College and Career Readiness is a free course that helps high school students plan their next steps with confidence. This college and career readiness course guides learners through exploring their interests and strengths, researching careers, comparing pathways after school, writing a résumé and personal statement, preparing for interviews, understanding how to pay for education and training, and setting goals.
There is no single “right” path after high school. Some students go to university, others choose college programmes, apprenticeships, vocational training, military service, work or a planned gap year, and many people change direction more than once during their lives. This course does not push any one route. Instead, it gives students practical tools to make informed choices and to present themselves well to universities, training providers and employers.
What you will learn
- Identify your interests, strengths and values using self-assessment
- Research careers using reliable sources and conversations with professionals
- Compare pathways such as university, college, apprenticeships and work
- Write a clear one-page résumé and a strong personal statement
- Prepare for interviews using the STAR method and communicate professionally
- Understand ways to pay for education, and create a 12-month action plan
Who this course is for
This course is for students in Grades 11 and 12 (about ages 16 to 18), and younger students who want to start planning early. It is also useful for parents, mentors and school counsellors.
A note for parents and teachers
Application systems, financial aid and qualifications differ between countries; where examples are country-specific, the course says so and encourages students to check official sources, such as government careers services and the admissions pages of institutions they are considering. Encourage students to talk about their ideas without pressure; uncertainty at this age is normal and healthy. School counsellors and careers advisers are excellent partners for this course.
How the course works
There are eight lessons of about fifteen to twenty minutes each, with practical examples and activities. Students who complete every activity will finish with a draft résumé, a personal statement outline and a 12-month plan.