Most parents assume that schools are providing the necessary college and career planning guidance to their children. But findings from over 10 years of research studies reveal that students are not getting the help they need to make good decisions about life after high school. Counselors aren't there to do career guidance counseling. Schools have used online Internet programs to fill the gap. Where does this leave college and career planning services? They are considered "nice to haves" in many schools because the time and resources aren't there to support them. These same schools do not support co-organizing with parent groups to provide students with a high-quality career guidance and planning program within their facilities, even when the parents were to pay for it. Continue reading →

This post is mostly for adults in career transition or job search mode. For students, there is a group on LinkedIn called Student Career Coaching and Mentoring that is specifically for students to network with successful people for career exploration purposes (not to solicit a job). If you know anyone currently UNemployed please forward, retweet, FB the link, etc. There is a new group on LinkedIn called Linked: Unemployed at http://www.linkedin.com/groupRegistration?gid=3286490 This group is for anyone. If you are employed and on LinkedIn you might be able to help someone find a job just by being a member of the group. If you are a hiring manager or recruiter you might find that perfect candidate. And best of all, if you are currently UNemployed or for whatever reason in a job search you can: Continue reading →

Student Resource Central™, the secure-access part of the Career Coaching for Students™ website is fast becoming THE Career and College Research Go-To Site for students: Incredibly rich with high-quality, high-value and validated content that saves incredible amounts of time for students (and parents). We are now offering a $19.95 family license to access Student Resource Central™, the premier career and college exploration resource site. This one-time fee provides access with no expiration. Have more than one child approaching high school? Your username and password will still work next year and the year after. And we provide a 100% satisfaction guarantee or your money back. We wish every student could take advantage of the full Career Coaching for Students™ program. For those that can't, access to Student Resource Central™ can be the next best thing. Continue reading →

On May 4, 2010, we posted an article on this blog and at the home page of Career Coaching for Students™ entitled PBS Frontline Exposes Fraud at For-Profit Schools. Now it seems the General Accounting Office (GAO, United States Agency) has published their findings which are both confirming the PBS story and very damning for the "For-Profit Educational Industry". The GAO report implicated 15 for-profit colleges in deceptive recruiting & career planning practices. To counter these fraudulent practices, we are offering a special opportunity to families of students and teachers wanting straight forward, credible career and educational institutional information without the marketing hype. Continue reading →

4 Ways to help your teenager reduce the pressure of choosing a career (insights for parents). Continue reading →

As a corporate management and organizational development consultant with over 25 years of hiring, firing, training, coaching and development, I find a mixed population when it comes to people with clear, passionate career direction and those without that clarity and passion. My observations and various academic and coprorate surveys suggest more fall into the latter category. Yet those in positions of authority within the secondary and higher education career guidance field seem satisfied with the status quo. Continue reading →

Career Talk for Students with Dr. Bruce McLaughlin webinar series starts July 7, 2010: New, Emerging and High Demand Jobs for Students http://tinyurl.com/yk7nfw9 Continue reading →

Free career counseling, whether in high school, through the government (ASVAB test) or in college or tech schools, is to be taken with caution. According to The Conference Board, as reported January 5, 2010, of 5,000 households, finds only 45 percent of those surveyed say they are satisfied with their jobs, down from 61.1 percent in 1987, the first year in which the survey was conducted. “This data throws up a big, red flag because the increasing dissatisfaction is not just a ‘survivor syndrome’ artifact of having co-workers and neighbors laid off in the recession," says Gibbons. Research shows that all students do better when they have a plan. A detailed and well vetted plan is as necessary as good grades for success, and that students with a plan go on to and graduate from higher education in greater numbers. This article explores three "free" career counseling options and explains why macro data suggests what is being provided isn't working. Continue reading →

Adora Svitak speeks to adults. She is 14 years old and has something to say.What do others say about her speech? What two components contribute to a successful shift from childhood to adulthood. Does Adora display evidence of either of the two components? Continue reading →

Commencement speeches are being given all over the world right now. It is graduation time. From high school graduation to college graduation. This article highlights several points made by commencement speakers. See if the advice that is being given is more appropriate for incoming freshmen in high school. Let's give incoming Freshmen in high school the great life and career advice and then help them find their future. I've written a commencement speech just for incoming high school students. Continue reading →