupations. Continue reading →

You Don’t Need to Pay for College Financial Aid Information

Finding financial aid for school can be hard work, but don’t be intimidated! Free, reliable help is available.

First, go online to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) site. Not only is this application required by federal aid programs, a great many other sources of aid, private and public, utilize it for processing requests.

Filling out and submitting this form is free. All you need are your or your parents’ 2013 tax information.  Be sure to use the https://fafsa.ed.gov web address. Many sites charge a fee for “professional FAFSA help” but this is often an unnecessary expense and may put your personal financial information at risk.

Continue reading →

Teens: You May Already Have Valuable Job Skills

You’ve probably heard of “soft skills” – abilities employers look for in all workers. But did you know  you probably already possess a lot of solid, job-related skills  you’ll rely on when you’re working for a living?

4clipboardFor example, if you’ve ever figured out the price of a CD at 15 percent off, then you have math skills that can help you understand payroll deductions like state and federal taxes. Math skills are helpful for understanding your own paycheck and investments as well as for jobs in personnel, finance and management.

Have you ever taught a friend the rules of a sport or game they’ve never played? If you have, you might have the makings of a good trainer – someone who teaches employees company rules and policies, as well as new skills that will help them advance in the company.

Continue reading →

Don’t Let These Myths Keep You From Your Best Career Move

We know that jobs and the workplace have changed over time. Do any of these notions about your future sound familiar? If so, think again. Don’t let out-of-date attitudes get in the way of your future career success.

Myth: There is one perfect job for me.

Reality: Focusing on finding a single, perfect career is limiting. If you’re like most people, you will have several jobs and careers in your life, and each will have positive and negative aspects. Furthermore, your job preferences are likely to change over time as you gain experience, skills and self-knowledge. Keeping your options open is a position of strength, not weakness.

Continue reading →

Educators, Parents Help Students Learn About Career Development

Educators and career development professionals create awareness of the importance of career development in many different ways. Parents also can be involved and encourage their children to start thinking about careers from an early age.

Continue reading →

Businesses Want Soft Skills from Employees

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Soft skills – including managing your time wisely and coming to work on time – are important to employers. This slideshow from our Career Information System provides a list of important soft skills.

Need more career advice? You can learn about careers, paying for school and more on our website.