college
May 20, 2022 Edition 21
Rene Klaus - College & Career Specialist
Inside This Issue
- Message
- Grade Level Specific Information
- Upcoming Events
- Scholarships
- Klaus's Kernels
- Opportunities / Jobs / Volunteering
- College Spotlight
- Career Spotlight
- Want More?
Message
March Madness is upon us. If you are into the NCAA Basketball Tournament, check out the March Madness Trivia and learn about the colleges in the Sweet 16. Get some info and learn fun facts at tinyurl.com/WHS-MarchMadness. Then take the quiz at tinyurl.com/WHS-NCAA-Facts-2023. If you are in the first 5 to get all 12 answers correct, you will win a Starbucks or Boba Tea Gift card!
Grade Level Specific Information
Seniors
By now most of the colleges have released their admissions decisions (with a few exceptions still to come out April 1st). We need to know what your plans are even if you are not attending college. ALL Seniors must to complete a Senior Survey prior to April 20th. There will be a Senior Meeting on that day where you may be able to pickup your cap and gown for graduation, BUT ONLY IF YOU COMPLETE THE SURVEY BEFORE THAT DAY.
If you are planning to go to Community College in the fall, you can apply NOW!
Our De Anza workshops were delayed because of the power outages here at Westmont. They have been rescheduled to the following dates:
4/3 @ 12:15-1:15pm - De Anza College Application Workshop
4/18 @ 2:45pm - De Anza College Orientation Workshop
Sign up for these at tinyurl.com/WHS-CCCApp to receive a reminder summons to your classroom.
If you were admitted to San Jose State and missed the Next Steps Presentation last week, please attend the upcoming presentation:
3/28 @ 10:15am - SJSU Admitted Next Steps Presentation
This one will have more details since it is the actual admissions representative doing the presenting (and not me).
AND.....If you haven't, complete the FAFSA application. Get started at fafsa.gov
Juniors
Now is the time to start planning for summer and next year. The College Essay Guy has an upcoming virtual session about just these things.
Selecting Courses & Planning Extracurriculars
March 29th, 4-5pm PT
Here's a peek at what they're covering:
How do I know what subjects and courses to select in high school?
How do I balance course rigor with having a strong GPA? (AKA Is a 'B' in a hard class better than an 'A' in an easier class?)
What classes are selective colleges generally looking for?
How should my intended major inform course selection? What if I don't know my major?
How should I plan my summer and extracurricular time as I juggle what colleges are looking for, my personal interests/passions, and future aspirations?
Sophomores
It's never too early to start researching college options. Maybe you'll find one that is your dream college. Attend the WACAC College Fair at West Valley College on April 4th 6-8pm. Over 100 colleges from around the U.S. and Europe will be there offering information and answers to your questions. Not sure what to ask? Here is a guide listing Questions to Ask College Reps.
Freshmen
Upcoming events
Career Talks and Workshops
Click HERE for the complete up to date list. All events are in the Library unless specified otherwise.
3/29 @ 10:15am - Career Talk: Software Engineer (Westmont Alumni)
4/3 @ 12:15 pm - De Anza Application Workshop for Seniors
4/18 @ 2:45pm - De Anza Orientation Workshop for Seniors
If you missed the talk with the Medical Student, she has provided us with the slides from her presentation, so check it out: Medical Careers
Events Around the Bay Area and Virtual
WOW! That's Engineering: Conference for High School Girls
Hosted by the Society of Women Engineers, WOW! is an engineering conference for high school students to be able to learn about different engineering fields. For more information check out the FLYER.
Date: Saturday: March 25, 2023
Where: One Washington St, San Jose, CA 95192 (Diaz Compean Student Union @ San Jose State University)
Price: $10 (Please email us for a code if you have any difficulties with this amount)
Register here: tinyurl.com/wow23-register
Follow us on Instagram: @swesjsu.wow (main updates/info!)
Deadline for registration: Saturday: March 18, 2023
San Jose City College Open House - March 25th 9:00am-1:00pm
March 25th 9am-1pm
SJCC Student Center
2100 Moorepark Ave
San Jose, 95129
Get a Campus Tour. Learn about the different Career Education options. Explore Majors. Find out about the AMAZING Support Programs. Visit the Resource Fair to gather some information and try some of the Fun Activities.
RSVP at: bit.ly/sjccopenhouse23
WACAC College Fair @ West Valley College, Tuesday April 4th 6-8 pm
Check out the Free College Fair at West Valley College and come speak to counselors from over 100 colleges from around the world to find your best-fit school. For a list of questions to ask the reps check out: Questions for College Fair.
West Valley College
Tuesday, April 4 6:00-8:00pm
For a list of attending colleges, go to: wacac.org/college-fairs/wacac-fairs/
Check out the flyer to get a QRC and register ahead of time.
West Valley Honors College Info Night - April 19, 6-7pm
If UCLA or another top -tier university is your dream, and you didn't get in this year, learn how you can improve your chances as a transfer student.
April 19th, 6-7pm via Zoom
Join the session at Zoom Meeting ID: 958 2130 6916
Want to learn more about how you can optimize your transfer options by joining our West Valley College honors program? Our special partnership with UCLA and connections with other top-tier universities will help set you up for transfer success.
Scholarships
2022-2023 Scholarships Spreadsheet
Seniors, here is the list of LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS for just our local area (Westmont, Campbell, CUHSD) so check this out regularly as new ones are added over the next few months.
Scholarship Spotlight
Ric Barline Memorial Scholarship - $1500 for graduating senior, minimum GPA 3.0, school or community involvement, financial need for attending college, interested in STEM, climate change, alternative energy, robotics and is curious. Due March 31, 2023 to Mrs. Klaus in College and Career Center.
Fernald Family Scholarship - $1000-$1500 to graduating Senior who needs financial assistance for college at either 2 or 4 year school. Due April 1, 2023 to Mrs. Klaus in College and Career Center.
Klaus's Kernels
Here are a few FUN FACTS from are series of Career Talks this week:
- "We are the product now" says Michael Green, a Lawyer and Executive with VISA, in one of our Career Talks this week. Products used to be things now we "humans" are the products that companies buy and sell.
- Jimmy G., then quarterback for the 49ers, once held the door open for new employee, Jacob Fill (our Westmont Alumni and now in Communications / PR for the 49ers). Mr. Fill says that he was a very friendly guy and was very welcoming to him as a newcomer.
- 4th Year Medical Student, Julia Gupta, advises high school students who are interested in a medical career should "Attend a college where you will have the opportunity to thrive. It doesn't have to be the best ranked college for your program, but one at which you can thrive."
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Cheryl Kupras, says the best part about her career is watching people's lives change. She quotes that you are "In it for the OUTCOME, not the INCOME".
Enrichment Opportunities / Interships
Study for AP Exams at Fiveable
AP Exams are coming in May, and Fiveable (an online study group with many resources) is hosting Cram Sessions beginning May 5. Check out the Fiveable Crams and get the final preparation for your AP Exams. Cost of each Cram is only $15 and it includes 5 nights of help 7-10pm. Check it out!
AI Summer Camp - Scholarships available
Are you interested in learning about AI, gaining technical experience, and AI internship opportunities? AI Camp! Founded by Stanford Ph.D.s, provides quality AI education, opens doors into the tech industry and provides scholarships to top students! Check out the FLYER and then apply for the SCHOLARSHIP.
Get priority access to the 2023 Summer Scholarship application!!
Wildlife Rehabilitation Internship
This is an unpaid on-the-job learning opportunity for dedicated, hard-working individuals interested in wildlife rehabilitation. Click HERE for more details.
Time Commitment: 12 Weeks. 24 hours per week, 3 days per week.
WCSV provides letters of recommendation for successful completion of the internship summarizing their coursework, accomplishments, and skills learned during the internship.
All questions about the internship or application process should be emailed to intern@wcsv.org.
California Highway Patrol Explorers Program
If you are interested in a career in Law Enforcement, check out the CHP Explorers Program. Be a part of something greater than yourself.
Minimum Requirement to apply:
- Must be 15-20 years of age.
- Have an interest in law enforcement.
- Must have at least a 2.0 GPA.
- No drug or alcohol use.
- Good citizenship.
- No felony convictions
GO to CHPCareers.com or contact your local area CHP Office.
Summer Programs at United States Naval Academy
The USNA Summer Seminar is the first step in navigating your future to becoming one of our nation's next generation leaders. Current Juniors / Rising Seniors can apply now for these sessions:
June 3-8, June 10-15, or June 18-23
Program Fee $550 (need based scholarships available)
Apply NOW at: usna.edu/Admissions/Programs/NASS
Summer STEM is for rising 9th - 11th graders. For one week campers will create, build and explore in world-class lab facilities and experience real-life applications and learning.
Current 9th / rising 10th - June 12-17
Current 10th / rising 11th - June 19-23
Program Fee $800 (need based scholarships available)
Apply NOW at: usna.edu/Admissions/Programs/STEM
Brainfuse Free Tutoring
Volunteer Opportunities
Student Volunteer Opportunities
You can select Santa Clara County and/or online options.
Robogames Event Needs Volunteers: April 6th - 9th, 11am-7pm
Get community service hours by helping out at this fun event. Sign up for as many hours as you'd like. Early hours are the most helpful; and get into the event for free on the next day. Check out the event at: http://robogames.net/index.php
To sign up as a volunteer, contact: Rhiannon Ford (415) 786-8034
Walden West Outdoor School needs Volunteer Cabin Leaders
If you have a passion for working with youth and you enjoy being outdoors, come volunteer at Walden West for a week at our residential outdoor school!
All information and necessary forms can be found at https://sites.google.com/sccoe.org/walden-west/volunteers
STEMpower - Volunteer Opportunity
STEMpower is a volunteer organization based in the Bay Area that works with WiSTEM, a club focused on empowering underrepresented students in high school to pursue STEM. Our goal is to inspire the next generation of creative thinkers to be interested in STEM fields through hands-on and engaging workshops.
We are hosting virtual STEM workshops for elementary school students and we need more help! We have opened a volunteer application for ALL high-schoolers (freshman and above).
After filling out this application, STEMpower will reach out to you within a week about scheduling a 15-minute interview. We will be accepting volunteers on a rolling basis. If you are unable to participate or register but would still like to in the future, feel free to apply anytime as we may reach out to strong applicants when in need of volunteers.
Curriculum Designers
Curriculum Designers will develop STEM-oriented activity sheets and lab activities for virtual workshops. They are expected to maintain regular communication with the team leader. On average, this role will require a time commitment of approximately 4-5 hours a month. Note that the workload during some weeks will be higher than that of other weeks.
Interested? Please fill out the application form at tinyurl.com/stempowervolunteer. Expect to hear a reply from us within a week of submission.
Questions? Feel free to email us at stempower.ca@gmail.com! Follow us on Instagram @stempower.us!
Job Opportunities
Tech Know How - hiring for summer camp leaders
Take your love for tech and children and turn it into a fun and rewarding experience during the summer! TechKnowHow, a leader in tech camps for Bay Area students, is looking for individuals, ages 15 and older, to assist in teaching hands-on LEGO, game making and coding projects to children, ages 5-13. Pays $17-$20/hour.
TO APPLY: Send resume or cover letter to Sara Robertson at s.robertson@techknowhowkids.com or call (650) 638-0500
Los Ranchitos Cabana Club is Hiring
We are looking for Lifeguards, Swim Coaches, Lesson Instructors and and Office Manager. Pay rates range from $15.50/hour and up based on experience and certifications. Visit https://www.lrrc.org for more information.
Click on "Hiring" for details and application links.
City of San Jose Hiring Lifeguards and Instructors
The City of San Jose is currently hiring lifeguard and lifeguard instructors to fill a vast amount of vacancies city wide to those 16+. Those hired will support summer and year around swim programs for the City of San Jose.
Hourly Pay: $17-26 depending on certification.
See FLYER for more information and where to apply.
Campbell Community Center Hiring Lifeguards
- Must be 15 years of age or older
- For certified or previously certified Lifeguards
- $16 per hour
- Must pass fingerprint clearance
- Candidates must be able to pass all American Red Cross Lifeguard Training requirements.
To apply or get more information click HERE.
College Spotlight
Montana State University
As Montana’s premier flagship university in Bozeman, MT, MSU offers something beyond the conventional college experience. The people who live, work, and play at MSU aren’t afraid to venture from what they know - to find a new place and learn new things. Our researchers are pushing boundaries in their fields to make cutting-edge discoveries. Our professors are empowering students to go beyond the classroom to solve important real-world problems. Our students are making the millions of acres of nearby wilderness their classroom, lab space, and playground.
As a top-tier research institution, MSU is among the top 3 percent of colleges and universities in the nation for research expenditures. With a 90% undergraduate student population and over 250 academic programs in 8 different colleges, students never lack the opportunity to get engaged outside of the classroom and participate in cutting-edge research.
Quick Facts
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 14,230
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
- Student Retention Rate: 78%
- Tuition: out of state $29,600 / WUE $11,900 (min GPA 3.0)
- Housing/Food Cost: (living on campus)
Top Majors
- Business
- Health Professions
- Engineering
- Agriculture
- Nursing
Career Spotlight
Commercial Airline Pilot by Izabella Genslack
Commercial pilots fly and navigate airplanes, helicopters, and other aircraft. Although a college degree is not required for all jobs, many employers prefer that they have a Bachelor's Degree. The cost of obtaining the required licenses and flight time necessary to become a qualified pilot can add up to that of some college degrees. Many commercial pilots obtain their training in the military.
A Commercial Pilot License (CPL) is the minimum requirement needed to fly professionally. It requires 250 flight hours and can take 6 to 24 months. To get an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) license which is what is required to fly as a pilot in command for an airline, 1500 house of flight time are needed. An additional 10-15 hours of instruction is required to get a Multi-Engine rating which is required for flying as a pilot in command for routes involving aircraft with multiple engines.
The skillset needed to be a pilot is as follows:
- Attention to detail
- Situational awareness
- Self-confidence
- Clear communication skills
- Ability to remain calm under pressure
- Humility
Depending on whether the pilot is doing short or long hauls, a day in the life of a commercial pilot will look something like this:
Short Haul
- Flights < 7 hours
- 4-6 flights a day
- ~ 10 days off per month
Long Haul
- Flights > 7 hours
- 1-2 flights a day
- ~ 15 days off per month
Quick Facts
Median Pay: $134,630 per year
Typical Entry-level Education: No degree but may require multiple licenses (see above)
Work Experience in Related Occupation: None
On the Job Training: Moderate-term on-the-job training
Job outlook, 2019-2029: %6 (as fast as average)