Page 338 - Keys to College Success

those feelings and their affect on how you use credit. Then describe a change in your thinking you
could make that would help you handle money more wisely.
Real-life writing: Apply for aid. Use Internet or library resources to find two scholarships
that are not federally funded, available through your college, and for which you are eligible. They
can be linked to academic areas of interest, associated with particular talents you have, or offered
by a group to which you or members of your family belong. Get applications for each and fill
them out. Write a one-page cover letter for each application, telling the committee why you
should receive this scholarship. Have someone proofread your work, send the applications, and
see what happens.

WORK IT Build Your Brand

Be Specific About Your Job Needs
As you consider specific job directions and opportunities, look at a variety of job-related factors
that may affect your job experience and personal life. These factors include the following:
■ Benefits, including health insurance, vacation, 401(k)
■ Integrity of company (its reputation)
■ How the company deals with employees
■ Promotion prospects (your chances for advancement)
■ Job stability
■ Training and educational opportunities (Does the company offer training or fund job-related
coursework?)
■ Starting salary
■ Quality of employees and physical environment
■ Quality of management Mathematical and Financial Literacy
■ Nature of the work you will be doing (Will you be required to travel extensively? Will you
be expected to work long hours? Will you be working in an office or in the field?)
■ Your relationship with the company (Will you be full time or part time? An independent
contractor?)
■ Job title
■ Location of your primary workplace
■ Company size
■ Company’s financial performance over time
Think about how important each factor is in your job choice. Then list them separately, giving
each a rating each on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the least important and 10 being the most
important. Keep in mind that even if you consider something very important, you may not get it
right away if you are just beginning your career.
Finally, consider the results of a survey of college students conducted by the National Associ-
ation of Colleges and Employers. According to students, their top two reasons for choosing an
employer are integrity of organization in its dealings with employees as number one and job stabil-
ity as number two. How do these top choices compare to your own? 22

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