Make sure the investment is mutual when you enter college

Going to college is a significant commitment. Since the largest expected return on your commitment comes in the form of a job after you complete your degree, it only makes sense to select a college that is also committed to helping you secure employment.

Before you enter college, ask the schools you are considering what they do to back up their commitment to their students, and how they eventually help students find employment. Don Patarino, vice president of training and operations at Westwood College, shares five questions to ask when determining whether a college is prepared to commit:

Do you have programs to help students identify a career path?
If you're like many students, you might not know what career you want to pursue at the time you enter college. Ask prospective colleges what type of guidance is available to students who are still deciding on a career. Ask if the school makes an effort to help undecided students identify a major and make it through college in the same amount of time as those who have already made up their minds.

What types of scholarships are available?
Ask for information about what types of scholarships the college offers to students. See if there are scholarships available for your entire educational experience, not just the first year or two. Is scholarship information easily accessible to students interested in applying?

Does your school offer on- or off- campus employment opportunities?
Inquire about on-campus jobs that can help students pay their bills, as well as give them career training for the future. If you're interested in a job in higher education, you may also want to ask about career opportunities at the school once you graduate. Inquire about internship opportunities and how the college helps students pursue internships that will aid in building a successful career. Does the school have relationships with employers or companies that would hire you or provide an internship or externship in your field?

What do you do to help students find a job before and after they graduate?
Ask the college if they have a career center that focuses on helping students identify potential jobs when they are nearing graduation, and how advisors are able to help. Ask if these services will continue to be available after a student graduates. Inquire about the employment rate of the program's graduates - how many secure a job in their field of study? Check if the college has any programs that will help students who have graduated, but haven't yet found a job. For example, Westwood College's Employment Pledge helps students who graduate in good academic standing but haven't yet secured a job by offering financial assistance for up to six months (additional terms and conditions apply, see website for details).

Does the school offer ongoing support to graduates?
The need for career advising and additional training often extends beyond your first job. Ask your college what types of services are available to graduates. Ask if you'll have ongoing access to the school's career experts if you need career advice, and whether the school offers tuition assistance for continuing education programs. Also, some schools, like Westwood College, even offer tuition-free retraining for graduates. This means that you can come back to take refresher courses to update your skills as technology changes.

By choosing a college that is committed to you and your future career, you'll make sure you are getting the best return on your education dollar. For more college and career success tips, visit Westwood College's blog at blog.westwood.edu.