Career Planning & Development

“What do you want to do when you grow up?” This is the age-old question many adults ask children as soon as they can talk and show interest in certain toys. This question tends to turn into “What are you going to major in?” when they get into high school. In my experience as a high school counselor, I’ve found that these questions (although well-intentioned) can be very daunting to students who are unsure of their career interests. They can…

Written by: Ray Giese, Director of Career Development Every young adult hopes to ultimately find their way to the corner of the "Happy & Wealthy" quadrant by choosing a career that will provide them with a lifetime of earnings and personal satisfaction.  The prevailing thought is that every high school graduate must apply for and attend a college of their choice to help secure their chosen career path.  Each year high school students and their parents engage in the mad…

Google career certificates are designed to provide students with skills, tools, expertise, and experience necessary for entry-level jobs. No prior knowledge, experience, or college education is necessary. » Looking for other online courses? Check out our resource page Coursera Google Career Certifications 1. Google IT Support Professional Certificate (Google) This certificate is designed as a starting point for a successful career in IT. Students will learn foundational IT skills through virtual lectures and quizzes, as well as hands-on labs. This online…

“Undecided” is one of the most popular major choices among college freshmen. As a high school counselor, I’ve heard widely varying opinions on whether this is a good thing or a bad thing. Some people say that every student should go into college undecided so they can explore their interests without pressure. Others say that undecided students should take classes at a community college before enrolling in a 4-year college or university in order to avoid wasting time and money. …

Computer science skills — like programming and information technology — are valuable additions to any resume. In today's technology and data-driven world, employers are always searching for candidates who possess practical computer science skills. These Coursera computer science courses, specializations and degree programs can help prepare recent graduates for the workforce or help mid-career professionals make a job pivot. » Looking for other online courses? Check out our resource page Coursera computer science courses Coursera courses are flexible and 100% online.…

Whether you're looking for a career change, starting your own business or improving your existing company, business skills — such as finance, negotiation, leadership, marketing and administration — are valuable assets in any industry. Investing your time in learning business skills can help you find fulfillment and improve your employability — these Coursera business courses, specializations and degrees can help. » Looking for other online courses? Check out our resource page Coursera business courses  Coursera courses include several weeks of modules…

Hybrid jobs are multi-disciplinary, specialized roles that require a wide array of skills from different fields. For instance, digital marketing managers need to combine creativity with data analytics. Successful software engineers need design instincts in addition to their technical skills. Hybrid jobs are growing twice as fast as non-hybrid jobs and they pay 20-40% more, according to a 2019 report by Burning Glass Technologies, a job market analytics company.  In order to prepare themselves for future job market demands (and…

In recent years, data science has become one of the most popular and profitable professions. What makes a career in data science so lucrative? Today, every industry uses data to maximize their revenue. Data scientists have the skills to help companies make data-driven decisions. As industries continue to become more and more data-driven, the need for data scientists continues to grow. Here are 10 Coursera data science courses, specializations, certificates and degree programs to consider. » Looking for other online courses?…

Even the most technically strong team needs “soft” skills like leadership, communication, and critical thinking in order to succeed — especially given the growth of so-called "hybrid jobs." Here are our recommendations of soft skills courses that can help prepare new college grads for the workplace: 1. The Science of Well-Being Yale University This personal development course is designed to help students understand how to increase their happiness and productivity—and then put it into practice. This 10-week course takes about…

Deciding a college major can seem like a daunting task--after all, it means you are choosing your life's work, right?  Some independent educational consultants specialize in interest, personality and career assessments. Many students just don't know where to start in picking a major or exploring careers.  Of course, a good place to begin is with your high school college counseling website.  Some high schools use Career Cruising, some use Naviance.  There is no one best way to begin.  You may find it helpful…