Conclusion

In the introduction to this book, we posed several questions related to how you approached your learning and how you selected your college major or potential career. The goal was to help you expand upon your existing insights, talents, skills, and interests in order to make the most of your efforts.  Reflect upon how well you can now do the following:

• Learn, remember, and apply information and concepts more effectively and efficiently.
• Articulate how your values influence your college and career decision making.
• Set meaningful and achievable short and long-term goals.
• Apply your preferences and interests towards a fulfilling career.
• Develop the next steps for your learning and career-exploration efforts.

Hopefully, you see that you have made progress and will continue to be a learner throughout your life, discovering opportunities to make the most of every life experience.  Remember though, not only does change take time and effort, it is an ongoing process. Don’t be afraid to consider new ideas, but don’t make changes without careful consideration. Learning about yourself and about career opportunities, and considering the factors that can affect your decisions, should be a core part of your thoughts while in college and beyond.

It may seem odd to be thinking about life after school, especially if you are just getting started. Your decisions today affect your future, and regardless of the direction you may choose, there is a lot you can do while still in college. Continue to hone your learning habits in order to acquire new knowledge and skills in effective and meaningful ways.  Find opportunities to explore the careers that interest you, keeping in mind that career development is a long-term endeavor.  By applying the insights and strategies outlined in this book, you are on your way to building a successful approach to learning and establishing a satisfying career.