Career Planning

Many students share they've known about FIT since they were in elementary school, and dreamed of only coming to this college. Making informed decisions about life choices begins before coming to college. Working a part-time job or an internship in a field of interest to you when still in high school can help you to connect with future careers. But, what does it take to go from an internship, or a part-time job, to that top paying job? What happens in the years between?

Conducting regular self-assessments of yourself will assist you to become a good self-advocate. Are you of a healthy mind to be self-assertive? Are you able to structure your free time well? How is your organizational ability? What about your self-esteem? Are you capable of making independent choices? Do you understand the difference between memorizing facts and engaging in critical thinking? How flexible are you when confronted with change? Are you better focused and more productive in the early morning hours, or later at night? Is getting to appointments, on time, or at all, a problem for you? Do you need to develop your written or verbal communication skills?

As you develop as a person, the independence you gain from learning will result in becoming a well-educated, good citizen. Understanding the realities of learning at the college level, which is far more than hands-on , will help you transition from high school to college, and then beyond to continued higher education and into a career. Developing a better understanding of your responsibilities to become an empowered learner starts with self-advocating for yourself.

When you work with the Office of Disability Services, you will begin charting your path to development. You will need to network, and self-advocating, making appointments, speaking with professors about your accommodation letters are approaches and skills which translate as you enter the job market.

What You Can Do Now

• If you are a student with a learning disability, participate in the programs offered to you through the Learning Disabilities Program at FIT which include study skills management, development, and personal counseling, nexternships, and industry field trips. Attend the monthly meetings offered each semester. Build these into your schedule.
  
  Seek out the many free support services of the College such as the Office of Disability Services and the Counseling Center, You will be able to develop leadership skills training working with offices such as Residential Life and Student Life. Participate in Athletics to stay physically fit and to develop team skills. FIT Health Services can provide you with guidance and health benefits to be at your best to contribute.
  
  Meet with the Career and Internship Center right from the beginning because career planning can assist you in making smart academic choices as well.
  
  Apply to your local state vocational rehabilitation agency, or in New York State, VESID (Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities), for assistance during your studies in college, and as you transition into your career.