Ready, set, go!!!! Landing your first job after graduation

According to NACE’s Job Outlook 2026 Spring Update, employers expect to increase hiring of new college graduates from the Class of 2026 by 5.6%, signaling growing opportunities for students entering the workforce. As organizations expand and focus on succession planning, they are seeking graduates who can contribute immediately through strong technical knowledge, effective problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to work collaboratively in team environments.

The projected hiring increase follows two years of a challenging job market for new graduates and reflects a growing demand for candidates who can adapt, communicate, and collaborate across departments. Employers in industries such as information services, engineering, wholesale trade, construction, and professional services are particularly interested in recent graduates who demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills, can work effectively with diverse teams, and can apply technical expertise to solve complex workplace challenges.

As rising seniors in high school begin to investigate academic paths and schools that meet their interests, it is worthwhile to consider the skills employers are looking for. AI is taking over a lot of the conversation and some suggest that entry-level works may be replaced by transitions to full deployment. In contrast, some suggest that entry-level workers may have the strongest position for a tight job market if they can demonstrate AI use proficiency alongside the traditional employability skills. What are colleges and universities offering the incoming freshman class to improve their chances after graduation?

Aspen Ed suggests students and families take a measured approach on campus visits. Ask tough questions about employability as well as graduation rate. What does the campus community offer outside of the classroom to build interpersonal communication skills? How has the academic program positioned itself to include AI technology? What extracurricular activities enhance the content learned in the classroom? Is there a career transition office to assist recent graduates in internships, resume writing, interview skills and first year employment?

Choosing a tech school/career & ed tech, a two-year or four-year+ school is more than just an application essay. This is another step in building a well-rounded toolkit to open the doors to success in any stage of a fulfilling career.

Need help on your path? Let us help you create a roadmap for after high school: https://www.aspeneducationalplanning.com

Finding the Right College Fit: Why Personalized Educational Planning Matters More Than Ever

Choosing a college is one of the most important decisions a student and family will make — but today’s higher education landscape can feel overwhelming. With thousands of colleges, countless academic programs, changing admissions standards, and rising tuition costs, students often struggle to determine which path is truly the best fit for their future.

That’s where personalized educational planning can make all the difference.

At Aspen Educational Planning, the focus goes beyond simply applying to colleges. The goal is to help students discover opportunities that align with their academic strengths, career goals, financial needs, and personal interests while providing support every step of the way.

More Than Just College Applications

Many students begin the college search with limited information about the range of schools and programs available to them. Personalized counseling opens the door to a much wider selection of possibilities.

Because Aspen Educational Planning works with knowledge of colleges and universities nationwide, students gain access to insights that help them evaluate schools based on:

• Academic programs and curriculum

• Campus culture and environment

• Geographic location

• Cost and financial considerations

• Career preparation opportunities

• Admissions competitiveness and acceptance trends

Using prior-year admissions and acceptance-rate data, students and families can make more informed decisions about where to apply and how to build a balanced college list.

Strategic Planning for Academic Success

Successful college preparation often begins long before senior year. Strategic academic planning can significantly impact future admissions opportunities.

Students benefit from guidance in areas such as:

• Selecting high school coursework, including AP, Dual-Credit, IB, and CLEP options

• Identifying programs that match future career interests

• Exploring transfer pathways and credential opportunities

• Evaluating prep schools and summer enrichment programs

• Preparing for interviews and application timelines

A thoughtful plan helps students maximize both their academic potential and future college options.

Personalized Coaching Through Every Transition

Educational planning is not one-size-fits-all. Every student’s goals, challenges, and experiences are unique.

Coaching services provide individualized support for:

• Career exploration

• Transition planning

• Application essay development

• Confidence building during the admissions process

• Guidance for both traditional students and experienced professionals considering educational advancement

Whether a student is applying to college for the first time or considering a career transition later in life, having a knowledgeable advisor can reduce stress and provide clarity during major life decisions.

Ready to Begin?

Aspen Educational Planning provides comprehensive college counseling designed to help students find their best fit and prepare for long-term success.

Contact Information:

Tiffany L. Bohm, PhD or Andrae Marak, PhD

Phone: (574) 933-2237 to schedule your appointment

Email: Tiffany@aspeneducationalplanning.com

Are you prepared to be a competitive higher education administration candidate?

The annual cycle for recruiting, screening, interviewing, and hiring college and university administrators is already well underway. For searches utilizing external firms, initial candidate screenings are either complete or nearing completion. Campus search committees are beginning their work, virtual semi-final interviews are approaching, and for well-timed searches, offers to top candidates will be extended as early as late January or early February.

At the same time, shorter administrative tenures and a punishing external environment have transformed leadership searches into a near year-round endeavor. Institutions are navigating the demographic cliff of high school graduates in many regions, declining federal and state funding, cuts to federal research grants, increased barriers for international students, caps on graduate student loans, tuition increases that have outpaced inflation, and mounting public challenges to the value of a bachelor’s degree. In this climate, institutions are seeking leaders who are not only qualified—but strategically prepared.

Are you ready to position yourself for success as a higher education leader?

Now is an ideal time to take the next step. As a career coach, I work with faculty and staff seeking to transition into administrative leadership roles, as well as with current administrators aiming to strategically advance their careers. Coaching and consultation to be a competitive candidate for a position in higher education administration may include:

• Résumé/CV restructuring for administrative searches

• Assessing position and institutional fit

• Leadership style articulation and development

• Cover letter review and refinement

• Interview preparation and mock interviews

• Post-interview assessment and strategy

• Professional reference selection and positioning

  
  

If you are ready to explore your next step, I invite you to schedule a free consultation.