CollegeSurfing Insider

Q: Who can I go to for advice when I’m thinking of entering a new career field?

Great question! First off, you’re already on the right track in realizing that there are always people out there that can help you learn more about your field of interest. Online resources like CollegeSurfing.com are great (excuse the shameless plug), but surfing for information has to be paired with some proactive research. Here are three people that can help…

1. The admissions officer. If you’re considering attending a career school, college or university, it’s a good idea to start by requesting information from institutions of interest. Once you accumulate information, take it to the next level by contacting the admissions department to address any specific questions you may have. That might include requirements for being admitted into a program; if the school accepts transfer credit or credit for life experience; etc. Click here for five questions you should always ask.

2. A student or alumnus from a school you’re considering. No matter how helpful the admissions officer is, remember that he or she is trying to sell the school to you. To get more of an unbiased review of a school or a particular program, seek out a student or graduate and ask specific questions. What was the workload like? Did it prepare you for work in the field? Was there hands-on learning and/or intership opportunities? Etc. You can usually find such a student through a school’s Web site, on message boards, or if you visit a school and take a tour. Just be sure to speak with someone other than the school-trained tour guide.

3. A professional in the field. As you know, the CollegeSurfing Insider is fairly new to the blogosphere. So one of the first things I did to prepare myself to be a helpful blogger is read other well-known blogs. Once I felt comfortable enough to get started, I went a step further and contacted a few of my favorite career advice and education bloggers. And guess what? One of them, Penelope Truck, a well-respected columnist, author, and blogger, responded to me just this morning with kind words and advice. Likewise, whether you want to be a cosmetologist or an X-ray technician, it’s a good idea to pick the brains of people in the field. Find out what a typical day is like, if they’re happy in their work enviroment, what skills and educational background they have, etc. That way, you’ll see if it’s something you’re cut out for, and what it takes to make it.

After networking with these three people, you’ll hopefully have a clearer sense as to what is needed to be successful in your industry of interest. Of course, a second (or third) opinion never hurts, so get talking!

Is there anyone I missed? Let me know who’s been helpful to you in your new career quest.