
GED to Career
Step One: Discover

Before You Begin– Set Realistic Short- and Long-Term Goals
Break down your career goals into manageable steps.
For example:
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Short-term: Get your GED, build a resume, explore careers
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Mid-term: Complete a certificate program, start working in a related job
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Long-term: Gain experience, move up, or pursue a college degree
Step Two: Develop
What is a Resume?
A resume is a one-page document that shows your education, work experience, skills, and accomplishments. It helps employers quickly see what you’ve done and what you can bring to the job. Think of it as a summary of your qualifications for a specific position.
Resume Example– Use this as a guide to format your resume clearly and professionally.
Action Verbs – Use strong, clear verbs to describe your skills and responsibilities.
Editable Resume – Fill in your own experiences and tailor for each job application.
Step Three: Experience
Internship or Volunteer Opportunity
If you’re just starting out, talk to the Career Navigator about internships, job shadowing, or volunteer options that can help you develop your skills and build a professional network.
GED to College
Step Two: Research

Research Schools
Now that you have an idea of what you would like to go to school for, check out this list of Colleges and Universities in San Antonio https://www.bexar.org/322/Colleges-Universities
Pro-Tips:
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Take notes on Admissions Requirements for each College/University
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Create a top 3 list of colleges you would like to attend
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Determine which colleges have the highest and lowest tuition
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Schedule a visit to your top 3
Apply Texas Website:
Before you begin! Review the Application Guide from Apply Texas
When you have finished this guide, you can begin applying for College!
Step Three: Write an Essay
Common Types of College Essay Prompts
College admissions prompts usually fall into a few main categories:
Sample Essay
When I left high school at seventeen, college felt like something for other people—people who had it all figured out. At the time, I was working to help support my family, and education had to take a backseat. But I always knew I would come back to finish what I started. Earning my GED last year was not just a personal milestone; it was a promise kept to myself. It showed me that I’m capable of learning, growing, and reaching new goals, even when life gets hard. My interest in phlebotomy began when I started helping my grandmother during her cancer treatments. I often accompanied her to medical appointments and blood draws. I was struck by how calm, skilled, and kind the phlebotomists were. They made what could have been a stressful experience feel safe and even comforting. Watching them made me realize that there’s power in small moments of care, like knowing how to find a vein with confidence or making someone smile before a needle stick. As someone who’s always been steady under pressure and great with people, I believe phlebotomy is the perfect path for me. I want to be the person who helps patients feel seen and safe. I’ve worked jobs in customer service and caregiving, and in both roles I’ve learned how to connect with others, listen carefully, and pay attention to detail—skills I know are essential in healthcare. I’m excited to enter a program that will teach me the science and technique behind the work, but I also see this step as part of something bigger. For me, going to college isn’t just about job training—it’s about proving to myself that I can build a stable and meaningful future. I want to show my younger siblings and my future patients that second chances are real, and that it’s never too late to start over. Thank you for considering my application. I’m ready to learn, to work hard, and to become a trusted professional in the healthcare field.
Additional Resources for College and Career Training
Step Four: Paying for College
Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly known as FAFSA, is a form that students complete to apply for grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans for college or career school.
Read through these resources to learn more about FAFSA:
Finally, navigate this page on the different types of FAFSA you can receive https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types