Career Planning Starts Here!

We have two pre-college resources available for you!

Taking time to think about your future and completing the Career GPS Planning Guide (PDF, 1 MB) can help you:

• Connect what you are learning in high school to life beyond high school.
• Feel confident and well-equipped to take your next steps.
• Get a head start on college and be prepared for the real world.
• Take advantage of the resources in high school while they are still free!

The Career GPS is also available in a non-fillable format. (PDF, 0.98 MB)

Why should I be thinking about life after high school now–it’s a long way off?

The best way to know and guarantee your future success is to have a road map–a clear plan of study–in place early that directly links your high school courses, work and extracurricular experiences to your next steps, whether it is a college, university or the workplace. A little planning and preparation now will help you save time and money later.

What courses can I take now, in my Pathway, that will earn college credit?

Check out what courses Madison College has in your Career Pathway that count for advanced standing or dual credit. Be sure to check with your high school, not all courses are offered at all schools. Here are the advanced standing courses (PDF, 32 KB) and dual credit courses (PDF, 37 KB) we had available for the 2010-2011 school year.

I don’t know what I want to do after high school. It’s overwhelming, there are so many decisions and choices….

Use the Smart Path Guide (PDF, 4.3 MB). It will help you determine which career pathways are most interesting and exciting to you.

I have an idea of what I want to do for a career, but don’t know what to do next…

You have two options that will help you explore the specific career field you have in mind. You may learn about other related careers you weren’t aware of. Then, you can learn about the type of training or education you will need to be successful in those careers. You can even job shadow or work with your school counselor or parents to schedule workplace or college visits.

Where can I look for more information?

If you are looking for more resources, there are other resources located on page 24 (PDF, 229 KB) or check out our Resources page!

What else is available to get a head-start on my career while I'm still in high school?

Youth apprenticeship and youth options can give you a head start on experiencing college and real-world career settings while you are still in high school.  For more information, check out our Early College Credit page!