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Careers to Consider: Careers in Sports Management

Have any students looking to pursue a Career in Sports Management? If yes, here is a great webinar that they and their parents might want to watch. It is hosted by Kristina Dooley of Estrela Consulting and she interviews Monica Gustin from the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission.

Monica was instrumental in bringing large-scale sports opportunities to Cleveland such as the 2019 MLB All-Star Game, the 2021 NFL Draft, the 2022 NBA All-Star Game, and is currently in the throes of hosting the 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball Final Four. She shares how she has climbed the ladder with hard work, perseverance, and taking advantage of opportunities which has helped her bring almost 115 sporting events to NE Ohio, and over $560 million in regional revenue. Here is a link to the recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stvoUwXx7P4

Scholarship Opportunities for Those Struggling to Finance College

Student loans are one of the largest sources of debt in the United States. And debt, incidentally, is one of the largest sources of stress. People who have significant debt are significantly more prone to depression, anxiety, and even thoughts of suicide than those without debt.


These combined factors leave many people to conclude that college simply isn’t for them. If your students’ parents can’t afford to foot the bill that doesn’t leave them with many options.


Or so your students might think.


In fact, there are many paths to getting their degree. They don’t have to come from a wealthy household to set themselves up for a brighter future.


In this article, we bust common college myths and explore how people from every background can earn their degrees as long as they leverage the right strategy.


Myth: Not Everyone Can Afford to Go to College


You will come into contact with students from every imaginable financial background. Kids from low-income families— particularly those whose parents did not go to college—have a relatively low chance of seeking a degree themselves.


The choice for a child coming from a low-income family to opt out of college is not senseless. The road ahead of them will almost certainly be harder than it would be for someone who does not require college loans.


It’s also harder to seriously consider getting a degree when no one in your immediate family has one. As a counselor, you needn’t see it as your obligation to persuade people to go to college. There are many lucrative careers that wait for people on the other side of trade school. Many of these professionals earn more than college graduates and they might not need to borrow any money at all to make it happen.


You should, however, work to clear up misconceptions. Make sure anyone who sits down in your office leaves with an understanding of how they might achieve their collegiate ambitions.


Scholarships Opportunities


Scholarships do primarily reward academic or athletic achievement. Many subjects offer specific scholarships for those students pursuing that career. Here is one example focused on Social Work Scholarships. However, as you know, students needn’t necessarily be at the top of their class to qualify. Many academic scholarships focus on providing college opportunities to people who might not otherwise have them and there are many that go unused very single year.


When targeting any type of scholarship, it’s good to help set the student’s sights on them early. By senior year, it’s usually too late to make a serious difference in the student’s scholarship eligibility. One or two good semesters won’t be enough to reverse three years of average or below-average grades. And of course, many students will be targeting desirable scholarships as early as the fall of their senior year which means your students should have a good transcript before then.

It’s always a good idea to set expectations and establish goals early. A freshman who knows they can go to college if they take certain steps may be more inclined towards academic achievement than someone who is positive high school is the end of the road for them.


Grant Opportunities


Grants, of course, are not competitive in the same way as scholarships. While there may be some academic requirements for eligibility many grants are focused more on benefitting specific types of people.


For example, would the student in question be considered a first-generation college entrant? There are many grant opportunities targeting that demographic.


Ditto for minority groups or women in engineering. Universities are more focused than ever on providing people who’ve previously been passed up with good opportunities. Make sure the students who meet with you have a firm understanding of all the opportunities available to them.


Quality Submissions Count


Advise even your highest performing students to perfect their submission packet. Everyone applying for highly competitive grants or scholarships will have a good transcript. That alone won’t win the money. Make sure your students submit applications that go above and beyond expectations.


Target Small Awards


Minor grants and scholarships add up quickly for students who can grab enough of them. Even a few $1,000 awards will result in more money in their bank accounts upon graduation. Better yet, small awards are generally easier to get, providing good opportunities for people who might not be eligible for full rides.


Start Local


Many communities will provide grant and scholarship opportunities to high school seniors. Local awards are a great opportunity because there are fewer applicants. Encourage your students to start looking within the community and then branch out from there.


Your students can widen their search for grant and scholarship money almost endlessly, but it’s important not to miss low-hanging fruit in favor of less attainable goals.


Be Sensible


Finally, make sure your students understand that there are many paths toward a college degree. They don’t have to borrow $100K to get an education that will set them up for their dream job. Many students from low-income families start at community college.


This is a great way to avoid taking out serious loans while you knock out gen-eds. Also, emphasize the value of college-level courses that your high school offers. Many students don’t understand that they can save thousands of dollars by knocking out gen-eds while they are still in high school.

Finally, point out that not every university is financially inaccessible. State schools often offer in-state tuition discounts that can literally cut costs in half. The value of prestigious degrees is very relative to the person’s intended career path.


While a degree from Yale might help your students get a job on Wall Street, most people will find the same opportunities regardless of where they get their degree from.


Conclusion


Financing college is hard. Most students will require a multi-faceted strategy to tackle this expense in a way that is financially simple. Make sure your students understand that there is always a path ahead for those willing to seek it.


Very few students are able to pay for college without some sort of financing. Through a combination of loans, grants, and scholarships, any student can access a high-quality college experience.

Frequently Asked Questions – College Search and Application Process

The New England Association for College Admissions Counseling has a nice list of Videos that answer the key questions in the College Search and Application process you can use (and share with parents). Here is the complete list with links:

FAQ Videos

Do you have any students looking to attend College outside of the United States?

If you do and have questions about international colleges, we have found a great resource that might help you. The Association of International Regional Representatives – North America is an organization that includes the North American based representatives from many OUS schools. They include a directory you can use to contact those representatives directly to get more information about their specific school, for any of your students that are interested in exploring these opportunities. Here is a link to their site which includes their free directory – https://www.airr-na.org/

Have any students that are interesting in being a doctor/pursuing a medical career?

If yes, we have a great infographic available for free download that was created by one of our contributors, Carolyn Kost.

The infographic is available free for download here: https://www.linkforcounselors.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Kost_Physician-Infographic_RedBlue-2-1.pdf

We also just published a Careers to Consider feature on Respiratory Therapy in our Spring 2024 issue that might be of interest if you missed it. Here is a link to that article: https://bt.e-ditionsbyfry.com/publication/?m=66865&i=814376&p=30&ver=html5

10 Most Common College Essay Topics – Free Handout

Here are the 10 most common College Essay Topics (over 90% of all Scholarship Essay Prompts are related to one of these topics):

1: How will this scholarship help you?

2: Have you contributed to your community? (or other community service question)

3: Tell us about yourself (or generic personal statement request)

4: Tell us about a time you failed and what you learned from it

5: What are your academic/and or career goals?

6: What impact has sports had on your life? (or other academics-related question)

7: Why do you deserve this scholarship?

8: Tell us about a time you had a belief or idea challenged? (Similar to Common App Prompt #3)

9: How are you unique? (Discuss your background, identity, interest, or talent) (Similar to Common App Prompt #1)

10: Why do you want to study/pursue (X)? (for instance: science, nursing, medicine, computer science, etc.)

These were compiled by Going Merry and a PDF of their handout with these is available for free download for your students here

Careers to Consider – Mortuary Science

We publish a series in LINK for Counselors where we spot light unique careers that students should consider. Kristina Dooley of Estrela Consulting has recently posted videos that outline unique careers that students might want to check out. She recently posted one on Mortuary Science.

Do you have a student who has considered a career as a Funeral Director? A curious teen with an interest in Mortuary Science? Then this webinar is for them! Join Estrela Founder Kristina Dooley and Funeral Director, Kevin Barnett, as they discuss pathways to careers in Mortuary Science. Barnett has assisted with funeral services for President George H.W. Bush, Senator John McCain, and the former Secretary of Veteran’s Affairs, Togo Dennis West Jr. T

Here is a link to the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_k1c-i-gT8

Identity and College Options – Free Webinar

On SundayMarch 3, at 7:00 pm ET, Tim Fields (Emory) and Deb Johns (Notre Dame) will be joining host Brennan Barnard of Khan Schools Network to discuss the range of options for those looking for colleges that foster a sense of identity, community and empowerment. Do you have students that resonates with who they are? They will answer questions about HBCUs, men’s college, women’s college, religiously-affiliated schools and much more. It is free to attend and you can register using this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/4917079428505/WN_9ug40J5nQvSikhR4dGD69g#/registration

Making the Most of Spring Break: A Guide to Campus Visits for Families

This is a great time for families to huddle together and start planning which colleges they’d like to visit over spring break. I tell families that Spring break is the best time to visit if a school is in session — it’s important to check to see if your high school calendar overlaps with college calendars. Assuming colleges are in session, visiting a humming campus in springtime is a great way for students to determine if they feel a connection to the school. If families have already made other plans for spring break, it’s fine to make the visits over the summer, but oftentimes you’ll see more 10-year-olds in soccer uniforms than college students.

These visits can play a crucial role in the decision-making process, allowing prospective students to get a feel for the campus atmosphere, academic environment, and overall college experience. Let’s explore how families can make the most of their campus visits over spring break.

  1. Research and Plan Ahead: Before embarking on your campus visits, conduct thorough research on the universities you plan to explore. Familiarize yourself with the campus layout, academic programs, and any specific departments or facilities you’re interested in. Create an itinerary that includes campus tours, information sessions, and meetings with faculty members or admissions officers.
  2. Schedule Official Campus Tours: Many universities offer official campus tours led by knowledgeable guides. Schedule these tours in advance through the university’s admissions office. Official tours provide valuable insights into campus life, facilities, and the overall vibe of the institution.
  3. Attend Information Sessions: Most colleges offer information sessions where admissions representatives provide detailed overviews of the institution, including admission requirements, academic programs, and financial aid options. Attending these sessions can answer many of your questions and provide valuable information for decision-making.
  4. Explore Campus Facilities: Take the time to explore campus facilities such as libraries, dormitories, classrooms, and recreational areas. Pay attention to the condition and accessibility of these spaces, as they will contribute significantly to your overall college experience.
  5. Meet with Faculty Members: If possible, schedule meetings with professors or department heads in your field of interest. This can provide insights into the academic environment, research opportunities, and the faculty-student relationship at the university.
  6. Connect with Current Students: Talk to current students to gain firsthand perspectives on campus life. You can often find student ambassadors during tours or through scheduled meet-and-greet events. Ask them about their experiences, favorite aspects of the university, and any advice they may have for incoming students.
  7. Explore Surrounding Areas: Consider exploring the surrounding community and city/town. The environment outside the campus also plays a role in your overall college experience. Evaluate factors such as safety, available amenities, and recreational opportunities.
  8. Take Notes and Photos: Bring a notebook to jot down your thoughts and observations during each visit. Capture photos of important places and facilities. These notes and images will be valuable when reflecting on your options later.
  9. Consider Overnight Stays: Some colleges offer overnight programs where prospective students can stay in dorms and experience campus life firsthand. If available, take advantage of these opportunities to get a more immersive sense of the college environment.
  10. Reflect and Debrief: After each campus visit, take some time to reflect as a family. Discuss your impressions, compare notes, and consider the pros and cons of each university. This debriefing process will help you make informed decisions as you move forward in the college selection process.

Spring break campus visits are an exciting and crucial step in the college exploration journey. By planning ahead, scheduling official tours, and engaging with the campus community, families can gather the necessary information to make well-informed decisions. Remember that each university is unique, and finding the right fit involves considering various factors that contribute to a fulfilling college experience.

 Lee Bierer is an independent college adviser based in Charlotte. Send questions to: lee@bierercollegeconsulting.comwww.bierercollegeconsulting.com

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