Episode 19 - Choose a College or Career first? Flipping the college process on its Head!

Send a textIf you have a student in high school, or even one approaching it, and want to help guide them toward the best opportunity for success after high school, this episode is for you!It's the right of passage each May/June.  Thousands of high school seniors will graduate and embark on the next step in their journey.  Most are preparing to head off to college at the end of the summer, while others have chosen to pursue a trade, enter the military, etc.  We are experiencing this in our own family with my daughter Faith's graduation.Next up, the rising senior's are busy making plans to visit the campuses of their top college choices this summer ahead of applying in the Fall.   Visiting colleges is often the first step families take in the process, and it makes sense.   It is tangible, you get to have a real experience...good or bad.  You walk the halls, taste the cafeteria food, imagine yourself playing for or cheering the team on inside the big stadium, or performing on the stage at the art center.  You buy the gear at the campus book store and proudly wear it back home.   But should choosing a college be the first step?Our guest today, Beth Probst, Founder of At The Core, challenges this notion and flips the college process on its head.   For over 10 years, Beth and her team have been inspiring parents and students to think strategically about how to select the best fit college, major and career so they don't end up wasting precious time and money. During his very engaging conversation, we dive into the following topics:The order in which you should approach this process...and a hint, visiting colleges is not first!Practical strategies for getting our teens to lift their head up from the daily rigors and schedules they are under to consider the possibilities for the future.By age 17, our kids have exhibited innate strengths and traits to help guide them toward a career that they have a strong interest and aptitude for without the pressure of having to figure out their entire life.  The first job comes rapidly...the importance of focusing on self assessment, getting experience, learning different skills, etc.The role of Career Technical Education to evaluate potential careers while still in high school. The rising popularity and economic value of stacking skills/credentials and getting hands on experience as an alternative to a four year degree.Why as parents, putting aside our own aspirations for our children and having open and honest dialogue is an approach we should all consider.  We greatly enjoyed our conversation with Beth, and will certainly be applying what we learned as my youngest daughter Carmel begins this process in earnest.We encourage you to learn about all the great services, both complimentary and paid, that Beth and her team provide to families across the country at the following website:https://www.gettingatthecore.com/