Guiding Students to Informed College and Career Decisions: The Value of Holistic Career Counseling

"Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.”

— Maya Angelou

College-bound students in the Class of 2026 are busy working on college essays and applications. 

In this article, I explain how students can make informed, intentional decisions about college and career, starting in high school. From understanding personal values to exploring real-world career paths, the steps outlined here help students build a future that fits.

Too many students head to college unsure of their direction, only to graduate with debt, doubt, and a degree that doesn’t align with their goals. Holistic career counseling changes that.

In a perfect world, college students could spend their undergraduate years freely exploring interests without worrying about the cost of an extra semester or the financial consequences of pursuing a degree that doesn’t lead to meaningful or sustainable work. But in today’s reality, college is a significant investment. Most families cannot afford a meandering path or a fifth year of tuition, and most students can’t afford to graduate with a degree that doesn’t result in gainful employment.

💡 Expert Tip: Use Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce and/or data compiled by the Burning Glass Institute to learn more about ROI by institution and major. 

Why Start Career Exploration Before College?

Young people should explore their interests, and the process should begin in high school. Helping students define and articulate those interests is a logical component of a strategic college admissions process. It fosters a sense of direction and self-awareness, both critical for thriving in college, graduating on time, and achieving long-term goals.

This does not imply that young people can’t explore various interests—in fact, they should. However, pragmatism suggests the process should begin before college.

A strategic, holistic approach to admissions ensures students make informed decisions, not choices made in a vacuum. It cultivates personal agency, maturity, and direction—key attributes for thriving in college and beyond.

💡 Expert Tip: A crucial measure of college readiness is the congruence between an individual's intended major and their long-term goals.

Why Holistic Career Counseling?

Research indicates that certain individuals are naturally drawn to specific professions. Holistic career counseling helps individuals make career decisions by considering the whole person, not just their academic record. It accounts for a student’s interests, values, personality, experiences, and goals. This is especially powerful for students choosing a college or major, as it supports intentional, informed choices.

According to the National Wellness Institute, there are Six Dimensions of Wellness: Emotional, Occupational, Physical, Social, Intellectual, and Spiritual.

Traditional career counseling focuses narrowly on the occupational dimension, but holistic counseling incorporates all six, helping students align who they are with what they choose to do.

💡 Expert Insight: A career that satisfies intellectual curiosity but clashes with values or emotional needs is unlikely to bring long-term fulfillment.

The Case for Including Holistic Career Counseling in the College Admissions Process

College is a gateway to adulthood and a stepping stone toward a first job or graduate program. Making college decisions without considering career direction is short-sighted—yet many students build college lists without knowing what they hope to do after graduation.

Incorporating career exploration into the college counseling process isn’t just logical—it’s an essential component in planning for a fulfilling life.

How Can High School Students Gain a Sense of Professional Direction?

Students shouldn’t wait until college to begin this journey. Taking time to learn about themselves and how that translates into positive opportunities is a simple way to discover meaningful academic and professional interests. Those without access to professional counseling can take the following four steps to identify best-fit majors and potential careers:

ONE: Know Yourself

Take a free personality assessment, such as the Myers-Briggs Personality Test and Holland Code Career Test, to learn more about natural preferences, values, and compatible work environments.

💡Expert Tip: Ask yourself: What motivates me? What are my values? How long do I want to stay in school? What kind of work appeals to me? What kind of lifestyle do I want? How much money do I hope to earn?

TWO: Explore Careers

Once you have a list of potential career paths, dive deeper. Research each one: What education or credentials are required? What’s the job outlook and typical salary? Understanding how college majors and careers fit with aspirations helps identify potential majors.

💡Expert Tip: Start with trusted sources like O-Net’s My Next Move, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Handbook, and professional association websites.

THREE: Talk to Professionals

 Reading job descriptions helps, but hearing directly from someone in the field is even better. Informational interviews and job shadowing offer insights no website can. These conversations help students refine their understanding of possible majors and paths.

💡Expert Tip: Ask professionals about their paths, what they enjoy, and what they would change. Take notes on what resonates—and what doesn’t.

FOUR:  Reflect and Plan

As you gather information, compare your findings with your personal values and goals. Use that clarity to build a targeted college list and identify possible majors or pre-professional tracks.

Final words: The ROI of Clarity and Direction

Today’s students are increasingly questioning the value of a college degree—and they’re right to do so. In an era of rising tuition and uncertain job markets, return on investment (ROI) matters.

Holistic career counseling empowers students to choose colleges, majors, and career paths that align with their goals—and offers a powerful antidote to the anxiety and aimlessness that too often derail the college experience.

🎧 Recommended Listen:
When College is About the Job, Future U Podcast - The Pulse of Higher Ed | EP161

If you or someone you know would benefit from working with a college admissions counselor who is also a certified holistic career counselor—someone who can help align college choices with academic and professional goals—please reach out at kathy@fineeducationalsolutions.com.