Career Planning
Educational and career counseling is available for students desiring to continue their education or directly enter the workforce after they graduate from high school. Informational brochures from both two–year and four–year colleges, armed services, and career related resources are located in the Counseling Office. This information is available to students and parents. Career exploration tools are available through our computer program, "Career Cruising." This software offers students the chance to explore a variety of careers through interest inventories, action plans, and ability profilers. Computer access is also available to students interested in exploring career opportunities. Students have access to information concerning tests such as PSAT, SAT, ACT, and ASVAB, as well as information about scholarships, grants, and loans.
Career Planning Timeline
Post-Graduation Planning
Throughout your high school career, you can learn real world skills which can help you prepare for your future. No matter what your plans are after high school, colleges, trade schools, apprenticeships, employers, and the military, etc. will look for several common qualities. Here are some recommendations for exploring your options, making decisions about your future, and making yourself an excellent candidate for whatever path you choose:
Challenge yourself as much as possible by selecting courses with the appropriate amount of rigor. Keep up with your school assignments and plan ahead for deadlines. Do your best and successfully pass all courses.
Think about your spark and consider the types of careers that would be a potential match. Choose a career that fits your skills, personality, and interests. Utilize www.pacareerzone.org to research career choices and determine post–secondary requirements.
Consider taking elective classes now to help establish a direction for the future. Look at the courses offered and determine if any may help in your career decision–making. Taking a class can re–affirm your interest in a field and build on your skills.
Find ways to get involved in your school by participating in extracurricular activities that match your interests. York Tech has many clubs, sports, activities, and programs that provide students with the opportunity to enrich their lives outside of the school day.
Build your character and leadership by volunteering your time to help others in your community. Volunteer experience be a meaningful way to utilize your strengths to help others. It can also help you network with professionals and form connections that may benefit you in the future.
Workforce Planning
Be sure to do your best in all courses. How you perform in high school lets employers assess what type of employee you will make and how hard you will work for them. A good work ethic in school represents a good work ethic in life. Potential future employers may request to see your high school transcript and take a close look at your grades.
Earn industry certifications through your technical program.
Talk to your technical teacher to find out what industry certifications are available in your technical program.
Explore what careers are available with each certification and how earning it may benefit you in the future.
Work toward the certifications that will help you in your chosen career path.
Learn more about your careers of interest.
Arrange to complete an interview with a professional who has the career in which you are interested.
These opportunities can give you a small taste of what you may face in your day to day work if you pursue a career in that field.
Ask the employer questions regarding their daily responsibilities, likes, dislikes, what skills are needed for employment, etc., and think about how their answers align with your preferences.
Ask the employed adults that you know what they like and dislike about their jobs. Many factors go into job satisfaction – job location, daily stresses, colleagues, salary, etc. Think about what is a priority to you and the kind of lifestyle you want to live. The more informed you are, the more prepared you will be when you start your career.
Get some experience through an internship, part–time, or summer job.
These are great ways to get some real world experience in a field that interests you.
In addition, you will have the opportunity to meet professionals who do what you hope to do.
Experiences like this look terrific on an employment application and can help you obtain references.
Consider participating in York Tech’s Cooperative (Co-op) EducationProgram at the end of your 11th grade year or during your 12th grade year.
Co–op is a terrific way to gain experience working in your technical field while also earning high school credits and earning money.
Speak with your counselor, technical teacher, and the Co-op coordinator to help determine if you will be eligible for Co-op.
Develop a resume.
Employers will love to see a professional resume that describes your background.
Be sure to include your contact information, extracurricular activities, volunteer experiences, previous work experiences, technical skills learned at York Tech, and any awards or honors you have received.
Utilize your task list to enhance your resume and show evidence of your skills.
Make sure you proofread. Have at least one other person check your resume to make sure it is free from errors.
Practice your interviewing skills.
A job interview is one of the most important parts of the application process and will often determine if you are hired for a job. Being prepared is extremely important.
Research common interview questions and begin to think about how you might answer those questions.
Have a parent, guardian, or friend conduct a “mock interview” with you to give you a chance to practice your interviewing skills.
Things to consider before, during, and after a job interview:
Dress professionally and be sure your hygiene is appropriate.
Be sure you know where to go for the interview. Know how long it will take you to get there and arrive 5–10 minutes early.
Introduce yourself to the interviewer and shake his or her hand.
Bring a copy of your resume, your technical certifications, and your task list to show to the employer.
Be confident in yourself and your answers.
Be sure to have 1–2 questions to ask the interviewer about the job or the company.
Thank the interviewer for the opportunity to meet with them before you leave, and be sure to send a follow up thank you letter within 1–2 days.
Military Planning (Grade 10)
Begin exploring/researching all of the options the military has to offer:
What are the benefits of joining the military?
What are the qualifications to join?
What is the difference between each of the branches (Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, National Guard, and Coast Guard)? Each branch has something different to offer.
Active Duty, National Guard, or the Reserves.
Officer vs. Enlisted.
Regulation vs. Business Rules.
When doing your research, make a list of questions to ask a recruiter.
Explore www.march2success.com, a website that provides an online study program to help students prepare for standardized tests, improve school work, and review materials.
Consider visiting the recruiters when they do lunch visits during your lunch
When making course selections, consider what the military may be looking for. The military recommends students take as many classes as possible in math, English, and science.
Research requirements for enlistment (ASVAB minimum required scores, high school diploma, etc.). Passing the ASVAB is required for enlistment, and earning a high score can lead to more job opportunities within each branch.
Research physical fitness requirements for enlistment and begin a fitness program.
Military Planning (Grade 11)
Begin narrowing down your choices of military branches.
Meet with recruiters at your local recruiting office to further discuss the process and career opportunities.
Take the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) in the spring.
York Tech offers the test free of charge to any interested students in the Fall and in the Spring.
Speak with your school counselor for further information.
You must have a permission form signed by your parent prior to taking the exam.
Speak with your counselor to ensure that you are on track for graduation. A high school diploma is required for enlistment.
Begin or continue an exercise regimen.
Military Planning (Grade 12)
Meet with recruiters at your local recruiting office or at “Lunch with a Recruiter” to further discuss the process and career opportunities.
Take the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) in the fall.
York Tech offers the test free of charge to any interested students in the Fall and in the Spring.
Speak with your school counselor for further information.
You must have a permission form signed by your parent prior to taking the exam.
The military recommends that students patriciate in their after-school basic training preparation program. Reach out to your recruiter for more information. If unable to participate with the recruiter, it is recommended that you exercise and get in shape on your own.
Speak with your counselor to ensure that you are still on track for graduation, and be sure to pass all of your classes. A high school diploma is required to complete the enlistment process.
Complete your enlistment paperwork in the spring and finalize your basic training date with the recruiter.
Inform your high school counselor when you have finalized your enlistment and which branch you have chosen.
College Planning (Grade 10)
Explore the honors courses York Tech has available and consider enrolling. Colleges prefer to see that students are challenging themselves.
Begin researching potential post–secondary institutions online and visit the campuses, if possible.
Consider taking the PSAT in October. The scores will not count for National Merit Scholar consideration in your sophomore year, but it is valuable practice for when you take the PSAT again in your junior year, when the scores will count. You will receive your scores in December.
Continue with or consider taking a world language as an elective. Many post–secondary schools have a language requirement.
College Planning (Grade 11)
Fall
Continue with or consider taking a world language as an elective. Many post–secondary schools have a language requirement.
Take the PSAT/NMSQT in October.
York Tech provides the opportunity for all 11th grade students to take the test at no cost.
11th grade students are eligible for the NMSQT scholarship program. Speak with your counselor or research online for more information on qualifying scores.
You will receive your scores in December.
Meet with college representatives who visit the York County School of Technology.
Ask for a preview of your academic record and profile, determine what gaps or weaknesses there are, and get suggestions on how to strengthen your candidacy for the schools in which you are interested.
Consider attending Financial Aid Night in the fall at York Tech. A representative from PHEAA speaks to students and parents/guardians about the financial aid process.
Attend any regional and local college fairs in the fall.
Spring
Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree or higher, register for the SAT (www.collegeboard.org) or ACT (www.act.org) and take the test during one of the spring offering dates.
If you qualify for free/reduced lunch at school, ask your counselor, or go to the school counseling office to receive information on a fee waiver for the test.
Visit colleges and begin narrowing down your options. Consider the following:
Does the school have the major I need to achieve my career goals?
Am I able to afford the school?
Do I see myself attending this school for the next 1–4 years?
Make appointments with post–secondary schools for summer visits and meetings with admissions office/financial aid office.
Research admission requirements for the college(s) you would like to attend, to include GPA and entrance exam requirements.
College Planning (Grade 12)
September
Check your transcripts to make sure you have all the credits you need to get into your college(s) of choice. Find out from the colleges to which you are applying whether or not they need official copies of your transcripts (transcripts sent directly from your high school) sent at the time of application. You will need to complete a Release of Information Form, allowing York Tech to send an official transcript to the college or post-secondary educational institution of your choice.
Register for October/November SAT Test, ACT tests.
Finalize your list of schools where you plan to apply. It is recommended that you apply to 3–5 post–secondary schools with at least one you feel confident that you meet all of the admissions requirements. Double–check the deadlines and apply.
Most early decision and early action applications are due between October 1 and November 1. Keep this in mind if you intend to take advantage of these options, and remember to request that your high school send your official transcripts to the college to which you are applying.
October
Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in the early Fall. Early dates for submission may change and can be found online. Contact the Financial Aid Office of the college/university you are interested in attending to see if you need to complete additional financial aid forms.
In order to be considered for financial aid, you will need to submit these forms even if you have not yet been notified of your acceptance to the college(s) to which you applied.
Go to FAFSA on the Web (www.fafsa.gov) to complete the form or complete a paper FAFSA. There is no cost to submit the FAFSA form.
If you completed the FAFSA, you should receive your Student Aid Report (SAR) within 2–3 weeks if you applied via paper. If you applied on–line, you can receive results much quicker than paper submission. If you need to make corrections, do so and return it to the FAFSA processor promptly.
Take the SAT and/or ACT tests. Have the official scores sent by the testing agency to the colleges/universities that have made your final list of schools.
Continue thinking about and beginning writing (if you have not already started) any essays to be included with your applications.
November
Submit your college admission applications.
December
Early decision replies usually arrive between December 1 and December31.
If you have not already done so, make sure you send your official test scores to the colleges to which you are applying.
January
Request that your high school send your official transcripts to the colleges to which you are applying.
Contact the admissions office of the college(s) you have applied too to make sure that they have received your information, and that they have everything they need from you.
February
Complete scholarship applications.
Contact the financial aid office of the college(s) to which you have applied to make sure that your information has been received, and that they have everything they need from you.
March/April
If you have not received an acceptance letter/email from the college(s) to which you applied, contact the college admissions office.
Compare your acceptance letters, financial aid and scholarship offers.
When you choose a college that has accepted you, you may be required to pay a non–refundable deposit for freshman tuition (this should ensure your place in the entering freshman class).
May
Take the Advanced Placement (AP) exams for any AP courses you completed in highschool.
You should make a decision by May 1 as to which college you will be attending and notify the school by mailing your commitment deposit check. Many schools require that your notification letter be postmarked by this date.
If you were placed on a waiting list for a particular college, and have decided to wait for an opening, contact that college and let them know you are still very interested.
June
Have your school send your final transcripts to the college that you will be attending.
Contact your college to determine when fees for tuition, room and board are due.
The College Admission Decision
The most important factor that admissions staff at post–secondary schools will consider is the applicant’s academic record from high school. Many consider it to be the best indicator for success in college. The program of study, specific courses, and the grades the students earned are aspects of the record that will be appraised. Special attention will be given to the challenging courses the student has completed. The students overall grade point average will also be considered. A student’s class rank is an important means of showing the level of competition the student has encountered and how the student achieved relative to the competition. Most colleges will look for the applicant to rank in (at the very least) the top half of the class. Colleges that are more selective may expect the student to rank in the top 10–25% of the class.
In order to apply for admission to the majority of colleges, students are required to take tests issued by the College Entrance Examination Board or the American College Testing Program. The PSAT/NMSQT is provided to all juniors at York Tech in October. The SAT/ACT can be taken in the spring and is an opportunity and available to all juniors in October. More information about the SAT and the ACT is available at www.collegeboard.org or www.actstudent.org.