Post Secondary Education & Career Resources

Pathfinder

Pathfinder uses current labor market, wage and institutional data and metrics to help you create an individualized career roadmap. This free tool provides information to students, their parents, and guidance staff to make informed choices about educational and career options. It provides information on an abundance of Michigan educational institutions and training programs, fees associated, and general summaries.

Website: https://pathfinder.mitalent.org/

Michigan Community Colleges & 4 Year Colleges

A comprehensive list of Michigan community colleges and four-year universities. Think of it as a directory—with locations and hypertext links to learn more about each college.

Website: https://www.mitalent.org/skilled-trades-education-opportunities

Vocational Training Programs in Michigan

A resource provided by the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) that covers twelve vocational training programs ranging from automotive technology to retail marketing. For each, the resource covers a program description, job options, job outlook, skills and requirements.

Website: https://www.michigan.gov/leo/bureaus-agencies/mcti/vocational-training

Guidelines for each vocational training: https://www.michigan.gov/leo/-/media/Project/Websites/leo/

U.S. Military

A page provided by USAGov that covers the requirements for each branch of the military (citizenship, age limits, education/testing requirements and physical/medical requirements) along with contact information. This website also includes information related to pay, benefits, and potential tuition assistance.

Website: https://www.usa.gov/military-requirements

State of Michigan Intern Search Engine

State of Michigan internships create an ongoing partnership between students, academic institutions, and the State of Michigan, connecting agencies with students. Internships are available across 18 different State of Michigan departments, where students can gain practical, real world experience, and networking opportunities. They offer both paid and unpaid opportunities.

Website: https://www.michigan.gov/mdcs/Home/state-employment/Internships

Federal Student Aid Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a pivotal financial aid form for college-bound students in the United States. Serving as the gateway to federal grants, loans, and work-study programs, FAFSA determines eligibility based on factors like income, family size, and assets. Students must complete this form annually to access various forms of financial aid, including Pell Grants and subsidized loans.

Website: https://studentaid.gov/

Requirements for FAFSA: https://studentaid.gov/articles/things-you-need

Tips: https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/fafsa-support/pro-tips

Resources: https://www.michigan.gov/fafsa-resources

Michigan Achievement Scholarship

The Michigan Achievement Scholarships are designed to help recent graduates from high schools in Michigan receive funds for continuing education. Eligible students could receive financial aid to attend a college or university with the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, or for a career training program with the Michigan Achievement Skills Scholarship.

Website: https://www.michigan.gov/mistudentaid/scholarship

Michigan Future Educator Fellowship

For college-bound students interested in becoming educators: MI Future Educator Fellowship will offer a $10,000 scholarship to up to 2,500 future educators every year.

Website: https://www.michigan.gov/mistudentaid/programs/new-programs-for-future-educators

MI Student Aid: Scholarship and Grant Programs

A variety of scholarships for various circumstances ranging from dependents of veterans, merit-based scholarships, and others.

Website: https://www.michigan.gov/mistudentaid/programs

College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile

The CSS PROFILE is required by many private colleges and universities to determine your eligibility for non-government financial aid, such as the institution's own grants, loans, and scholarships.

Website: https://cssprofile.collegeboard.org/https://cssprofile.collegeboard.org/

Fee Waivers

Participating institutions: https://profile.collegeboard.org/profile/ppi/participatingInstitutions.aspx

Fee waivers: https://cssprofile.collegeboard.org/fee-waivers

• Domestic undergraduate students may submit CSS Profile for free if:

○      Family adjusted gross income is under $100,000

○      The student qualified for an SAT fee waiver

○      The student is an orphan or ward of the court under the age of 24

○      CSS Profile for noncustodial parents of domestic undergraduate students is free to submit for noncustodial parents whose family adjusted gross income is up to $100,000

Federal Pell Grants

The Pell Grant is a need-based federal financial aid program in the United States, providing assistance to low-income undergraduate students. Award amounts vary based on factors like financial need, cost of attendance, and enrollment status. It's a key resource in making higher education more accessible and affordable for eligible students. Students with family incomes up to $65,000 may be eligible for Pell Grants, but most Pell awards go to students with family incomes below $30,000.

Website: https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants/pell

• There is no charge to apply for a Federal Pell Grant
• To apply, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Must reapply every year to qualify

Scholarship.com

Scholarships.com is an online platform dedicated to helping students find scholarships and financial aid for college. It offers a searchable database of scholarships, grants, and other financial awards, along with resources and tips for applying. An account is required to use.

Website: https://www.scholarships.com/scholarship-search

Linkedin

LinkedIn is a professional networking platform connecting individuals with career

opportunities, mentorship, and industry insights.It offers a platform to build professional profiles, explore career paths, connect with professionals, and access resources for college admissions and future career planning.

Website: https://www.linkedin.com/

Indeed

Indeed is a leading job search engine that helps high school juniors and seniors, along with their parents, find employment opportunities. With a user-friendly interface and comprehensive job listings, Indeed enables users to explore various industries, apply for positions, and track job market trends, aiding in informed career decisions.

Website: https://www.indeed.com/

Non-degree jobs: https://www.indeed.com/high-school-graduates

Glassdoor

Search active job listings and be emailed curated lists of job opportunities. Each job

listing includes information about the position, company, and how to apply, as well as anonymous reviews of the company, estimated salary, and benefits. An account is necessary to access job listings.

Website: https://www.glassdoor.com/index.htm

Monster

Monster provides free job listings for all levels of experience and workstyles (full-time, part-time, remote, etc.). Some of the job listings require an account to apply and some listings provide links to other websites to apply.

Website: https://www.monster.com/

“Resume-builder” Online Classes

The Muse created a list of 47 free, online classes to help with building skills related to programming, design, online marketing, communication, writing, entrepreneurship, law, and languages. They vary in duration depending on the skill and platform.

Website: https://www.themuse.com/advice/47-free-online-classes

Coursera

Another great resource is a website called Coursera, which offers 1,200 free courses to individuals. Some specialized courses require a subscription; however, some universities (like U-M) have partnerships with Coursera and waive any fees.

Website: https://www.coursera.org/

Tips and Tricks

“Writing a High School Resume that Stands Out”

The article advises high school students to create comprehensive resumes for college, job, and scholarship applications. It details components, offers writing tips, and underscores.

the importance of a resume for future opportunities.

Article by ASVAB Career Exploration Program

Website: https://www.asvabprogram.com/media-center-article/64

“Tips for a First-Job Cover Letter for High School Students”

The article offers guidance for high school students on crafting effective cover letters for job applications. It explains the purpose of cover letters, provides formatting tips, and suggests what to include when lacking work experience.

Article by Indeed’s editorial team

Website: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/

“18 Résumé Writing Tips to Help You Stand Out”

The article emphasizes the importance of crafting effective resumes tailored to both human recruiters and applicant tracking systems. Key points include highlighting achievements, customizing content, choosing an appropriate format, and optimizing keywords. It advises prioritizing relevant skills, providing concise bullet points, and addressing potential gaps in employment. Additionally, it suggests proofreading meticulously and considering subtle design elements to enhance visual appeal.

Article by Allison Pohle with The Wall Street Journal

Website: https://www.wsj.com/articles/18-resume

“Job Interview Preparation Tips to Help You Stand Out”

The article talks on the importance of interview preparation to excel in job interviews. It

advises studying the job description, addressing gaps in your background, and practicing interview responses. Emphasis is placed on authenticity, thoughtful questioning, and post-interview follow-up. Additionally, it suggests final preparations including attire selection and negotiation strategies if offered a job.

Article by Deborah Acosta with The Wall Street Journal

Website: https://www.wsj.com/articles/how-to-prepare-for-a-job-interview

Big Interview

Big Interview is a comprehensive online platform that offers interview training and preparation resources. It provides users with tools to enhance their interview skills through video lessons, virtual mock interviews, and a library of interview questions.

Website: https://biginterview.com/

General Tips

“How to use public transportation”

 Navigating public transportation in the USA can be daunting, especially for a high school student new to the system. This article gives some tips such as: embrace Google Maps for guidance, and how buses offer economical rides, while subways zip through cities efficiently. Remember to plan routes, buy passes, and respect fellow passengers. Consider alternatives like biking or carpooling for added flexibility.

Article by USAHello

Website: https://usahello.org/life-in-usa/daily-life/public-transportation/

Ann Arbor Public Transit

The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (AAATA) offers a comprehensive system spanning  the city and beyond. Utilize On The Ride's website to track buses, plan trips, and check schedules for seamless commuting.

Article from the city of Ann Arbor

Website: https://www.a2gov.org/departments/

Steps to filing your taxes

Official article from federal government

Website: https://www.usa.gov/file-taxes

Practical Tips for Investment Beginners

1. Educate Yourself:

○      Begin by learning the basics of investing. Understand different investment options such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Read books, watch videos, and follow reputable financial websites to expand your knowledge.

1. Set Financial Goals

○      Determine why you want to invest. Whether it's saving for college, a car, or long-term wealth accumulation, having clear goals will guide your investment decisions. The 50/30/20 (putting 50% of your money toward needs, 30% toward wants, and 20% toward savings/investment) rule of budgeting can help in knowing what’s possible for your financial goals.

1. Start Small

○      Begin with what you have. You don't need a large amount of money to start investing. Consider low-cost investment options like index funds or fractional shares that allow you to invest with as little as $10 or $20.

1. Consider a Custodial Account

○      If you're under 18, you'll likely need a custodial account with an adult (like a parent or guardian) as the custodian. This allows you to invest in stocks or mutual funds until you reach the age of majority.

1. Understand Risk and Return

○      Be aware that investing involves risks. Higher potential returns often come with greater risks. Learn about risk tolerance and how to balance risk with your investment goals.

1. Diversify Your Portfolio

○      Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Diversification can help reduce risk by spreading your investments across different asset classes and industries.

1. Consider Long-Term Investing

○      Time is your biggest advantage as a young investor. Take advantage of compounding returns by investing for the long term. Avoid trying to time the market and focus on consistent investing.

1. Take Advantage of Retirement Accounts

○      If you have earned income, consider opening a Roth IRA. Contributions to a Roth IRA can grow tax-free, offering a valuable head start on retirement savings.

1. Stay Informed but Avoid Overtrading

○      Keep up with market news and investment trends, but avoid making frequent trades based on short-term market fluctuations. Long-term investing is about patience and discipline.

1. Seek Guidance from Professionals

○      Consider consulting with a financial advisor or investment professional, especially as your investment knowledge grows and your portfolio expands. Teachers/professors specializing in economics can be helpful mentors!

Resources

“All Your Worth: The Ultimate Lifetime Money Plan” by Amelia Warren Tyagi and Elizabeth Warren

The book presents a balanced approach to managing money. This approach aims to help individuals achieve financial stability and security over their lifetime by prioritizing essential expenses, maintaining a healthy balance between spending and enjoyment, and saving for the future. The book also provides practical advice on budgeting, debt management, and long-term financial planning, making it a comprehensive guide for achieving financial well-being.

“The Intelligent Investor”

by Benjamin Graham

A classic investment book that teaches valuable lessons in simple terms. Graham

introduces the idea of "Mr. Market," representing the unpredictable stock market. He advises investors to buy stocks when they are undervalued and sell when they are overvalued. The book emphasizes the difference between investing (careful analysis and long-term focus) and speculation (short-term and emotional decisions). Graham stresses the importance of diversification to manage risks and recommends focusing on a company's fundamentals rather than market trends. Overall, this book provides foundational principles for new investors to make smart and informed investment decisions.