June 8, 2009 | Online

One of the most important decisions in a person’s professional development is choosing the right college. In order to make the right choice, students need to ask the right questions to determine whether the school will meet their needs.

First and foremost, find out if the school is accredited. If so, that means the curriculum meets the educational standards outlined by the provincial government.  Next, you’ll want to make sure that school offers the program that meets your needs and that the curriculum is in-sync with current marketplace demands.

When you’re choosing a program, talk to the instructors. Make sure they are experts in their career by asking them about their experiences in the field as well as in the classroom.

Do they have practicum placements? Career training is much more beneficial when a practicum is involved. This period allows a student to put theory into practice and gain hands-on experience in a job setting, as well as opening the door to job placement.

Finally, tour the campus to get a feel for it. Schools with small class sizes allow for more one-on-one instruction for students, thereby enhancing the quality of their education. Additionally, the school should be committed to you success after graduation. Look to see if it has an up-to-date job board, provides job advice, or has other connections to the local business community.