Career & College Exploration Vocabulary

resume

A brief summary; a short written account of one's education, working experience, or qualifications for a job.

recommendation letter

A form of written communication used to provide a documented reference for students and professionals

job

A job is more short-term oriented work and tends to focus purely on earning money.

Journey-level Worker/Trade Professional

A master of a specific skilled trade, like carpentry, masonry, plumbing, etc.

transcript

A permanent record of all the classes you take and grades you earn while in high school or college. It may also show any honors or awards you receive.

cover letter

A personal business letter that you send with your resume when you apply for a job.

internship

A position, paid or unpaid, in which a person receives training by working with people who are experienced in a particular field.

career

A profession for which one trains and which is undertaken as a permanent calling.

apprenticeship

An apprenticeship program combines on-the-job training in a skilled craft or trade with classroom study. The student, also called an apprentice, is prepared for advanced training or employment in a higher-than-entry- level position.

fees

College costs not included in tuition. Fees may be charged to cover the cost of materials and equipment needed in certain courses. Fees may also be charged for student events, programs, and publications, like a yearbook.

job application

Document that job seekers fill out so employers can use it to screen applicants

GPA

Grade Point Average- a calculated average of all of your grades in all classes based on either a 4.0 or 15.0 scale. Most colleges consider these when evaluating a student for admission.

State Work Study (SWS)

The State Work Study program allows students to earn money and work experience while in college. Jobs are usually part-time, allowing you to attend classes, and to study. Jobs are related to your career interests whenever possible.

tuition

The amount colleges charge for each hour of class time. Tuition does not include the cost of books, fees, room, or board (food). Tuition charges vary from college to college.

Lifelong learning

The idea that a person can and should learn throughout his/her whole life.

Bachelor's Degree

The undergraduate degree offered by four-year colleges and universities.

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

This free application must be filed every year to receive most forms of financial aid, including loans, grants, and work study.

Associate's Degree

To earn an associate's degree, you must complete a program that is at least two, but less than four, years of college usually at a community or technical college. These degrees are often designed to transfer to a four-year college.

Community or Technical College

Two-year institutions of higher education. Courses and credits can generally transfer to a four-year college. These colleges also offer work-related and technical programs to prepare students for the world of work.

admission/application/acceptance

You must apply to get into college. The process colleges use to decide who gets in is called admission. Colleges review each application and decide which students to accept. Students receive a letter of acceptance or rejection telling them whether they have been admitted.