This conversation explores the differences in how high school students, particularly boys and girls, approach the transition to college and career. Bill Priestley hosts college counselors Janet Weller of Harpeth Hall School and Colin Dunnigan of Montgomery Bell Academy in Nashville, who share insights from their experiences as college counselors at all-girls and all-boys schools, respectively. They discuss the ideal college counseling process, the nonlinear reality of decision-making, the impact of parental involvement, and the pressures students face. The conversation also touches on the importance of mentorship and the evolving landscape of college admissions.

In this conversation, Bill Priestley discusses the role of the MTSU Career Development Center with Director Becca Moore and Assistant Director Holly Allen. They explore how students can effectively engage with career services from their first year, the challenges faced by MTSU students, the importance of assessments and AI in career guidance, and the significance of networking and work experience. They also address the necessity of graduate school and provide advice for parents on supporting their college-aged children in their career journeys.

In this conversation, Bill Priestley and Korrie Blanchard discuss the vital role of community colleges in shaping students' career paths. They explore the various services offered by career centers, the importance of exploration and independence, and the evolving job market. Korrie emphasizes the need for patience from parents and the value of trades as viable career options. The discussion also touches on the use of AI in career counseling and the significance of platforms like LinkedIn for students. Overall, the conversation highlights the diverse opportunities available through community colleges and the importance of informed decision-making in career development.

In this episode, Bill Priestley tackles some of the situations that you and your child might run into from having no idea what to do to having one idea and excluding all of the others.  We'll talk about what needs to happen if your son or daughter's dream life suddenly dies and what you can do to help.  And mentioned frequently in this episode, it might be better if you seek the advice of a psychologist or counselor as opposed to a career coach to help deal with some of these situations.  We'll also recommend some books at the end of the show that you can use if you start to find yourself in one of these situations as a parent.

In this episode, Bill Priestley examines how academics (not academic performance) and career choice are more connected than you think.  Using the analogy of a cave, Bill goes into the idea that exploration of the cave can be exciting.  However, once the light from the opening is gone, kids look for a way out - and they find it in the form of graduation.  But some students take a different path towards academics in how they use them to fuel their desire for a career - something they experience well past graduation day.  And it's by understanding this analogy that can give you, as parents a good idea about what your child is interested in by examining what "gems" they are going after.

In this conversation, Bill Priestley interviews Luke De La Verne, a career counselor, about the importance of career counseling for young people. Luke shares his personal journey into the field, highlighting the confusion many young individuals face when deciding on their career paths. The discussion emphasizes the role of parents in supporting their children’s decisions without imposing their own agendas. Luke also critiques the educational system's lack of consistent feedback for students and offers insights into effective career counseling strategies. The conversation concludes with practical scenarios where counseling can be beneficial for both students and parents. In this conversation, Luke discusses the importance of using aptitude assessments and career counseling to help young people identify their strengths and interests. He emphasizes the value of the Highlands Ability Battery and the need for objective feedback from a coach. The discussion also covers the timing for assessments, the impact of AI on career guidance, and the importance of parental support in the decision-making process. Luke provides insights on how to navigate career choices and the necessity of reevaluating career paths periodically.

Do you ever notice how some graduates seemingly don't know what to do after graduation (when their formal education is over) and other graduates have things in hand - or at least they think they do?  This podcast delves into the life of the graduate that goes to school simply to graduate - as if their education ended when they got the diploma.  This scheme won't apply to everyone, but it will apply to a decent percentage of every graduating class this spring - they fall off of the "Graduation Cliff".  

There are certain "trends" that would indicate there is a method towards success for any child looking to succeed in the world economy.  But if you follow that trend with your child, are you giving them the same chances of success as anyone else in the world?  In this episode, Bill Priestley jumps into the numbers and how the idea of going to college has its perks, but can also have a major negative effect on one's career after graduation.

How intrusive or active should you be as a parent in helping your child make a decision about a career?  In this episode, Bill Priestley breaks down a study done by the University of Wisconsin on who teenagers trust when it comes to career advice.  And you can use this information to your advantage in helping your child figure out if a career is right for them - and turn them into someone that hunts for a career they want as opposed to wishing for a career by sending out a ton of resumes and hoping for a positive response.

Ever wonder how you can identify passion and purpose in a work scenario?  In this episode, Bill Priestley takes you through the process of identifying a career by aligning your interests, abilities and audiences to a goal that promotes passion and purpose in your life.  This is the second half of the mini course which you can test drive as parents and try with your children.