Virtually all of the content within CollegeTipsForParents.org involves topics related to traditional college. However, several of our readers have asked us to add content which covers educational alternatives. Many young people feel that a tradtional college isn’t for them even though they have a terrific curriculum, but they still want to continue their education. Below is the first of a series of future posts covering some educational alternatives that might appeal to your child.
Perhaps your son or daughter enjoys helping others and wants a career in the health care field. Sure, advanced college degrees are required for certain medical professions, however there are many health care occupations that do not require a traditional college degree. Modern health care relies heavily on sophisticated equipment and technology. Hospitals and other health care providers need skilled staff who understand how to utilize these high-tech tools and techniques to deliver superior care. Many of these individuals have gotten their skills from a medical tech school. The health care field is one of the few professions that is continually looking to hire staff (particularly those with cutting-edge skills). With that in mind, medical technology training is a great alternative to traditional college.
Maybe your daughter or son is drawn to more artistic pursuits. Modern technology has enhanced some of the creative tools available for those in artistic fields.
For example in the field of photography, the level of sophistication of photographic equipment and editing tools have advanced significantly in the last few years. Today’s photographic equipment can capture amazing imagery. A young photographer will need to learn how to take advantage of these technical tools, but will also need to master the art of photography. If this is the career direction your son or daughter is considering, they may want to look into and research available photography to learn the art and techniques of this field.
In future posts, we plan to discuss technology skills training options, schools of art & design, and other exciting alternatives to traditional college education. Parents, if you have an idea or suggestion for future posts related to this topic we would love to hear from you.
Each year we try to post some info about college spring break safety. Last year we covered concerns about popular spring break locations in Mexico. Unfortunately, the situation does not appear to be any better, is may even been worse. It is our impression that many students are avoiding these areas, based on guidance provided by their schools and other sources.
We noticed a recent article in the New York Daily News which provides a list of popular spring break destinations in the U.S. and their corresponding risks based on a survey by Avvo.com. Parents should do their own independent research, but this survey shows some interesting results.
Before their kids head off on spring break, parents should definitely make sure they get as much detail as possible about the location, arrangements, etc. to help limit potential spring break dangers and risks.
At the suggestion of several of our readers, CollegeTipsForParents.org will begin featuring informational interviews on our site.
We plan to include college educators, staff, and administrators from a variety of schools – public, private, community colleges, small, large, all regions.
Examples of featured interviewees will include: orientation coordinators, R/As, transition staff, academic advisors, campus security & safety, parent association leaders, financial aid staff, etc.
We will interview not only department heads, but every level of staff particularly those that may have useful suggestions for parents. Our objective is not to focus the discussions on their particular school, but to discuss their general insights, observations and advice that would be pertinent to all parents, no matter what school their child is attending (or will be attending).
We also plan to interview relevant experts on various topics including authors, speakers, company representatives, politicians, etc.
We will do written interviews, but also plan to do some audio, and video interviews as well.
Parents, if you have a suggestion on someone who would be an insightful interview subject, please email us their name and contact info.
-Thanks in advance for your help : )