Parent's Guide to College and Careers

Available as an e-book at oreilly.com and the iBookstore.

Parents have good reason to be concerned about their kids' education and career decisions. The ever-changing job market and burdensome college loans can make it difficult for young people to launch an independent life without the help and support of their parents.

This upbeat handbook gives down-to-earth advice for parents who want to constructively help with their child's college and career planning, without micromanaging or hounding. Experienced career counselor Barbara Cooke opens parents' eyes to facts and strategies for mentoring their kids in this critical area, including the reshaped job market, the importance of wise career picks in the face of large student loans, how to connect interests to work, and informational interviews to learn about careers. Cooke also reveals how parents assist their children as they evaluate their postsecondary education options, explore college majors, seek financial aid, assess whether to go away to college or stay at home, and much more.

In addition, this practical resource includes many examples, case studies, and "Parent Tips," plus the most current occupational data.

Chapter 1: Preparing for College and Beyond
Chapter 2: Partnering for Success
Chapter 3: Getting Ready for the 21^st Century Job Market
Chapter 4: Assessing for Strengths; Researching and Interviewing for Information
Chapter 5: Turning Talents and Skills into Jobs and Careers
Chapter 6: Choosing a College Major
Chapter 7: Taking a Different Path
Chapter 8: Navigating Through High School
Chapter 9: Financing a College Education Without Going Broke
Chapter 10: Going Away to College vs. Living at Home
Chapter 11: Moving on from College
Chapter 12: Summary

Barbara Cooke, M.A., is a career counselor who has helped many people—including college students, career changers, and displaced workers—identify satisfying careers and strategize to find good jobs.

Cooke coordinates the academic advising, counseling, and employment services offered to students and the community as the lead counselor at Metropolitan Community College—Maple Woods in Kansas City. She is a blogger and presenter and served as a regular contributor to the Kansas City Star on college costs and career planning.

Cooke holds a master’s degree in counseling and guidance from the University of Missouri at Kansas City. She is a member of the National Career Development Association, a National Certified Career Counselor, and Global Career Development Facilitator.

For interview requests or questions about Cooke, contact Selena Dehne at sdehne@jist.com or (651) 215-7548.