Information from the National City Public Library Adult Literacy Program about how to research careers and educational opportunities.

1. College and
Career Readiness
What You Need to Know to Move Forward!

2. First, ask yourself:
What skills do I have right now?
Which job qualities do I value most?

3. Next, explore your options!
Research and evaluate careers.
What kind of skills do you need to learn?
How much training or schooling is required?
Are job opportunities expected to grow in
the field?
What is your earnings potential?

4. Online Career Research
US Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook
Government website that covers hundreds of occupations and describes What They
Do, Work Environment, How to Become One, Pay, and more. Each profile also
includes BLS employment projections for the 2010–20 decade.
English: http://www.bls.gov/ooh/
Spanish: http://www.bls.gov/es/ooh/
Career OneStop
Tools to help job seekers and students.
http://www.careeronestop.org/

5. Library Research
Learning Express – Use your National City library card to sign up
for a Learning Express account. Review “Job Search and
Workplace Skills.”
*Find under Research Guides on www.nationalcitylibrary.org
Search public library catalogs to find library books and e-books
on career and college related topics. Always ask a librarian if you
need help!
San Diego Public Library Job Start Resource Guide:
http://sandiego.communityguides.com/jobstart

6. Did you know?
Getting more education or training can help you earn more money.
Compared to someone with only a high school diploma, data show that
you could earn:
Over $300 more a month if you have some college but no degree;
Over $500 more a month if you have an associate’s (two-year) degree;
Over $1,500 more a month if you have a bachelor’s (four-year) degree
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2012. Education Pays.
http://www.bls.gov/emp/ep_chart_001.htm

7. College Research
Adult Student Checklist
http://studentaid.ed.gov/prepare-for-college/checklists/adult
College Navigator
http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
College Affordability and Transparency Center
http://collegecost.ed.gov/

8. Watch out for diploma mills!
“A “diploma mill” is a company that offers “degrees” for a flat
fee in a short amount of time and requires little to no course
work. Degrees awarded through diploma mills are not
legitimate, and can cost you more than just your money.”
Source: Federal Trade Commission
http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0206-diploma-mills

9. Choose a school or program
that is accredited
Check here:
US Department of Education Database of Accredited
Postsecondary Institutions and Programs:
http://www.ope.ed.gov/accreditation/

10. Community Colleges
*2-year programs that lead to an Associates degree
*2-year programs that lead to transfer to a university
*Certificate programs & vocational training
City College - http://www.sdcity.edu/
Mesa College - http://www.sdmesa.edu/
Miramar College - http://www.sdmiramar.edu/
Grossmont College - http://www.grossmont.edu/
Cuyamaca College - http://www.cuyamaca.edu/
Southwestern College - http://www.swccd.edu/

11. California Universities
*4-year programs leading to a Bachelor’s degree
California State University System
All California State University campuses
http://www.csumentor.edu
University of California System
All University of California
http://www.universityofcaliforna.edu

12. Financial Aid
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) - http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/
PIN for FAFSA - http://www.pin.ed.gov/
Cal Grant - http://www.csac.ca.gov/
Board of Governors Enrollment Fee Waiver (BOGW) - Check with each community
college’s website - http://www.cccco.edu/
AB 540 (California Nonresident Tuition Exemption Form for Undocumented
Students) - http://maldef.org/education/public_policy/ab540/
CSS Profile (Financial Aid Profile required by many Private Colleges) https://profileonline.collegeboard.com/

13. Financial Aid and the
California Dream Act
See www.caldreamact.org
Students need to meet the following Assembly Bill (AB) 540 qualifications:
• Attend a California high school for a minimum of three years;
• Graduate from a California high school or pass the California High School
Proficiency Exam (CHSPE) or get a General Equivalency Diploma (GED);
• Enroll in an accredited and qualified California college or university; and,
• If applicable, fill out an affidavit to legalize immigration status as soon as
eligible.

14. Preparing for Assessment Tests
Before entering community college, you must apply online
and make an appointment for assessment tests in English
and Math.
Some community colleges offer workshops to help students
prepare. Ask a counselor when these workshops will be
offered.
Check the college website for study guides and test prep
questions. Librarians on campus may also be able to point
you to the right study tools.

15. Support on Campus
Ask your counselor at school about programs to help first-time
college students and how to apply.
EOPS – What is EOPS?
Extended Opportunity Program and Services is a state-funded,
special assistance program for students who are socially,
economically, and academically or language disadvantaged.
EOPS assists students with counseling, money for books,
emergency loans, priority registration, unlimited tutoring, and
specialized support workshops.

16. Support on Campus
Ask about organizations on campus.
There are clubs that can help you navigate
college as a first-time student.
Think about joining:
Puente Project
Umoja Project

17. Transfer Agreements
If you are starting out at a community college and
transferring to a university, ask your counselor at
school about transfer agreements.
TAG (Transfer Admissions Guarantee) can offer you
the opportunity to get guaranteed admission to
some Cal State or University of California campuses.
You must meet transfer requirements for your major
and maintain a good GPA (grade point average).