Planning Your Education
Before choosing an educational institution you should have clear answers to the following questions.
What is your long term career goal (10 to 15 years from now)? What is your short term employment goal (within 3 months of graduation)? If you are not sure of the answers to these questions you should consider taking a career planning workshop, talking to a career counselor or reading relevant material on the subject of career planning and goal setting. You may want to contact a career counselor to assist you in making these decisions.
Is there a real possibility of finding employment as a result of the training or educational program you are considering? A market demand search for your career area of interest should be done – check at the library, talk to employers, or visit the following Alberta Government website – http://www.alis.gov.ab.ca.
Is the educational program you plan to take recognized by employers?
Do you know how much work, money and time it will take to complete the educational program? Are you willing to make a commitment to many hours of homework? How will taking a program affect your family, you and your social life over the next number of months or years?
Have you found out which educational institutions are offering the program you wish to take? Seldom is there only one choice. Ask lots of questions and gather information. What do you need in order to apply? How soon can you enter the program? When will you be able to enter or re-enter the workforce? What is the total cost (including tuition, books, supplies, and living costs) for each program? Answers to these types of questions will help you decide which program is the best option for you.
Test Drive The Program
Prospective students who would like to get a better idea about a program prior to submitting an application may want to try it out. This means taking a look around, sitting in on one or more classes, and/or talking with current students and staff. If you are interested in a test drive call the college and speak to a Student Admission Advisor. He/she will be happy to assist you.