Helping Your Teen Hone Their Interview Skills

Helping Your Teen Hone Their Interview Skills

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Lately, I've shared a lot of networking tips for teens and the importance of crafting a high school resume. If you missed those articles, check them out here. The next step for students is to prepare for the big interview. Keep in mind that interviews are not only for jobs but for internships, college admissions, and scholarships.  Here are some tips to share with your teen on how to prepare for an interview: Research the company, college, or scholarship - identify their mission or purpose and...

Creating a Solid Student Resume

Creating a Solid Student Resume

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A high school resume is a valuable tool for students when applying to college or for a job or internship. College admissions and future employers are very interested in students' high school resumes because they provide a good glimpse of what the teen has to offer. What should be included on a student’s resume if they are just working a part-time job and playing sports? A high schooler's resume will look different from an adult's as they do not have as much work experience. Here are the...

The Art of Professional Networking for Teens

The Art of Professional Networking for Teens

Adults know that networking is key in life. It opens doors, builds self-confidence, and creates long-term relationships. For teens, networking allows them to meet people in their field of choice, learn more about careers and get a chance to job shadow and intern. However, networking is a foreign concept to most teens and is not taught in school. It’s up to parents to teach their teens how to network effectively. The first step is to figure out who you know. Brainstorm a list with your teen of...

Summer Career Exploration Options for Teens

Summer Career Exploration Options for Teens

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Our kids are on the downward slope of this school year. Summer break will be here before we know it, and NOW is the time to start planning. Hopefully, your summer will include some fun family activities. Summer break can also be an excellent time for your teen to explore career interests. There are various ways your teen can explore different careers over the summer. Some options are:  Volunteer - for example, if they have an interest in working with animals, they can volunteer at a local...

College Degree vs. A Trade – Which Choice is Right?

College Degree vs. A Trade – Which Choice is Right?

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When we think of someone working in the trades, we often picture a blue-collar worker with a lower pay grade. The entertainment industry and media always seem to portray it this way. Those with college degrees live in a nice big house with a manicured lawn. They go on fancy trips and dine at the finest restaurants. A tradesperson is often portrayed as having a large family with a tiny house, living paycheck to paycheck. It’s no wonder why we fear our kid's future if they don’t go into college....

Accepting That College Isn’t In Your Teen’s Future

Accepting That College Isn’t In Your Teen’s Future

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When our kids are born, we start thinking about who they will become in the future. We all have these dreams of our kids going to college, graduating with a job lined up - - maybe as a doctor, lawyer, or accountant. We start savings accounts like 529 plans when they are young to help pay for college.  As our kids enter high school, you start hearing other parents talk about college tours, their kids' excellent SAT scores, and their acceptance into different colleges. Meanwhile, you struggle to...

Practical Indicators That Your Teen Isn’t College Ready

Practical Indicators That Your Teen Isn’t College Ready

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There are many rites of passage throughout our kids' lives, including the transitions from elementary to middle school, then on to high school.  Our society has defined the next rite of passage as college. It’s what every teen must do to have a happy, successful, and fulfilling life. But is that true? Maybe or maybe not. Student loan debt has skyrocketed because teens jump straight into college, thinking it's the appropriate next step. But many drop out or change majors because they can't...

How to Assess Colleges Effectively

How to Assess Colleges Effectively

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You and your teen have taken every step to research colleges - - you made a list, took campus tours, sat in on some classes, and asked all kinds of questions. It's now time for your teen to decide where to apply.  Parents often ask, how many college applications should my teen submit. Five to eight schools is a good range, though there is no magic number. Applying to fewer colleges is okay too. Don't waste your time and money applying to schools that aren't a good fit for your kid or don't...

The Best Questions to Ask on College Tours

The Best Questions to Ask on College Tours

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Over the past few weeks, I’ve discussed creating a list of colleges to visit and when to go. (If you missed these posts, click here.) The next step is to determine what information you want to learn while you're there. What questions are you going to ask to evaluate the schools effectively? Questions that will truly tell you and your teen about the college experience. First, create a running list of questions you have. Post a piece of paper where you and your teen can both contribute to the...

Finding and Planning Your College Visits

Finding and Planning Your College Visits

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The time has come for you and your teen to start taking a look at colleges. You may have a list of ten or more campuses to visit. How do you find information on tours and put together a plan? I have the answers! Before you get started, keep in mind that college visits can be very expensive. You can easily spend hundreds if not thousands of dollars just on one campus visit. You don’t want to skimp but with proper planning, you can make the most of your visits without breaking the bank. Costs to...