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University Counseling Introduction : a message from the school Guidance and Career Counselor How not to choose a University or College Important Dates Scholarship Tips Applying to Canadian Universities Applying to American Universities and Colleges Information for the USA bound Student Athlete Resources and Web sites |
Introduction My name is Kate MacLean and I am the Guidance/Career Counselor at Athol Murray College of Notre Dame. I am looking forward to assisting our students as they plan for life after ND. Many students have a very clear idea of what they wish to accomplish and they already know what post-secondary requirements they will need to achieve their goals. For others, the idea of choosing a college or university without any clear direction can be unsettling. Some good advice for these students is to consider their interests and to keep their options open. The reality is that career plans very often take shape after one's knowledge base has been expanded through attending a post-secondary institution. Being absolutely sure of what you want to "be" in high school can sometimes be premature. Post-secondary education should be both general and focused. Certainly to build a career, students must become proficient in a particular field of interest. To be successful in their field, students must also have a broad range of personal and professional skills. Employers are seeking individuals who can communicate, think, learn, work in teams and problem solve. While most jobs do require a specific knowledge base, a general education background can provide students with the transferable skills that are of value in any career path they choose. A university education encourages students to improve verbal and written communication skills and to be critical thinkers. Students should not feel pressured to narrow their scope of study immediately because a general academic background is absolutely beneficial until they know which direction they are going. My responsibility is to assist students in the university/college application process. It is a time-consuming and often confusing task. When I meet with the Grade 12's initially, I will discuss their interests and get them to explore the possibilities of post-secondary study. Students are encouraged to do their own research about programs, deadlines, requirements, etc. They have access to this information in the Counseling Centre and on the Internet. I am more than happy to help them in any way, but I strongly believe that students must take the initiative; this is the first step on the journey to shaping their own future. Parents play a huge role in this process as well and can show their support by discussing post-secondary options with their children and generating as many ideas as possible for students to choose from. I am aware that as application deadlines approach, there will be a need for constant reminders. I will stay on top of them and encourage them to make realistic choices. I am excited about working with the students in this capacity and hopefully, together, we can make the transition from high school to post-secondary a successful one.
Kate MacLean |
