Did you know that the best time for college students to begin working with a life coach is before they go to college? In fact, it is a good idea for high school students to work with a life coach before they choose a college or even decide to attend college.
Why is this? In my experience, many students go to college because their parents told them they had to, because all their friends are going or because they don’t know what else to do. To be completely honest, these are three of the worst reasons to attend college. The decision to attend college should not be entered into lightly, as is a tremendous investment of both time and money. College and career decisions chart the course of your student’s life, so should be explored with intention and purpose.
So, if your student cannot clearly articulate their reasons for going to college, it would be a great idea to have them work with a life coach specializing in both career development and educational planning. Together with their coach, your student will:
Gain a better understanding of themselves: Their personality preferences, values, interests and strengths along with their life vision, mission, purpose and goals.
Explore the world of work and discover career options that match their unique self.
Learn about educational requirements for their preferred career paths.
Research institutions (technical, two-year or four-year colleges) or other opportunities (apprenticeships, military, volunteer work, travel) that provide preparation for selected career options.
Prioritize what is important and begin the decision-making process.
Select preferred institutions and begin the application process.
As you can see, working with a life coach will give your student a wealth of knowledge that will help them make educational and career decisions that best fit the unique person they are. This process will likely result in your student’s increased interest, engagement and satisfaction in their education and career and ultimately, lead to a more satisfying and rewarding life.
Your Student Life Coach Sarah VanderMeiden would love to help your high school junior or senior through the career and educational decision-making process. Contact her today to set up your free consultation!