Q: How does Nontraditional College Counseling work?

A: Our goal is simple. Make sure every nontraditional college student has all of the information necessary to make the best decision possible when deciding what educational path to pursue. We do this by learning all about your background, goals, schedule, timeline, budget, learning style…everything we can to get as full a picture as possible of who you are, both as a person and a learner, and where you’re looking to go. We then do a deep dive on the educational landscape as it pertains to your goals and aspirations, so you have all of your options presented to you. We deliver this information to you in your Personal Roadmap Report. This document will include all of the information you’ll need to make the right decision on what program to pursue. Most of our clients will also schedule individual consultations to talk through the findings in their Personal Roadmap Report and strategize on next steps. We’re here to support you every step of the way, in whatever manner you need.

Q: I’ve researched the certificate programs I’m interested in, and they all seem basically the same. How do I know which one is right for me?

A: All certificate programs are not created equal. There are numerous, important distinctions between the great programs and the ones that don’t meet the mark. Without knowing what questions to ask, what hidden information to seek out, how realistic each school’s claims to being able to get graduates a job are, etc., you’re searching for your desired program with one hand tied behind your back. We’re here to help demystify the nontraditional college space for you so you can take back control of your destiny.

Q: My local college has a program, shouldn’t I just sign up for that one?

A: Maybe, but you can’t know for sure if it’s the best option for you if you don’t know what other programs may be worthwhile to pursue. There are so many factors to consider, such as price, format, course sequence, how fast can you finish, learning and career outcomes, teaching/learning style, how the credential and school are viewed by employers, etc., that simply assuming the local option is the best path means you’re making your decision without all the necessary context to know you’re making the right decision.

Q: I know what job/career/field I want to get into, but how do I know what credential I need to earn to make that happen?

A: It can be tricky trying to decipher if a certificate program will lead to gainful employment in the area of your choosing. It will all seem very straightforward when schools are marketing their programs, but there is little to no accountability for false claims made of employment offers, job placements, and earnings potential for graduates. They will tell you whatever you want to hear to get you to sign up. As former Deans of Continuing Education we know all of the games that schools play to boost enrollments in any given program. We’re here to give you the good, bad, and the ugly about all of your potential options when choosing a certificate program to pursue. We’ll give you the confidence you need to ensure you’re making the best decision possible for you, both as a person and a learner, when selecting a new educational pathway to realize your dreams.

Q: I found a program, but how do I know if it’s legitimate or a scam?

A: Vetting any program you enter into is vital. There are many organizations who claim to offer educational programs that serve as pathways to specific occupations. However, not all of them are able to actually deliver on that, or even try to. Literally millions of students all over America have been defrauded by for-profit institutions who offer worthless certificates and bogus credentials to graduates. Don’t let this happen to you! Our team of former Deans of Continuing Education will be able to properly vet any certificate program offered to ensure that it will deliver on what you need it to. We’re here to help you make the best decision possible for your future.

Even colleges and universities you may know and trust can offer certificate programs that don’t deliver when it comes to job placement and realistic earnings potential. They’ll never tell you before you enroll, because why would they? They want to get as many enrollments as possible, and once you sign up you’re committed. They treat the most important element of the program, students actually getting the jobs they aspire to get, as an afterthought. There are good actors in this space, but also bad ones. We know who’s who, and we know what questions to ask and what information to seek out. Let us do the due diligence for you so you don’t get tricked into paying thousands of dollars, and wasting months of your time, going through a substandard certificate program that will not result in you getting the job you’re looking to attain.

Q: How do I get started?

A: Sign up for a free 30-minute consultation. Let’s talk and see how we can help! Don’t search alone!