Career Counseling for Young Adults Who Are Unsure About College

Parents throughout Connecticut, particularly along the Shoreline in towns such as Old Saybrook, Madison, Guilford, East Lyme, and Essex, frequently ask whether I work with young adults who did not attend college, started college but stopped, or are still unsure about their next steps. The answer is yes. In fact, helping young adults clarify their career direction has become one of the primary areas of my work in recent years.

I regularly meet with young adults who are deciding whether to return to college, those who know they will not, and those who may consider college or non-traditional training only after gaining clarity about their long-term career path. For many Connecticut families, this uncertainty can feel overwhelming, and having structured guidance makes a meaningful difference.

Before our first meeting, I provide personality profiles, career assessments, and a short narrative questionnaire. This allows me to understand each young adult’s background, strengths, and concerns so that our time together is efficient and cost-effective.

Our initial session is the vision meeting. The goal is to identify a clear and realistic direction that aligns with temperament, interests, and future goals. If we accomplish this and the young adult feels confident taking next steps on their own, our work may be complete unless further support is desired.

For others, clarity develops over several sessions, and ongoing help becomes valuable. I assist with job search strategy, résumé development, cover letters, interviewing skills, and evaluating whether returning to school, pursuing a certification, or seeking other specialized training is the right path. Many young adults from Madison, Old Lyme, East Haddam, and other local communities benefit from this continued guidance as they move from uncertainty to purposeful action.

My role is to help young adults build a clear, actionable plan for their future, whether that involves college, alternative education, or entering the workforce with confidence.