Congratulations on your wise decision to continue your education. A college education or technical training can boost your ability to get a good job, earn more money and enjoy a better life. It’s never too early or too late to start planning for higher education, and student financial aid programs are available to help you pay for it.

One of the first things you need to do is find out what you’re interested in. If you already know, you’re ahead of the game. If not, a personality inventory might help. Contact your school counselor to find out more.

If you have certain careers in mind, talk with people who work in those careers to find out how much education was involved and whether they like what they’re doing. You can also do a little research now. Check out the Occupational Outlook Handbook, available online at www.bls.gov/oco.

Even if you don’t settle on a career until you’re in college, that’s OK. Lots of students go to college intending to major in a certain field, then find out there’s something they like better and want to make a career doing.