Natalie Blundo

Transferring and Career Planning

            Most people who attend a community college are planning on transferring to a state college or a university. Starting an educational career at a community college is a great way to save money, build your grades and study skills, and earn college credit for either an associate's degree or toward a bachelor's degree. If a bachelor's degree is your ultimate goal, you need to talk to a transfer counselor at your community college as soon as possible about how to become a transfer student. There are many steps to transferring to the school of your choice. People might also want to start thinking ahead, thinking about what career they might have in mind. They are going to make sure that they have their major picked out so that they know what field they are going into. It is best to be fully prepared and have a career plan.

Start planning your transfer in your first semester. An early start could make your transfer smooth and easy. Most colleges recommend to transferring students that they make sure that they plan their course load very carefully; trying to match them with the schools they are applying to. Most people are better off with a career plan, for transferring, so that they know what they are getting into. They must look into the school of their choice and pick a major the best suits them and the path they are choosing to live after college. Being prepared and well-educated about the transferring process can help a student plan his or her career much easier, and much more efficiently, relieving a lot of unnecessary stress.

According to collegeboard.com there are many steps to transferring. The first step is: “A transfer program at a community college prepares you to enter an upper-division college as a junior.” it usually requires three types of courses. Second: “If you already know what four-year college you'd like to attend, make sure that the credits of the community college courses you sign up for transfer to that four-year school. “If you've already completed your two years at a community college and aren't sure what four-year school to apply to, make sure you pick one where most of your credits transfer. Third: “He or she can help you meet your community college's graduation requirements and prepare for transfer—with maximum credit—into the college and major you want. No matter how clearly the course requirements are written in the catalog, there's no substitute for professional advice.” Meet with an advisor before you even register for your first-semester course. Fourth: “These agreements state specific policies related to transferring and make it easier for you to transfer from one college to another. Many community colleges have them with private colleges or with colleges in other states. Some agreements are at the program level. For example, students with an associate's degree in forestry may be granted unconditional entry into a university forestry program.”

            Most people should have a process for career planning. Career planning is a lifelong process, which includes choosing an occupation, getting a job, growing in our job, possibly changing careers, and eventually retiring. Career planning usually has many steps. It is not the easiest process. Sometimes it can be long and tedious but it is absolutely essential if planning to transfer with a much easier, smoother process.

            Choosing a major is a huge part of career planning. Quintessential Careers states: “Choosing a major, thinking about a career, getting an education – these are the things college is all about. Yes, there are some students who arrive on campus and know exactly their major and career ambitions, but the majority of students do not, thus there is no need to rush into a decision about your major as soon as you step on campus”. Choosing a major in college is one of the most important decisions a student makes. And most students are unsure of what their major should be. Most students feel that they are rushed and do not know how to choose their major. According to jobweb.com when choosing a major, there are three steps: Examine the majors available to you in your school’s catalog. Make a list of your options and eliminate those that don’t interest you. Read about the majors remaining on your list. Mark the courses in each major that most interest you, match your abilities, and share your values. This should help you further shorten your list. Review additional information about the majors on your short list. Visit each department’s web pages, or read print materials they offer. Talk with an academic adviser, students currently in these majors, and faculty members.

Visit your career center’s resource center. What is available? Does the career center offer a workshop in choosing a major? Talk with a career counselor. The more information you find, the more informed your final decision will be.

After you have spoken to a school counselor and followed all these steps provided, it is very important to think very hard and be sure about your plans. It is important to try new classes, try out classes that seem interesting to you, to make sure that your major in mind is the right one for you! First year community college students usually freak out about the classes they will be taking, resulting in taking a lot of fun or pointless classes, this is something it is wise to stay away from. It is fun to try new classes, but make sure that you take all of the credited classes, keeping you on track. This is why it is always a good idea to talk to a college counselor. But once you’re completely sure of the major and career you have in mind, go for it. Take all the necessary classes and go for it, get on the right path to success.

When planning on transferring it is very important to follow all of these steps. A transferring student must have a career plan, and he or she should be well educated about the major he or she is going to choose. He or she must make sure they pick a major best suited for their career choice.  Transferring to a different college doesn’t have to be a hard thing. If the student is prepared and knows what he or she has got themselves into then it will be an easy process. While staying at a community college, it is best to stay focused and make the best of those two years, or however long it may to get you to the transfer school of your choice. Transferring doesn’t have to be a scary thing, follow the advice given for the major and career of your choice, and keep up with studying. If these steps are followed, transferring should be a breeze.