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Pathways to Your Future
Junior Pathways Workshop
William Monroe High School Class of 2022
Table of Contents
1) Where Do I Start? Develop a Plan! 2) Four-Year College To-Do List & Additional Information 3) Community College To-Do List 4) Career and Technical Schools To-Do List 5) Military To-Do List 6) Workforce To-Do List 7) Important Names and Contact Information 8) Career Clusters Interest Survey 9) Sample Academic Resume 10) Sample Job Resume
Develop a Plan Your Motto for Senior Year: Keep ALL doors open!
Step 1: Create a Resume - There are different types of resumes for different situations.
We have provided a few examples for you in this packet. Your college adviser will host a resume writing workshop in the fall during your senior English classes. Be on the lookout for more information!
Job/Skill Resume
Academic Resume
Step 2: Explore Jobs/Careers - Use the Career Clusters Interest survey to help guide you. After taking the survey go to www.vawizard.org to search your Career Clusters.
Step 3: Select Careers that Interest YOU Choose 3 to 5 jobs that interest you from the Career Clusters Ask friends, family, or community members if they know people in those fields. If they’re willing,
ask to shadow them! This is the best way to find out if you can see yourself in that field. Interview/Network - Visit and meet with people who work in a field that interests you. Call and ask
if you can interview the person and/or tour the facilities where they work. Get experience! Take a class at the high school or PVCC in the field that you are interested in. Seek
out a part-time job or volunteer in that field.
Step 4: Decide - Through your investigation, decide on the best route(s) to pursue your ultimate job/career. Ask your counselor if you are unsure what kind of path your career requires.
● Direct entry into the workforce ● Military ● Career or Technical School ● Community College/Junior College ● Four-Year College/University
Step 5: Act! - Select the To-Do List(s) that will help you pursue your future career. Contact your counselor, the college adviser, and/or the PVCC career coach to discuss your options.
Four-Year College/University To-Do List
1. Create Your Resume ● Your resume should be focused on your academics. Highlight any relevant academic or extracurricular
accomplishments (e.g. honor roll, president of a school club, etc.)
2. Senior Course Selection ● Take the most challenging courses that you can reasonably manage. At WMHS, we offer: Advanced,
Dual Enrollment, and Advanced Placement (AP) courses. ○ If you haven’t taken one of these classes, challenge yourself to take at least one. Colleges like to
see that you can handle difficult coursework.
3. Consider taking the SAT and/or ACT for the first time by the end of your junior year. Mr. Buell can help you register. Fee waivers are available for students who qualify.
- Check to see if the schools on your list have announced test-optional policies for the 2021-22 admissions cycle. This information is subject to change. Stay informed about the schools on your list!
5. Research schools that have the major(s) you wish to pursue. Visit schools over the summer that interest you and talk to your counselor about Dual Enrollment classes that could transfer.
● The College Board offers an excellent college search tool called Big Future (https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/)
6. Ask teachers for recommendations early (at least two weeks in advance) and always write them a thank you note! 7. Attend the Four-Year College Workshop hosted by the Counseling Office in the fall. 8. Sign up for and attend college admissions representative visits at WMHS in the fall. Mr. Buell arranges these visits and will be providing you with additional information in the fall. 9. Begin applications in August or September of your senior year. 10. Attend the Financial Aid Workshop Series offered at WMHS in October and November. 11) Apply for scholarships and consistently check the Senior BAND notification system!
Where should I apply?
Start with yourself; don’t start with the college! ● Establish your individual needs and preferences. Remember: going to college is an investment! You are
purchasing a community and an education, so you MUST choose the one that’s the best fit for you!
Think about these questions… 1. What type of academic programs or majors am I looking for?
a. Does a particular school have the program or major that I want? Is it a strong program? b. Does my program require a separate admissions application? (ex. Nursing or engineering) c. Do I need to apply to separate programs AFTER gaining admission to the college?
2. What is student life like outside the classroom? Rank in order of importance… a. Size of the student body b. Atmosphere and culture c. Extracurricular activities/clubs available d. Athletics and school spirit e. Social life f. Housing options g. Diversity of student body (religious, ethnic, geographic, etc.)
3. What location is ideal for me? a. Setting
i. Urban, suburban, or rural b. Distance from home
i. 1 hour, 1-3 hours, 3 or more hours
Research for schools that fit your criteria. Resources include your school counselor, your college adviser, and College Board’s BigFuture tool (https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/).
● Now categorize the schools on your list using the following labels: ○ Dream/Reach - My profile is below average for this school, but it is worth a shot because I
really want to be there! ○ Target/Probable - My profile will be very competitive here, and I am likely but not certain
about gaining admission ○ Safety/Likely - My profile is well above average for this school, and I am near certain that I
can gain admission Make sure the majority of your schools fall within the “target/probable” category. It is HIGHLY recommended that every student also apply to at least one “safety/likely” school.
Virtual (and in-person) tours, information sessions, student panels, etc.
The summer before your senior year is a great time to research schools! Here are some steps
to help you prepare.
1. Visit each school’s “Admissions” webpage. Just Google: “[school name] admissions.” a. Due to COVID, colleges have created lots of virtual resources to help students
learn about their academic programs and student experience! i. Virtual campus tours
ii. Virtual information sessions iii. Virtual panels where you can ask questions with current students and faculty
b. Some colleges may be offering in-person tours. Registration information will be included on their website. If you have questions, contact the admissions office.
2. Preparing for your visit a. Research the college(s) on the Internet. Prepare questions in advance of things you could ask
the admissions counselor, a current student, or a professor. i. DON’T ask questions that you could easily find the answer to online like, “What is the
deadline for the application?” ii. DO ask, “What is student life like here? Are there any research opportunities for my
major? What do students do for fun on the weekends?” 3. How to make the most of an in-person visit
a. Be on time, bring your questions with you, and ask them! b. Try and eat at the dining hall. You’ll likely be eating there a lot your first year. c. Explore the college and the surrounding city/area on your own. Ask yourself, “Could I see
myself living here and flourishing for four years?” d. Be sure to introduce yourself to an admissions counselor! (Preferably the one that is
responsible for our region. This information can usually be found on the admissions website) i. It is always nice for the person who is reading your application to be able to put a face
with a name.
Community College To-Do List
1. Create Your Resume ● Your resume should be focused on your academics and any relevant skills. Highlight any academic or
extracurricular accomplishments (e.g. honor roll, president of a school club, etc.)
2. Senior Course Selection ● Take the most challenging courses that you can reasonably manage. At WMHS, we offer: Advanced,
Dual Enrollment, and Advanced Placement (AP) courses. ○ If you haven’t taken one of these classes, challenge yourself to take at least one. Colleges like to
see that you can handle difficult coursework. ● NOTE: Taking community college classes while in high school can save you a ton of money once you
go full-time at PVCC. Seriously consider taking some in order to reduce your course load in the future.
3. Determine the degree you want to pursue.
● Career Certificates - 1 year programs ● Associate Degrees - 2 year programs
○ Some examples include Culinary Arts, Nursing, Automotive Technician, Veterinary Technician, and Fire Science Technology
● Transfer Degrees - Guaranteed Admissions Agreements to four-year 4. Consider taking the SAT and/or ACT to be competitive for local scholarships (OPTIONAL) 5. If you are interested in transferring, attend the Four-Year College Workshop hosted by the Counseling Office in the fall. 6. Attend the Financial Aid Workshop Series offered at WMHS in October and November. 7. Meet with Ms. Earle, our PVCC career coach, to complete your application, register for classes, and choose a degree program. 8. In the spring, take the placement tests, if needed, (VPT) and sign up for your SOAR orientation 9. Apply for scholarships and consistently check the Senior BAND notification system!
Programs of Study for PVCC
Associate of Arts Degree (A.A.) - 2-year program Prepares you to transfer to a four-year institution to complete a Bachelor of Arts degree
Liberal Arts Visual and Performing Arts
Specialization in Art Specialization in Music Specialization in Theatre and Drama
Associate of Science Degree (A.S.) - 2-year program Prepares you to transfer to a four-year institution to complete a Bachelor of Science degree
Business Administration General Sciences Computer Science Engineering Education Biotechnology Physical & Natural Science
Specialization in Science
Associate of Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.) - 2-year program Prepares you to work in a technical field following graduation
Accounting Nursing (RN) Electronics and Computer Technology Diagnostic Medical Sonography Emergency Medical Services Radiography Information Systems Technology Culinary Arts
Specialization in Cybersecurity Vascular Sonography Management Police Science
Certificate (C) - 2 to 3 semester program Prepares you for a specific job or aspect of a job
Practical Nursing Health Information Management Surgical Technology
Career Studies Certificate (CSC) - 1 to 2 semester program Designed to enhance your job skills or help you change your career
Administrative Support Graphic Design Computer and Network Support Technologies Web Technologies Criminal Justice Entrepreneurship Early Childhood Development Construction Management Emergency Medical Services Professional Cooking
Other Community Colleges in the Area
Here is a list of some of the community colleges in Virginia and some of the 2-year degrees they offer!
Blue Ridge (Weyers Cave) Programs: Accounting, Automotive Analysis and Repair, Aviation Maintenance Technology, Culinary Arts, Nursing, Veterinary Technologies, and many more! Central Virginia (Lynchburg) Programs: Education, Engineering, Dental Hygiene, Emergency Medical Services/Paramedic, Radiologic Technology, and many more! Germanna (Fredericksburg) Programs: Dental Hygiene, Nursing, Police Science, Education, Radiologic Technician, and many more! Reynolds (Richmond) Programs: American Sign Language, Architectural and Civil Engineering, Automotive Technology, Culinary Arts, Dental Assistant, Fire Science Technology, Horticulture Technology, Hospitality Management, and many more! John Tyler (Chester and Midlothian) Programs: Architectural Engineering, Funeral Services, Nursing, Photography and Film, Theatre Education, Police Science, Teacher Education, and many more! Northern Virginia (Campuses located throughout Northern Virginia) Programs: Accounting, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Architecture Technology, Automotive Technology, Dental Hygiene, Interior Design, Respiratory Therapy, Travel and Tourism, and many more!
Transfer and Guaranteed Admission Agreements These are most of the schools with which Virginia Community Colleges have agreements. Each four-year school listed below has
different requirements for meeting the Guaranteed Admission Agreement. All agreements can be found at: https://www.pvcc.edu/transfer/gaa.
Christopher Newport University Radford University Emory & Henry College of William & Mary University of Virginia Ferrum College George Mason University UVA’s College at Wise Hollins University Longwood University Virginia Commonwealth University Liberty University University of Mary Washington Virginia State University University of Lynchburg Norfolk State University Virginia Tech Shenandoah University Old Dominion University Bluefield College Mary Baldwin
Career/Technical Schools To-Do List
1. Create Your Resume ● Your resume should be focused on your academics and any relevant skills. Highlight any technical
center classes that you have taken (e.g. HVAC, carpentry, cosmetology, etc.)
2. Senior Course Selection ● Take courses that will build your resume and better prepare you for the specific trade you wish to
study ○ Motorcycle Technology -> Take a class in Automotive Technology ○ Culinary Arts -> Take a class in Culinary Arts
3. Research schools that have the field(s) you wish to study 4. Consider taking the SAT and/or ACT to be competitive for local scholarships (OPTIONAL) 5. Visit schools over the summer that are of interest to you 6. Attend the Financial Aid Workshop Series offered at WMHS in October and November. 7. Meet with your counselor, the PVCC career coach, the college adviser, and/or Dr. Ormsmith to talk about different trade and technical options. 8. Begin applications for schools by October. Take entrance tests as needed. 9. Apply for scholarships and consistently check the Senior BAND notification system!
Career and Technical Schools
These are some of the schools William Monroe students have attended in the past. This is not a complete list, but it is a
great place to start!
Advanced Technology Institute (Virginia Beach) Ohio Technical College (Cleveland) Auto Tech, Diesel Tech, Commercial Driving, HVAC Automotive and Diesel Tech
Charlottesville Albemarle Technical The Apprentice School (Newport News) Education Center (CATEC) (Charlottesville) Shipbuilding, Welding, Machinist, Heavy Barbering, HVAC, Culinary, etc. Metal Fabrication Lincoln College of Technology (Various locations) WyoTech (Blairsville, PA) Auto, Business, IT, Healthcare, Cosmetology Auto Tech, Diesel, Motorcycle, Plumbing, etc. Virginia School of Massage (Charlottesville) Nashville Auto & Diesel (Nashville) Professional Masseuse and Esthetics Automotive Technician
Community Colleges and Four-Year Colleges with Career and Technical Programs
You can do many of these programs in two years or less!
Germanna Community College (Fredericksburg) Reynolds Community College (Richmond) Dental Hygiene, Fire Science Culinary Arts and Auto Tech Southside VA Community College (Jetersville) Johnson and Wales University (Charlotte) Diesel Mechanics, Motorcycle Tech, Lineman Culinary Arts & Technology
Virginia Tech (Blacksburg) Agricultural Technology
Military To-Do List
1. Create Your Resume
● Your resume should be focused on your academics and any relevant skills (e.g. leadership positions in clubs/athletic teams, etc.)
2. Know your ultimate goals:
● Do you plan to make a career out of the military? ● What branch are you interested in joining? (e.g. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, etc.) ● Do you want to be on active duty or a reservist? ● What career paths are you interested in learning about in the military? ● Do you want to enlist immediately after high school or attend a 4-year college that has an ROTC
program? Are you interested in a federal service academy? 3. If you are interested in ROTC or a service academy….
● You need to begin this process in the spring of your junior year! ○ Please make an appointment to see both your counselor and Mr. Buell as soon as possible
● Applying to federal service academies requires a Congressional nomination, a medical exam, a physical fitness exam, and multiple interviews.
4. If you are interested in enlisting…
● Research the branches and what they offer ○ Air Force ○ Army ○ Coast Guard ○ Marines ○ National Guard ○ Navy
● Contact our local recruiters - See Mr. Buell for contact information
5. Continue to take challenging courses that will prepare you for the SAT or the ASVAB (the military placement test for career paths)
Workforce To-Do List
1. Create Your Resume ● Your resume should be focused on your previous employment and any relevant skills. Highlight any
technical center classes that you have taken or part-time jobs in the local community.
2. Senior Course Selection ● Take courses that will build your resume and better prepare you for your job.
○ Want to be a Certified Nursing Assistant? - Take the Nurse’s Aide class ○ Want to pursue a career in cosmetology? - Take Cosmetology or Business Management
3. Search for job opportunities in the community!
● Workforce Websites: ○ NBC 29 - http://jobspot.nbc29.com/ ○ USAJOBS - https://www.usajobs.gov/ ○ Snag A Job - https://www.snagajob.com/ ○ Virginia Workforce Connection - https://www.vawc.virginia.gov/vosnet/Default.aspx ○ PVCC - https://www.pvcc.edu/career-services ○ Job Corps - https://www.jobcorps.gov/ ○ City of Charlottesville - https://agency.governmentjobs.com/charlottesville/default.cfm
● Attend a local career fair. Be on the lookout for announcements from the Counseling Office! ● Select 5 to 7 potential jobs, and do your research!
4. Make an appointment with your counselor, the PVCC career coach, or the college adviser 5. Complete applications for jobs by the end of May of your senior year 6. Make sure you have at least 3 people who can write letters of recommendation for you or speak on your behalf to potential employers
-Choose someone who knows you well - like a teacher, employer, coach, or community member. This should NOT be a relative or friend!
Important Names and Contact Information
Counseling Center (434) 939-9004 ext. 5908 Barbara Wertman, [email protected] Denise Shifflett, Registrar, [email protected]
● Erin Christmas (Last names A-He) [email protected]
● Heather Corpora (Last names Hi-R) [email protected]
● Angelina Santus (Last names S-Z & Cohort), Director of Counseling [email protected]
Ben Buell, College Adviser, [email protected] Megan Earle, PVCC Career Coach, [email protected]
Tech Center Michael Ormsmith, Principal [email protected] (434) 939-9004 ext. 6000
