by If you’re a high school student or know someone who has graduated in the last two school years, you’re probably familiar with the term “endorsement.”
While it is a term listed on the high school diploma, you may not be aware of how it can benefit students in college. In everyday terms, an endorsement is like the icing on the cake of the high school diploma: It’s not required, but it makes things sweeter for college and career life!
Here are 4 ways endorsements can jumpstart your college career:
1. Foundations are built early.
Knowledge elements for your college courses can be acquired through the endorsement electives you take in high school. This prior knowledge can make college courses easier for you, boosting your GPA.
2. Experience opens doors and teaches you lessons that you can’t learn in a classroom.
This is precisely why high school seniors seeking certain types of endorsements are now required to take a practicum course that involves work-based learning. Not only will you gain hands-on skills and knowledge, you’ll also able to network with business partners and industry professionals. Completing an internship is the ideal way to get your foot in the door for employment during college, and it could provide easier access to completing your long-term career goal after college.
3. Employability skills help you get and keep jobs.
Endorsement areas that fall under the Career and Technical Education heading are required to teach employability skills. Every adult needs these types of skills to be well developed in order to be competitively prepared for employment during and after college. It is essential that you have exposure to lessons such as how to draft a resume and how to prepare for and interact in a job interview.
4. Clarity about what college major you should pursue.
It’s easier (and free) in high school to sample electives and figure out what is or isn’t your best fit for a career field. In college, that’s not the case; so, it’s better to determine your interests and preferences beforehand. It can make the difference between pouring time, money and effort into a college major that isn’t right for you or discovering the path to a successful and satisfying career.
In summary, endorsements can connect you with college in many ways, in terms of preparation, knowledge base, experience and employability. However, if you’re not certain that your college major is the best fit or you — or if you are undecided — TJC Career Planning can help!
Connect with a career planning specialist at (903) 510-3346 or sherry.fuller@tjc.edu to schedule a Zoom or in-person consultation. For more information, go to TJC.edu/CareerPlanning.
