FREE Resources to Help You Choose Your Future Track or Course

Choosing a senior high track and strand or a college course can be overwhelming and confusing, especially for students who are not sure about their career goals. With so many options available, it can be difficult to make the right decision.

Fortunately, there are plenty of free resources available to help students navigate this process and make an informed decision. In this article, we will explore some of the best free tools and sites that students can use to make the best decision for their track in senior high school or course in college.

 

Understand Yourself and Your Interests

Before choosing a program, it is important that you first understand yourself — your strengths, talents, and interests. This will help you determine what you want to do with your life and what career paths might be best for you. Here are some resources to help you with this:

 

1. Career Assessment Tests

Career assessment tests can help you identify your strengths, weaknesses, interests, and values. These tests are designed to help you discover your career preferences and suggest suitable career paths based on your results.

The STI Student’s Career Opportunity and Personality Evaluator or SCOPE is a free quick and fun quiz where you can learn about the best careers that fit your personality type, interests, and inclinations. Based on the popular Holland Code Test by American psychologist John L. Holland, the STI SCOPE results will also show you the best track or course you can take for a career in your field of interest.

Other popular career assessment tests include: Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), Strong Interest Inventory (SII), and CliftonStrengths Assessment.

 

2. Self-reflection Exercises

Self-reflection exercises can help you understand your personal and professional goals, strengths, and weaknesses. These exercises include journaling, meditation, and personal reflection. By simply writing down the pros and cons of your possible career paths, strengths, interests, and where your passions lie, you can start understanding yourself better and therefore make a more informed decision for your future.

 

3. Personality Quizzes

There are plenty of online resources available to help you understand yourself and your personality better. Websites like 16Personalities which is based on MBTI and the STI SCOPE offer free assessments, quizzes, and tools to help you identify your strengths, interests, and values. By knowing those key qualities about yourself, you can be more self-assured in exploring your options and deciding which one is the best for you.

 

 

Explore Different Majors

After gaining a better understanding of yourself, it's time to explore different tracks, college programs, and career paths. Here are some resources to help you with this:

 

1. College and University Websites

Most colleges and universities offer information about their programs on their websites. You can learn about the courses, requirements, and career opportunities associated with each program. You can also learn about the faculty, alumni, and student organizations associated with each program.

You can browse STI Senior High School and College Programs here and download the free Program Guide to get a clear picture of the knowledge, skills, and training you will experience in the next 2 or 4 years in school. The guide also includes the in-demand jobs you can work towards after graduating from that desired program.

 

2. Career Fairs and Events

Career fairs and events provide an opportunity to meet with representatives from different industries and ask questions about career paths, programs, and job opportunities. Attending these events can help you make more informed decisions about your program and career path.

STI holds a Career Camp for Grade 10 and Grade 12 students to get a taste of what studying their chosen course or path would be like. You can take it virtually or go to the school for face-to-face workshops. The various camps are Baker’s Camp, Photographer’s Camp, Game Developer’s Camp, Entrepreneur’s Camp, and Flight Attendant’s Camp. Sign up here to reserve a slot.

 

 

 

Plan for the Future

Once you have explored different programs and career paths, it's important to plan for the future to ensure your success. Here are some resources to help you with this:

 

1. Academic Advisors

Academic advisors can help you choose the right program, plan your course schedule, and graduate on time. They can also provide guidance on internships, research opportunities, and graduate school.

In STI, you can talk to a Career Adviser before you decide on your best options. Just visit the STI campus nearest you or call the school to schedule an appointment.

 

2. Financial Aid Offices

The cost of college can be a major factor in choosing a program. Financial aid offices can help you understand the cost of attendance, available scholarships and grants, and student loan options. While other schools and organizations hold scholarship exams with grade requirements, STI holds an Open Scholarship Program where Grade 10 and Grade 12 students can take the exam regardless of their current grades in school. You can learn more about STI’s Financial Aid and Scholarship programs here.

 

3. Job and Internship Search Websites

Job and internship search websites can help you find opportunities in your chosen field. Some popular ones include: LinkedIn, Kalibrr, and Indeed. Since there are possibilities of a job mismatch or lack of career opportunities after graduation, it is important for students to be job-ready with the knowledge, skills, and traits required in their chosen field.

STI College has a dedicated Enrollment to Employment or E2E System wherein students will get the benefit of an industry-led curriculum, thanks to the institution’s strong industry linkages with key leaders, and get job preparation and assistance to help students step into their field of choice.

 

 

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