What College Degree Should I Pursue?

Here's a Simple College Planning Workshop Idea to assist grade 9-12 students in their QUEST for direction after high school.  

Students- did you know Your college career track could be completely satisfying and rewarding.  Here are a few things to think about when you are making choices about your future.  I want you to have a sustainable career that feeds your soul & and your bank account.  


Get the Creative Juices Pumping

Step 1: Determine Your Strengths (click here).  You will identify your personality, your natural strengths and natural weaknesses.  Take some time and invest yourself in this process healthy (not easy) process. Personal insight is important as we grow up.


Step 2: With your strengths in hand (as Identified in Step 1), Ask Yourself, "What do I enjoy doing?".  

For Example: Say one of your greatest strengths is that you are a good campaigner and you enjoy baking and tending to your plants in the garden.  

• Your strength: communication/organization  
• Enjoy: plants, gardening, baking

Step 3:  Using Google Search- search to find a JOB with those skills.  Type in "communication jobs in plant science" into the Google Search.  

• Analyze the results.  
• Choose 1 Job that YOU WOULD LOVE TO DO
• Look at the Job Title 
• Read the Job Description

Step 4: The Litmus Test.  

• Look at your job closely.  What is the pay?  
• Choose a job that allows your family to live comfortably.  At this point in your job search it is good to assuming you have a lot of experience in your area of expertise.  Go for it.  

Change Your Job until you find a job that meets BOTH these criteria: 

• you would LIKE TO DO this exact job.  How Cool that You Found It!!!  
• Pay is => $100,000/ year 

Step 5: Connect this Job to Your College Quest  

• Look at your job closely.  What are the Job Requirements?  
• Every skilled job will list it's educational requirements.  

This is a College Degree You Need to Investigate.  In a way we are just getting started.  Here's where this plugs into your college selection process. 

Step 6: Google Search colleges in your state with that degree

• Look at your options closely.  What is the acceptance %?  
• Do not eliminate any colleges.  Not on basis of tuition or acceptance rate or SAT score.
• Send away for ALL of these colleges brochures.  

Now You are Equipped to Get Excited About a Bright, Satisfying Future

Sample Job

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Organization          U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Reference Code    ARS-MPAMRU-2018-975-0008-02

How to Apply .       A complete application consists of:

• An application
• Transcripts – Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts
• A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list
• Two educational or professional references

All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

If you have questions, send an email to USDA-ARS@orau.org. Please include the reference code for this opportunity in your email.

Description

A research opportunity is available with the the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research (NCAUR), Mycotoxin Prevention and Applied Microbiology Research Unit (MPAMRU) in Peoria, Illinois.

The participant will join a team to conduct research in characterization of plant-fungal interaction and identification of important genes that may be used to develop novel methods to reduce mycotoxin contamination and Fusarium head blight (FHB) in wheat. The learning objectives for this opportunity include training and experience in a variety of molecular biology techniques useful in studying plant-pathogen interactions. The successful candidate will identify effectors in F. graminearum and determine their roles in pathogenesis. The selected individual will be directly involved in growing fungal pathogen, generating fungal mutants, growing plants and performing disease evaluation, collecting samples and conducting molecular analysis.

This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and ARS. The initial appointment is for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS and is contingent on the availability of funds. The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. The appointment is full-time. Participants do not become employees of USDA, ARS, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits.

While participants will not enter into an employment relationship with ARS, this position requires a pre-appointment check and a full background investigation.

This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents (LPR), and foreign nationals. Non-U.S. citizen applicants should refer to the Guidelines for Non-U.S. Citizens Details page of the program website for information about the valid immigration statuses that are acceptable for program participation.

For more information about the ARS Research Participation Program, please visit the Program Website.

Qualifications

All candidates should have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Plant Pathology, Biological Sciences, Molecular Biology, or a closely related field.

Knowledge of molecular biology is highly preferred as well as lab experience with basic molecular techniques such as DNA isolation, PCR reaction and cloning. Excellent interpersonal communication skills, ability to communicate effectively in English, and ability to work independently and in a team environment are desired.

Eligibility Requirements

• Degree: Bachelor's Degree.
• Discipline(s):
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (5
    )