Liberal Arts programs, usually 4 years, are just that – based on “arts” studies, as opposed to “technical” or “Scientific” studies. Most colleges offer both, so it depends on what your goals are.

If you want to study Humanities (religion, art, music) that’s the area you might expect to work in eventually, perhaps teaching, etc. If you study a more technical pursuit (Nursing, Electronics, Engineering), you will more likely work in that area.

So, first decide what you want to DO for a living. Do you know anybody who has a career in these fields? Talk to them about the benefits, the pay, and the quality of life. Some people like working for a government or large company in order to get health and retirement benefits. Others want an independent career, running a business, etc. Depends on you.

What interests you?

You can go to a community college for the first 2 years to get your “General Ed” course out of the way (these are pretty much the same at every school, and far cheaper at Community College). Save your money for choosing a good college for your Junior and Senior years.

Tuition? Private schools are $$$$. Some employers reimburse your studies. You can get student loans or grants. Go to “state” schools for the best tuition rates (and don’t assume state schools are lesser quality).

Choosing a school: Depends on the career you want, but Newsweek reviews schools annually, there are websites that do the same. You can even request an appointment with the Personnel Manager at a place you MIGHT like to work – ask them for career advice – most people are kind enough to do so, particularly when you are still in school and willing to listen.

Employment Trends: Eek – What’s happening in the future? You must know…. We are becoming a “service economy”, where manufacturing jobs are going overseas (to areas of lower wages), and our population is getting older. Therefore, Healthcare is a growing opportunity, whereas being a teacher has lots of employment opportunities but little chance for wage growth.

Personal Development: Whatever you chose – do not settle for being a ‘clerk’. You won’t want to be a “file girl’ in the office – you should set your goal on being a technically qualified professional. There’s plenty of working Moms so develop your self-confidence as well. Study the field of ‘personal growth’, and sample speakers like Tony Robbins, or similar. Visit the library. Read every day. Read trade journals (conveniently located at your library) that cater to various career fields. You don’t have to own an airliner to understand the business of how they are built. Boeing is a big company that happens to build aircraft – what are the elements of a large corporation? Coca-Cola? Sony? Liz Claiborne? Dell?

Technical occupations pay well and generally have better retention during economic downturns. Liberal arts studies lead to positions that traditionally pay less, but if you want that as an all-encompassing career, then maybe money isn’t everything.

Bear in mind that EVERYONE needs to think about having a financially secure life, buying a home, investing and saving, and contributing to a good pension plan. I realize when we are young, that we think that in career, and in relationships, we can live on love and eat sunshine and air. However, you do need a car every 5 or so years; babies arrive, we want a home of our own, we want advanced college degrees, we want a once vacation every year, etc. – so consider stable career fields that pay well.

I like my boring, but well paid, job because I do not take it home at night. I don’t worry or lose sleep over it and that suits me fine.

Go to your local college and get an appointment with the guidance counselor. They can discuss choices; even give you tests that indicate what you’ll be good at.

Also, don’t forget the military. They have on-base education, reimburse tuition ad contribute to your college savings. They also have about 300 different jobs to select from, and they train you to perform them. (Choose well.)Remember, if you do choose the military– keep your eyes on the prize. Do not be distracted by people around you who are not on the same path.

Ummm, let me repeat that: In ALL areas of your life – school, neighborhood, horndog boyfriend, military – Do not be distracted by people around you who are not on the same path.

Finally…Love vs. Career: You choose when you want a child, OK? Not the other way around. In other words (and with all due respect) – keep your pants on.

Let me know the results of your inquiries with your local schools.

Bill