TRiO Student Support Services
Common Roadblocks to Getting Your Dream Job
Changing Majors
Students who change majors often need to take additional courses and sometimes may
max out their federal financial aid options. Recognize that changing a major may increase
the number of credits needed to complete a degree.
Not Thinking Past Graduation
Know where you want to go and what you want to do after your last class at Northwest
College. Have a pathway to success and use the NWC and Project Succeed resources that
are available.
Failure to Decide
You may not know what you want to do for a job until you find it, but if you don't
explore your options early in your academic career, you may find yourself with a lot
of course credits but no degree. Choose at least two or three possible careers you鈥檙e
interested in to help narrow your choices.
Failure to Plan
Many students are rejected for admission to their chosen university or lose financial
aid because they fail to meet deadlines. Take the time to plan out your goals and
know the deadlines. Ask for assistance as needed.
Choosing the "Wrong" Courses
Students should work with their academic advisors to select courses that will satisfy
degree requirements at NWC and help them plan for their career or educational future.
Lack of Connection
Form relationships with faculty, advisors and other students; people are your biggest
resource for finding your future job. Having the opportunity for a continuous, one-on-one
relationship with an advocate for your success models essential critical-thinking
and decision-making skills.
Not Building Your Skills
Learn outside the classroom, book-smarts are not the only thing employers look for.
They want to see evidence of your communication, decision making, organization and
creative skills, just to name a few.
Facebook, Twitter, Blogs or other Social Networks
Many employers today use social networks to learn about potential employees. Make
sure all items posted on the internet are things you would be okay with others viewing,
even those that are supposed to be 鈥減rivate.鈥� Avoid posting any of the following items:
inappropriate use of drugs or alcohol, negative comments about other employers/fellow
employees and public 鈥渧enting鈥� about personal or financial problems.