Career Exploration Day 2009: Paving the Road to College Education

Abu Yusuf Al-Shamiri, PhDPostdoctoral Fellow

Karmanos Cancer InstituteWayne State University School of Medicine

Overview

• College Education:– Why?

• The million $$$ question

– How?• Unwinding the road to higher education

– Where?• Finding your niche

• Helpful links

Islamic Perspective

Say, "Are those who know equal to those who do not know?“ Only they will remember [who are] people of understanding.

(Holy Quran 39:9)

Quran:

Ibn Mas’ud (Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (S) said: The position of only two persons is enviable; 1. the person whom Allah bestowed wealth empowering him to spend it in the way of righteousness, and 2. the person whom Allah gave wisdom with which he adjudges and which he teaches to others.

Sunnah:

College Education: The why

1. $$$: I want to make more money

www.college.gov

College Education: The why

www.collegeboard.com

Quick Fact: Did you know that if you go to college, your children and grandchildren are more likely to go as well.

College Education: The why2. I am sick of learning:

a. You are in controli. Take classes that are interesting to you.

b. Meet different peoplei. Join student organizations

c. You can teachi. Take a position as a TA

Quick Fact: People with higher education are less susceptible to disease later in life

College Education: The why3. I can’t afford it!!!

a. FAFSA:i. Grantsii. Work Studyiii. Loans (subsidized)

b. Scholarships:i. www.scholarships.orgii. College-basediii. Community

Quick Fact: The US Department of Education awards $96B in grants each year

• Freshman/Sophomore:– Take classes related to your interests

• Allied Health for health professionals• Junior:

– ACT/SAT (www.testprepreview.com)• Senior:

– Finance:• Scholarships, financial aid, grants, etc… (see counselor)

– Apply for Colleges October

College Education: The How(High School)

Helpful Tip: If planning on transferring, make sure your credits are transferable.

• Freshman:– See your academic advisor– First semester:

• Pre-requisite classes that are of interest– i.e. Biology, psychology, art history

– Second semester:• Narrow your choices for a major

• Sophomore:– Set a “major” academic advisor

• Outline your concentration classes– Begin studying for standardized exams

College Education: The How(College)

• Junior:– Research schools– Take exams Fall

• MCAT, LSAT, DAT, GRE (www.testprepreview.com)

• Senior:– Apply for Colleges First semester– Letters of recommendation– Exam scores and GPA

• Top 20th percentile

College Education: The How(College)

Helpful Tip: Maintain a good relationship with 3 professors (2 major, 1 out) forgood letters--send a greeting card to keep good relation.

College Education: The where1. Finding the right college

Based on your interests http://www.a2zcolleges.com/

Open houses

2. What is the best major? Subjects you like Diversify your first year

Helpful Tip: Explore the options of a minor or a double major

College Education: The where3. What is the importance of my GPA?

School, job or scholarships Have a complete package Reality—my GPA is BAD!!!

4. Transferring Getting to where you want to be Work with transfer institution

Find out what classes are transferable and how many

Helpful Tip: Utilize your time effectively, a planner can be very helpful.

College Education: Helpful Links

• ya3qoub@hotmail.com• www.fafsa.gov• www.fastweb.com• www.college.gov• www.students.gov• www.knowhow2go.org• www.chooseyourfuture.orgHelpful Tip: Choose a mentor and pick their brains

"My Lord, increase me in knowledge.“ (Holy Quran 20:114)

Conclusion

www.allahsquran.com

College Education: The where5. How can I decide on a career?

Not a job Shadow a professional

6. What careers are in demand? Healthcare Marketing Service Information technology

Helpful Tip: Use www.careerexplorer.net to help in choosing a career