A message to entering college freshmen: here are five steps to get the most from school and ensure an easier transition to your career.

• Author: Beck, Larry S.
• Position: Last Word - College-educated graduates

Planning for a long-term career in the current economy is difficult for experienced workers, let alone the group of incoming college freshmen who will be hitting the state's college and university campuses this fall. National unemployment is at an all--time high, economists continue to caution investors and consumers, and Indiana still struggles to attract growth businesses while retaining one of the state's greatest resources--Hoosier college-educated graduates.

So where's the good news? The reality is there are still a lot of jobs to do out there. And a college degree is still one of the best credentials for long-term career success and lifelong economic security.

As members of the Hoosier college freshman class pack their bags for their respective campuses, there are five steps they can follow to get the most from their college education and ensure an easier transition from college to career.

ASSESS

Few traditional age college freshmen have spent much time examining all of the interests, values and skills that will impact their work lives. Older college-bound students have life and work experiences to consider. Regardless of where they start, most college freshmen can benefit from structured self-assessment activities. Students should make early contact with their campus counseling center or career center to participate in formal testing and assessment activities or to learn how to do self-assessment. Choosing majors and careers without identifying a firm foundation on which to base them can be disastrous. Students should take to heart the admonition, "Know thyself."

EXPLORE

Most Indiana colleges and universities have programs and services to help incoming students connect with academic advising and opportunities to explore different majors and career options based upon their interests. Students usually can explore different academic fields while still gaining credits toward graduation. And while no one can accurately predict the future of work all of the time, an excellent resource with a solid track record is the Occupational Outlook Handbook...