According to a recent study, roughly two-thirds of college graduates struggle to launch their career with the remaining third being successful because of starting their education with a major selected and having completed at least one internship. Laurie Genevish refuses to accept those numbers and fights that statistic head-on with her own business, My Ideal College. Founded by Genevish in 2018, My Ideal College has a four-month program that works alongside high school teens to dissect their personal interests and future ambitions to eliminate the common uncertainty that comes with selecting a college education. With so many students changing schools or majors and digging themselves deeper into debt, this program ensures that teens are on the right path for them before anything is finalized.
“In the end, they come out with a clear idea of what career they want to pursue, what education they would need for it, and they are happy wanting to do that,” Genevish said. “So many parents are like, ‘Oh, I wish I had you when I was growing up’…parents are thrilled because their teen has a clear path. They know what they want to do.”
Based out of her home, Genevish begins the process with a free 30-minute strategy session with the student’s parent(s) before resuming the program. She then sets up personalized coaching sessions with the student to further discuss the details of their career aspirations and which academic options best serve those goals and interests. This is initially done through the completion of the Harrison Assessment which concentrates on discovering someone’s work preferences and behavioral attributes aiding in career selection.
Genevish takes the time to dive into the student’s professional interests or what they enjoy doing that translates into a viable career option before discussing their ideal salary and future living situation. From there, she decides of schooling is needed and provides a catered list of schools along with the types of programs or degrees that would best lead them to their dream career. Being a strong supporter of professional networking, she will even put the student in contact with someone working in their respective field if she knows anyone who can provide professional advice or assistance.
“I take it a step further by making sure that college is the right thing and that they’re going to the college that has the major they want…I just want to get the word out and serve as many families and teens and college students as possible,” Genevish said.
Once being a confused college student who changed career paths herself, she has seen so many students fall into huge loan debts due to hasty decisions, changed majors, and inapplicable education choices. Now a mother of two children of her own, she finds great value in investing in her children’s future. While assisting the student with their needs during each program, she also hopes to help parents feel secure in their child’s decision allowing them to be better informed and more involved in the process.
“Parents feel more comfortable [knowing] that their child is going to go to college and paying that tuition check knowing that they’re going to be on the right path,” Genevish said. “I’ve learned so much about the education system and the college system. Really, as parents, we need to take an active role in helping our teens plan their future.”
For more information on how you can help your child find their passion and receive a free introductory strategy session, visit www.myidealcollege.org or call 678-761-3550.
