The semester is ending. Grades almost final. What is the next step? When it comes to planning for the next semester and after, Parkland has the best resources.
It’s National Career Development Month, often under appreciated but never forgotten, especially not by Parkland’s Career Counselor, Brennon Hightower. Throughout the month Hightower has and will continue to have easy meet and greets with students in the Student Union (U-wing) to jump-start conversations on their career endeavors. There are only two more chances to meet with her here, from 10 am to 12 pm Monday, November 15th, and from 12 pm to 2 pm Tuesday the 23rd. Creating that conversation with Hightower, if only for 15 minutes will be worth it. If you cannot find the time in those two days, don’t fret, she’s still available. Hightower’s office is in Room U279, where most students will have visited before for academic counseling so they could sign up for their classes. She accepts walk-ins, but due to the semester’s ending approaching, making an appointment might be better.
Hightower has manifested her career and outside ventures, like a successful travel blog, using the same tools and plans she will create with you. Her educational journey started with an Associates in Journalism which evolved into a Bachelor of Independent Studies of Fashion and Media, being brought together by her Master’s in Leadership.
With this story, I got a little selfish and thought, “Hey, if I’m going to learn about the career services here, might as well take full advantage of the situation to ease and focus the chaotic ideas in my head towards a goal.” I’ve been an on-again-off-again Parkland student for a couple of years and am now easing into my role of responsible student. If anyone needs our Career Services, it’s me.
It was 4 pm on Hump Day when I walked with her to her office, and thanks to daylight savings, it felt and looked like 7 at night; but only for me, it seemed. She was still excited and full of energy to tell me about her services and to help me. Her office had many positive affirmations I’d normally scoff at, but here, in her space, I truly believed that yes, the world is a brighter place because of me. Under this safe and inviting atmosphere, we started conversing.
The key to making the most out of your education and future career is to be honest and realistic. This is how Hightower found her way to the career she has now. During your meeting, she will ask what things you like and what you are good at. Be honest. After creating a list and connecting the dots, options will start to appear, but what if you don’t know? Parkland has the perfect package.
Parkland PathwayU is a website that tests your personality and can surmise career paths for you. Even better, it gives different jobs that are also associated with the type of degree you would get. For example, some individuals want to get their nursing degrees but don’t want to work in a hospital. Did you know that Caterpillar, the manufacturer, hires nurses? Your choices can be endless. You can take the test yourself online, but I would suggest doing it with Hightower, in her office, or over Microsoft Teams.
I’ve had career aptitude tests before, online at home, and during high school; you take your test, get your results, and leave with questions. I suggest doing it with a Career Counselor. A 20-minute test can only tell so much, but a 20-minute conversation with someone who wants the best for your future will help fill in the blanks. Talking with a career counselor may not give you all the answers, but it will help you create an informed plan to stay accountable and focused.
Fall is a unique time of year, where the changes to our atmosphere are shown bright and clear. At times it may seem like the future isn’t as transparent. The pandemic made that apparent. Thanks to it, we’ve had to be on our own. For some, during such a seminal part of our transition towards being grown. You don’t have to make those big decisions on your own. Parkland wants to be the support to help you grow. Sometimes all it takes is a single conversation with someone. A conversation that sets off that spark to shoot you in the right direction.
