What do you want to be when you grow up?

Chances are, if you're in high school -- or you're the parent of a high school student -- you'll be wrestling with this question A LOT in the months and years ahead.

It's an important consideration that deserves great thought since uncertainty about career choices is one of the factors that causes about 50% of college students to drop out before ever achieving their degrees! Many more students are taking five or more years to earn a bachelor's degree because they switch majors -- often more than once -- while enrolled in college.

Smart students begin planning for their futures early -- when the financial stakes are not so high and there are so many programs and resources available at the high school.

Why go to college?

Getting a college education is one of the smartest financial decisions today's high school students can make. According to the US Census Bureau's 2001 Report, today's average income, based on education level, rises dramatically with a college education.

 

Average Earnings Potential Based on Education
Less than 9th grade................ High School Dropout................ High School Graduate.............. Some College.......................... Associate Degree.................... Bachelors Degree.................... Masters Degree....................... Doctorate................................ Professional.............................	$17,610 $20,746 $27,160 $31,793 $34,564 $43,529 $52,417 $70,826 $81,545

 

 

Recommended Web sites to research careers

Occupational Outlook Handbook
http://stats.bls.gov/ocohome.htm
The Occupational Outlook Handbook is a nationally recognized source of career information, designed to provide valuable assistance to individuals making decisions about their future work lives. Revised every two years, the Handbook describes what workers do on the job, working conditions, the training and education needed, earnings, and expected job prospects in a wide range of occupations.

New York State Dept. of Labor and Career Resources
www.labor.state.ny.us
Learn about working in New York and labor market information. You'll also want to check out the new Career Zone which provides all kinds of information on a wide variety of exciting careers in New York State.

Career Info Net
www.acinet.org/acinet
Smart career decisions start here! Find wages and employment trends, occupational requirements, state by state labor market conditions, millions of employer contacts nationwide and an extensive career resource library.

 

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