Why You Should Visit a Job Corps Before Applying

For many young Americans, the Job Corps career training program sounds too good to be true. If they qualify for and are accepted to Job Corps, students can earn their high school diplomas or GED, get help preparing to test for their driver's license, and receive top-notch job training that will get them started in the lifetime career of their choice. As one instructor at the Alaska Job Corps campus said, "With Job Corps, you can go as far as you want to."

But as with any big decision, it's important to do your research before you commit to the program. The best thing you can do is to visit the Job Corps campus you're interested in applying to. Here's why.

Every Job Corps Campus is Unique

In researching online and in speaking to Job Corps staff and students, one thing was repeated over and over: every Job Corps campus is different. Some have a reputation for awesome support, some are known for being rough, some are known for community involvement. You won't know how the Job Corps campus in your area rates until you see for yourself. A few of the comments I found online about JC campuses in other parts of the country were very negative, describing violence, bad attitudes, and a lack of support. But my visit to the the Alaska Job Corps center showed me a completely different picture, one backed up by local attendees and alumni. The atmosphere was very positive, with staff and students full of smiles and good attitudes. I walked away with the feeling that it was an environment I could thrive in, and really enjoy. Don't rely on internet gossip or stereotypes - you won't have an accurate idea of what it's really like until you visit and see for yourself.

It's The Best Time to Ask Questions

The best way to find out if Job Corps is right for you is to ask a lot of questions, and the best way to do that is to be there in person. Reading and rereading the program brochures is a great way to find out the basics, but it won't give you a complete picture. During my two hour tour of the Alaska campus I was able to meet and ask questions of instructors and students in every study program. It was incredibly valuable to hear it "from the horse's mouth," so to speak, and even changed what programs of study I chose to list in my application.

You'll Feel More Prepared

While I was open to checking Job Corps out, I was very nervous about the idea of actually jumping in and doing it. Visiting the campus helped ease my worries. Being able to see the dorm rooms, the lounge areas, the dining hall, and all the other areas students spend time made it easier for me to picture myself there, and made it all fee a lot less scary. In fact, after seeing the cardio equipment and the arts and craft room which are available to students of the Palmer, Alaska campus, I was kind of excited. Your local Job Corps may have something similar, or even cooler, available. You won't know if you don't visit.

A Few Tips to Make Your Visit Successful

- Take a supportive friend or relative. I took my sister along, and I was very glad I did. She thought of questions I didn't, and helped point out things I hadn't noticed. Because she was open to the idea, but not pushy about it, she was able to provide help and support so that I could the best decision for myself.

- Be brave. If you're the shy type like me, visiting a new place with lots of strangers can make it difficult to ask questions. Suck it up and do it anyway! During my visit I hesitated at first to ask questions, but once I did I discovered that staff and students (really!) were glad to offer honest answers and help.

- Make a good impression. Don't stress out about it, but do try to look neat and clean, and to be respectful and polite. If you do decide to apply to Job Corps, this is their first chance to meet you. It can't hurt to put your best foot forward.

The most important advice I can give you about visiting your local Job Corps campus is to just do it. Job Corps staff can help you arrange transportation for your visit, so there's really no excuse. You won't regret it, and it will give you a clearer picture of whether or not Job Corps is the right path for you and your future career. My visit made all the difference for me.

Good luck!