College is only a key, not the door!

Too often, we as parents think a “career plan” just involves having our children go to college -- that a four-year college education is all it takes to ensure success! How many times have you heard a conversation like this:

Parent 1 says, “My son Johnny is in college . . ..”

Parent 2 asks, “What does he want to do when he graduates?”

Parent 1 laughs nervously, “Uh, well – we’re not sure about that!”

Ouch! Sounds like Johnny’s college education may not open too many doors for him! Perish the thought that this should happen to your child! Too many people believe that a college education is the key that opens the door to unlimited options…and unlimited success. But education is only a key. And we all know that when you unlock a door, you have to have the right key; not just any key will fit. It’s the same with education. Your child needs to know what door she wants to unlock, how to get the right key to unlock that door, and then know how to use that key.

This belief that a baccalaureate degree equals guaranteed success has been part of our culture for years. But the culture of the world of work has changed, and today, a college education is only one step in achieving a career goal. So helping your child choose the best college to reach her career goals is important, but is just one part of the career planning process.

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Great things don’t just happen
If you’re planning, you’re learning
College is only a key, not the door
I wish I had known….
True/False Quiz – A dose of reality
What sometimes happens when we don’t plan
So, why is career planning important?
Parent action plan
Links related to career planning