Our Children are Going to College, but Do They Know Why?

The proportion of U.S. adults who have a four-year degree has doubled in the last 30 years. Five times more students are going to college today than in 1940. Why are parents urging their children to attend college at increasing rates? In their 2007 study, “College Pays”, the College Board reports that college graduates earn more over their lifetimes, have access to higher paying jobs, and benefit from better healthcare and retirement plans. They tend to achieve healthier lifestyles and higher rates of civic engagement, such as volunteering. Even the children of college grads demonstrate a higher readiness for school and are more likely to go to college themselves. What parent doesn’t want the higher quality of life for their children that a college degree seems to promise?

So what is the problem? “I want to get a good job” consistently ranks at the top of the list of reasons why students select a particular college, according to the 2006 freshman study fielded by the Cooperative Institutional Research Program at UCLA. However, the important exploration and discussions necessary to make an informed college major and career choice too often are ignored. The college selection process has replaced the career planning process for many high school students and their parents. College is not a career goal.

When a student has taken the time to narrow down and understand the requirements of the college majors that support their career aspirations, they are in a position to make good college choices. The sense of purpose is motivating for the student and family as they invest time and resources in this exciting and rigorous phase of their lives. Yet today’s college and universities report more than 60% of their students as undecided majors. Some of these students are using their freshman year to finalize their direction. However, the majority lack a real sense of connection between their education and career direction. Others are focused on sports or extracurricular activities. Their priorities may not support the academic requirements necessary for different fields. These factors contribute to the 30% drop-out rate at the end of freshman year and the growing percentage of students taking 5 and 6 years to earn their bachelor's degree. Lack of planning before making the investment in college has also contributed to rising student debt and more graduates living at home.

Parents, as leaders and often the financiers of these transition years, can support their children best if they engage in exploratory discussions about the many purposes of investing the time and money for a college degree. Expectations, informed choices and a bigger picture also create a more confident student.

Long-range thinking and planning has never been a characteristic of adolescents. So how can we help? Backwards planning strategies, or beginning with the end in mind, can assist students and families in discovering and understanding their personal answer to the question, “Why am I going to college?”

Backwards planning begins with identifying careers that are a good fit with students’ natural strengths and interests. Activities such as informational interviews and job shadowing help students gain first-hand information and realistic previews of jobs for which they are best suited. After gathering information, adults can mentor these students through a critical thinking process to evaluate the options and make a choice. Once the overwhelming options are narrowed to a promising direction, students are in a position to make a more informed decision on what to select as an academic major and minor that will prepare them best for internships and a successful career launch upon graduation.

© Copyright 2008, Career Vision. Article may be reprinted with permission.

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