The TecoGuide Podcast
TecoGuide: Your Virtual College Advisor
#TecoGuide, the only app designed to help you navigate your college and career journey in the quickest and most affordable way. Brought to you by #EdTechQuity, we are committed to opening doors to higher education and career opportunities for all.
Visit our website https://www.tecoguide.com/ and Download the app today
Explore pathways like:
✅ Career Certifications
✅ Associate Degrees
✅ Transferring ton CSUs, UCs, and Private Universities
Our channel features a variety of series dedicated to providing tips, insights, and guidance for success. From understanding transfer requirements, exploring career options, or navigating financial aid, we’ve got your back!
Episodes

16 hours ago
16 hours ago
Did you know that with the right preparation, you can secure guaranteed admission to six University of California campuses? The UC Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) program, Let’s break it down.
Step 1: Start at a Community College
To qualify for TAG, you must begin your journey at a California community college. The process starts with completing about 30 transferable units. Once you reach that milestone, you can sign a TAG agreement with your chosen UC campus.
During the same semester, while completing those first 30 units, you’ll also begin your UC application process. After that, you’ll complete an additional 30 units, bringing your total to 60 transferable units before entering the university.
Step 2: Maintain a Strong GPA
Your GPA plays a critical role in qualifying for TAG. Most UC campuses require a 3.2 GPA or higher—essentially all As with only a handful of Bs. Some majors may require an even higher GPA, while a few campuses may accept slightly lower.
The specifics vary, so it’s essential to review the TAG matrix, which outlines requirements by campus and major. This matrix is your roadmap to understanding which schools align best with your academic performance and goals.
Step 3: Know the Participating UC Campuses
Currently, six UC campuses participate in the TAG program:
- UC Davis
- UC Merced
- UC Irvine
- UC Santa Cruz
- UC Riverside
- UC Santa Barbara
With a qualifying GPA and transferable coursework, you can secure guaranteed admission to one of these campuses.
A Real Example: From Woodland Community College to UC Davis
To illustrate how TAG works in practice, let’s look at a real example. Two students from Woodland Community College are currently preparing for a guaranteed transfer to UC Davis:
- Year 1: They complete 30 UC-transferable units.
- September: They submit their TAG agreement with UC Davis.
- October–November: While still enrolled in classes, they also submit their UC application.
- Year 2: They complete another 30 units, reaching the 60-unit threshold.
- Fall 2025: They transfer with guaranteed admission to UC Davis.
This same process can be followed at any California community college—or even across a combination of them.
Step 4: Understand the Flexibility
One of the best parts about California’s community college system is that anyone can attend. Success depends on your performance in approximately 20 classes, totaling 60 or more transferable units. With consistent effort and GPA management, the pathway to a UC degree becomes much clearer and more affordable.
Your Next Steps
The UC TAG program is one of the most effective tools for first-gen students and families looking for a reliable, affordable pathway to higher education. Whether your dream is UC Davis, UC Irvine, or any of the other participating campuses, your journey can start at a local community college.
#TecoGuide, the only app designed to help you navigate your college and career journey in the quickest and most affordable way. Brought to you by #EdTechQuity, we are committed to opening doors to higher education and career opportunities for all.
Thank you for tuning into #TecoGuide, the app dedicated to providing valuable insights on education and career success. Don’t forget to subscribe, follow, and share.
Visit our website https://www.inspirame.com/ and Download the app today
Linktree
#LatinoExcellence #FirstGenSuccess #TransferTips #CommunityCollegeSuccess #CollegeLife

16 hours ago
16 hours ago
Many students worry that once they start at a university like CSU, they are “locked in.” The truth is, you have options. It is possible to attend a CSU for a semester and then transition to a community college the following term, without losing sight of your long-term goals. We’ll walk you through the key steps to make this transition smoothly, protect your academic record, and keep your college dreams on track.
Step 1: Protect Your Financial Aid
If you’re receiving financial aid, the first thing you’ll want to check is whether the community college you’re considering is listed on your FAFSA or California Dream Act application. This ensures your financial aid information is shared with the new school so you can continue receiving the support you need.
Step 2: Officially Withdraw From Your Current School
Don’t simply stop attending classes. If you leave a CSU without officially withdrawing, you risk ending up with failing grades on your transcript. This can create unnecessary challenges for your academic journey. Always visit the Admissions and Records Office and submit the proper paperwork to officially withdraw. Taking this step protects your record and keeps your options open.
Step 3: Consider a Leave of Absence
If you plan to return to the same CSU in the future, look into filing for a leave of absence. This option helps you maintain your standing at the university and makes it easier to pick up where you left off. Too many students skip this step and later face avoidable complications. A leave of absence can save you stress and prevent setbacks.
Step 4: Understand How Units Transfer
When you enroll at a community college after attending a CSU, your units from both institutions can be combined. Once you’ve accumulated 60 transferable units, you’ll be ready to move forward as a junior—either back to the CSU you started at or to a different university. This flexibility allows you to keep progressing toward your degree while staying in control of your pathway.
Key Takeaway: You’re Not Trapped
The most important message is this: you are not trapped at your university. Whether you stay, take a break, or transfer, there are options designed to support your success. By planning carefully, protecting your academic record, and managing your financial aid, you can build a path that works for you.
#TecoGuide, the only app designed to help you navigate your college and career journey in the quickest and most affordable way. Brought to you by #EdTechQuity, we are committed to opening doors to higher education and career opportunities for all.
Thank you for tuning into #TecoGuide, the app dedicated to providing valuable insights on education and career success. Don’t forget to subscribe, follow, and share.
Visit our website https://www.inspirame.com/ and Download the app today
Linktree
#CommunityCollegeSuccess #CollegeAccess #TransferPathway #LatinoStudents #FirstGenStudents #AffordableEducation #HigherEdEquity

17 hours ago
17 hours ago
In this episode, we’ll explore the three primary educational goals at California community colleges. Whether you’re a first-generation student, a parent helping your child plan, or an educator guiding students, understanding these options is key to making informed decisions.
Goal 1: Certificate of Achievement
The first goal is the certificate of achievement. Certificates are short-term credentials designed to prepare you for the workforce quickly. Many programs can be completed in as little as one semester, or up to four, depending on the field.
Certificates are ideal if you want to gain specific skills, improve employability, or transition into a new career path. They allow students to enter the job market sooner with practical, in-demand training.
Goal 2: Associate’s Degree
The second goal is the associate’s degree. This is the traditional two-year college degree, requiring about 60 units to complete. Associate’s degrees are valuable credentials that can lead directly to employment opportunities or serve as a stepping stone toward further education.
For many students, earning an associate’s degree offers both immediate job prospects and the foundation for academic growth. It represents a balanced option between short-term certificates and long-term transfer pathways.
Goal 3: University Transfer Pathway
The third option is the transfer pathway. Transfer students complete their first and second years at a California community college and then move on to a university for their third and fourth years. At the end of the process, students earn a bachelor’s degree.
This pathway is often the most affordable route to a four-year degree, giving students access to the same outcomes as peers who started at universities but at a fraction of the cost. It is especially powerful for first-generation students and families looking for a financially sustainable path to higher education.
Flexibility in Your Journey
No matter which goal you choose, it’s important to remember that you can always adjust your path. Students may start with a certificate, move into an associate’s degree, or decide to transfer to a university later. Flexibility is built into the community college system, allowing you to mix and change goals as your aspirations evolve.
Conclusion
California community colleges offer three clear, affordable, and flexible pathways: certificates of achievement, associate’s degrees, and transfer opportunities. Each one is designed to help you move forward—whether directly into a career or onto a university.
We hope this overview has inspired you to take the next step in your educational journey. With TecoGuide by your side, navigating school, life, and career decisions has never been easier.
#TecoGuide, the only app designed to help you navigate your college and career journey in the quickest and most affordable way. Brought to you by #EdTechQuity, we are committed to opening doors to higher education and career opportunities for all.
Thank you for tuning into #TecoGuide, the app dedicated to providing valuable insights on education and career success. Don’t forget to subscribe, follow, and share.
Visit our website https://www.inspirame.com/ and Download the app today
https://linktr.ee/tecoguide
#CollegeAccess #EducationEquity #StudentSuccess #CommunityCollege #FirstGenStudents #EducationalLeadership

17 hours ago
17 hours ago
The Blueprint for Grit and Corazón: An Interview with María Medrano
In this feature from our Academic & Career Path Series, host Karina Gutierrez sits down with María Medrano—a first-generation college graduate, CEO and co-founder of Inspirame, and a proud “professional juggler” of motherhood, leadership, and purpose. Her incredible journey, rooted in the Bay Area, is a true blueprint for grit, corazón, and community.
Education & The Hustle
María’s path through higher education was defined by hard work. Beginning at 14, she waitressed 25–30 hours a week while maintaining a full academic load in high school. Her mother’s simple vision—graduate, go to college—combined with the support of teachers who steered her into the Teacher Cadet Program, changed her trajectory. After facing early challenges, María transferred to San José State University (SJSU), pivoting to business, and famously accelerated her plan to graduate while seven months pregnant with her first child.
Corporate America, Con Corazón
Determined to keep growing, María pursued two master's degrees: an Organizational Development (OD) degree from Sonoma State, often commuting hours while pregnant with her son, and an MBA later in her career. She jokes that she brought a child along for every degree. This dedication powered her through 20 years in tech, including leadership roles at Cisco, Visa, and Google. Her enduring philosophy: maintain authenticity, never take the privilege of the work for granted, and act as a Broker of Experiences to connect people across different worlds.
The Launch of Inspirame
Inspirame began a decade ago as a simple idea with her husband, Mauricio. After years of seeing the same systemic barriers for first-gen students, María and her partners built a platform grounded in lived experience and belonging. As CEO, María is driving Inspirame's powerful mission: to help end generational poverty through educational attainment by providing clear pathways and motivational support to audiences from 13 to 101.
María’s life proves that sponsors matter—one executive’s “yes” can unlock degrees and careers. Her advice to students is clear: You are needed. Ask for help, build your village, and stay aligned with your purpose. As she says, "Follow your heart. Align with your purpose. Build the skills. Find your safe space. And we’ll see you at graduation.”
#TecoGuide, the only app designed to help you navigate your college and career journey in the quickest and most affordable way. Brought to you by #EdTechQuity, we are committed to opening doors to higher education and career opportunities for all.
Thank you for tuning into #TecoGuide, the app dedicated to providing valuable insights on education and career success. Don’t forget to subscribe, follow, and share.
Visit our website https://www.inspirame.com/ and Download the app today
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/tecoguide
#CollegeTransfer #CollegeStudents #AffordableEducation #TransferSuccess #FirstGenStudents #CommunityCollege #HigherEducation #Students #Parents #Partners #EdTech

17 hours ago
17 hours ago
We sat down with an experienced counselor, Jose Vallejo, from Woodland Community College, who has dedicated 25 years to supporting students in their academic and professional paths. Their story offers a look into the demands, tools, and evolving challenges of counseling in today’s higher education landscape.
A Day in the Life of a College Counselor
As a general counselor, our interviewee manages a diverse caseload of about 1,200 students. On a typical day, they meet with around 14 students, scheduling in 30-minute increments.
New and veteran students often require hour-long sessions, while returning students are seen more frequently in shorter blocks. The mix of student needs determines how many sessions are possible each day.
Campus Reach
Although primarily serving Woodland Community College, this counselor also supports students from satellite campuses and occasionally from Yuba College, the district’s main hub. Appointments are often randomized, made online or through the front desk, though many students arrive through word of mouth referrals.
Tools and Technology in Counseling
To manage their day-to-day responsibilities, the counselor uses a mix of tools:
- Cranium Café: A counseling-focused virtual tool, though often confusing for students.
- Zoom: A simpler and preferred alternative for many sessions.
- SARS Grid: Used to manage appointments and session notes.
- Ellucian (formerly Illusion): Central to building and managing educational plans.
- Datatel/Colleague: For admissions and registration records.
- Outlook 365: For calendar syncing and student communication.
Evolution of Tools
Woodland Community College took the lead in adopting Ellucian’s self-service platform, years ahead of its sister campuses. The shift has given students more transparency in course planning and registration by preloading recommended classes into their schedules.
Students now benefit from a visual semester-by-semester roadmap that makes it easier to understand timeframes for transfer or degree completion. Feedback has been largely positive, with clearer structures and fewer barriers to planning.
Preparing for Student Appointments
Preparation time is limited due to back-to-back scheduling. Counselors typically review notations in the SARS Grid in the morning and check records during appointments.
Key materials include:
- Academic transcripts (official or unofficial to speed up processing).
- Placement scores and AP records.
- Transfer histories from nearby colleges like those in the Los Rios District.
By reviewing records in real time, counselors ensure sessions are productive despite time constraints.
The Counselor’s Vision
When asked what a “perfect counseling experience” would look like, the counselor emphasized accessibility and availability above all. Beyond academics, sessions often touch on personal challenges, with the pandemic highlighting barriers such as:
- Time limitations: Long wait times due to heavy caseloads.
- Tool confusion: Students struggle with varying platforms across community colleges.
- The digital divide: Rural students face poor Wi-Fi or limited technology, making virtual counseling harder to access.
The Heart of Student Counseling
Students seek counseling for reasons ranging from course planning and transfer guidance to major exploration and personal reflection. Many are bright and ambitious but struggle to navigate the complexity of CSUs, UCs, and private college systems.
The counselor stresses a student-centered philosophy:
- “Tell me why, and then I’ll tell you how.”
Rather than letting students focus solely on financial goals, they help uncover passions and interests that drive persistence. By identifying the “why,” students are better equipped to overcome challenges and pursue meaningful paths.
#TecoGuide, the only app designed to help you navigate your college and career journey in the quickest and most affordable way. Brought to you by #EdTechQuity, we are committed to opening doors to higher education and career opportunities for all.
Thank you for tuning into #TecoGuide, the app dedicated to providing valuable insights on education and career success. Don’t forget to subscribe, follow, and share.
Visit our website https://www.inspirame.com/ and Download the app today
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/tecoguide
#LatinoExcellence #FirstGenSuccess #CollegeJourney #TransferTips #StudentEmpowerment #CommunityCollegeSuccess #CollegeLife

Saturday Nov 22, 2025
Saturday Nov 22, 2025
Finding Your Path: From Liberia to Logistics with Sia Wilson-Gay Jr. (MBA, Tesla Logistics Manager)
Sia Wilson-Gay Jr. shares his journey and the strategic value of education in breaking career plateaus. Prompted by a mentor, Sia returned to school for an MBA to gain "borrowed credibility" the essential currency that titles and degrees provide when competing for top roles. He explains why, fair or not, these signals matter to hiring managers in competitive logistics and corporate environments.
Sia also offers tactical advice for navigating higher education today:
- Building Community: He discusses how campus resources, like the Minority Engineering Program (MEP), and subject-specific clubs turn a solitary grind into a shared journey, leading to lifelong networks.
- The Power of Service: Sia details how his commitment to giving back—through board service, scholarships, and supporting nonprofits like Project Optimism—has always run parallel to his corporate career.
- Entrepreneurship: Learn the due diligence behind his decision to acquire a successful UPS Store franchise during the pandemic and how his expertise as a Logistics Manager at Tesla informs his strategy.
- The Mindset: Sia offers his hard-won philosophy on adapting to challenges ("Real Life Happens"), maintaining pride, and cultivating an unapologetic "overconfident" mindset to unlock skills and continuously raise the bar for success.
A conversation about the strategic necessity of credentials, the power of community, and the mindset required to move forward in high-stakes careers.
#TecoGuide, the only app designed to help you navigate your college and career journey in the quickest and most affordable way. Brought to you by #EdTechQuity, we are committed to opening doors to higher education and career opportunities for all.
Thank you for tuning into #TecoGuide, the app dedicated to providing valuable insights on education and career success. Don’t forget to subscribe, follow, and share.
Visit our website https://www.inspirame.com/ and Download the app today
Follow TecoGuide: TikTok @TecoGuide | Instagram @TecoGuide_ | Facebook.com/TecoGuide916 | YouTube.com/@TecoGuide | Twitter/X @TecoGuide | Substack tecoguide.substack.com
#TransferTuesday #EdTwitter #FirstGenVoices #LatinoStudents #CollegeTransfer

Saturday Nov 22, 2025
Saturday Nov 22, 2025
Karina Gutierrez of TecoGuide introduces writer and former union organizer Filiberto Nolasco Gomez for an honest conversation about his academic and career path.
Filiberto's story is one of counter-storytelling, driven by his working-class, first-generation roots in Montebello. Growing up with scarcity and unsupportive parents, his need for accountability led him to organize. After attending Pitzer College and building community with dining hall workers, he realized that "family is who shows up and struggles with you."
His travels, particularly to Guatemala (where he documented a 2004 massacre), forced a deeper reckoning with race and power, ultimately shattering his sense of the "American Dream." This experience fueled his graduate work in history (M.A. and ABD) and transitioned him into investigative journalism.
As editor of Workday Minnesota, he prioritized stories others ignored, focusing on immigrant and prison labor—a topic he had personal experience with, having been formerly incarcerated. He developed a trauma-informed reporting model, stressing that care and believing sources comes before publishing.
Today, Filiberto is a Communications Specialist with the California Faculty Association (CFA), using his skills to support the union's fight for justice. He stresses that his ability to speak his truth comes from years of therapy and personal healing, which taught him to love himself and become more effective in his activism. His final advice: stop the negative self-talk and stay close to people who make you feel strong.
#TecoGuide, the only app designed to help you navigate your college and career journey in the quickest and most affordable way. Brought to you by #EdTechQuity, we are committed to opening doors to higher education and career opportunities for all.
Thank you for tuning into #TecoGuide, the app dedicated to providing valuable insights on education and career success. Don’t forget to subscribe, follow, and share.
Visit our website https://www.inspirame.com/ and Download the app today
Follow TecoGuide:TikTok: @TecoGuideInstagram: @TecoGuide_Facebook: facebook.com/TecoGuide916YouTube: youtube.com/@TecoGuideTwitter/X: @TecoGuideSubstack: tecoguide.substack.comLinktree: https://linktr.ee/tecoguide
#TecoGuide #Inspirame #CollegeTransfer #FirstGenSuccess #EducationEquity #CommunityCollege #CollegePathway #TransferJourney #LatinoExcellence #HigherEducation #EdTech #CollegeNavigation #TransferSuccess #AffordableCollege #CommunityCollegeToUniversity #TransferPlanning

Saturday Nov 22, 2025
Saturday Nov 22, 2025
In this episode of our Transfer Basics Series, we speak directly to first-gen, transfer-bound students and their families about the most affordable path to a bachelor’s degree: starting at community college and transferring to a university. You’ll also hear an invitation to professionals—especially first-gen and transfer alumni—to share their journeys and mentor the next generation.
You’ll learn how the right guidance, tools, and community make it possible to choose college, stay in college, and transfer successfully—even when life gets complicated. We highlight TecoGuide, the free student college navigator app, built to remove guesswork and lower costs for first-gen, low-income, and Latino students through a clear, step-by-step transfer pipeline.
Who this helps:First-gen high school and college students, parents/guardians, counselors, educators, and community partners who want practical, affordable strategies for the college journey.
Takeaways:
- Community college → university transfer is the fastest, most affordable route for many first-gen students.
- Real stories change lives—your journey can inspire thousands.
- TecoGuide centralizes transfer tips, deadlines, checklists, and supports so you don’t have to navigate alone.
Want to share your story or partner with us?
Why We’re Reaching Out
We’re inviting professionals in the field to share their academic and professional journeys with our community in a one-hour interview. We know firsthand the countless obstacles students face—whether it’s deciding to go to college or finding the support to stay. Many of us have been there ourselves.
Be the Inspiration
By sharing your story with high school students and adult learners, you show them that college and career success is possible. Be the inspiration—alongside us and alongside others. Your interview will be shared across our social media platforms and inside the TecoGuide app, a free student college navigator that helps learners plan and stay on track.
How to Get Involved
If you’re interested—or if you know someone who would be a great fit to help us change the narrative for thousands of students—please share this opportunity and complete our pre-interview questionnaire (linked below). After you submit the form, we’ll reach out to discuss interview details and answer any questions you may have.
As always, don’t forget to follow us and visit TecoGuide.com for more information.
Thank You for Being Here
Thank you for tuning in to TecoGuide, the app focused on bringing you tools and content to help you make better decisions about school, life, and career. We hope this episode inspires you to pursue—and excel in—your own educational and career journey.
#TecoGuide, the only app designed to help you navigate your college and career journey in the quickest and most affordable way. Brought to you by #EdTechQuity, we are committed to opening doors to higher education and career opportunities for all.
Thank you for tuning into #TecoGuide, the app dedicated to providing valuable insights on education and career success. Don’t forget to subscribe, follow, and share.
Visit our website https://www.inspirame.com/ and Download the app today
#TecoGuide #Inspirame #CollegeTransfer #FirstGenSuccess #EducationEquity #CommunityCollege #CollegePathway #TransferJourney #LatinoExcellence #HigherEducation #EdTech #CollegeNavigation #TransferSuccess #AffordableCollege #CommunityCollegeToUniversity #TransferPlanning

Saturday Nov 22, 2025
Saturday Nov 22, 2025
We spotlight the story—and hard-earned wisdom—of Professor G, a California Community College counselor and professor who has spent two decades guiding students through the transfer maze.
A Goal That Cuts Through the Noise
Professor G’s philosophy is clear: “It really doesn’t matter where you graduate from—what matters is that you graduate.” His entire counseling practice—and the TecoGuide platform—are built around this core belief.
Early Life in Salinas Valley: Violence, Poverty, and Invisibility
Born and raised in California’s Salinas Valley to Mexican immigrant farm-worker parents, Professor G grew up surrounded by violence:
- A city plagued by street crime
- A household marked by alcoholism
- Daily fistfights that drained focus from school
Not surprisingly, his grades plummeted. High-school staff largely ignored him; no counselor ever discussed college options. He fell through the cracks—a familiar reality for many first-generation, low-income, and BIPOC students.
The Turning Point: Learning the System Is Built to Filter Students Out
Everything changed when a mentor broke down an uncomfortable truth: parts of the U.S. education system are designed to eliminate students who look like him. Armed with that insight, Professor G vowed to beat the system, earn a living wage, and end generational poverty for his family.
Step One: Community College as a Launchpad
He enrolled at Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo. Three pivotal years followed:
- Skill Rebuilding – Re-learning material missed in high school
- System Mastery – Figuring out transfer requirements and hidden pitfalls
Resilience – Rejecting repeated efforts to push him out: “Hell no, you ain’t going to eliminate me.”
Step Two: University Transfer and Academic Empowerment
After Cuesta, Professor G transferred to Sonoma State University and completed a B.A. in Chicano Latino Studies. There he gained historical context on systemic racism—fuel for further advocacy. He then earned a M.S. in Counseling at San José State University.
Working 30–40 Hours a Week While Studying Full Time
Throughout his academic climb, poverty meant holding down multiple jobs. Balancing rent, bills, and coursework demanded meticulous time management—yet it proved that first-gen students can succeed with the right roadmap and grit.
Two Decades on the Front Lines of Student Success
For 20 years, Professor G has served as a community-college counselor and professor. His verdict: the system is still structured to weed out students, especially Black and Brown learners. But knowledge is power—so he built a tool to share it.
Professor G’s journey from street fights to academic leadership shows what’s possible when determination meets the right information. TecoGuide exists to make sure you don’t have to fight the system alone.
#TecoGuide, the only app designed to help you navigate your college and career journey in the quickest and most affordable way. Brought to you by #EdTechQuity, we are committed to opening doors to higher education and career opportunities for all.
Thank you for tuning into #TecoGuide, the app dedicated to providing valuable insights on education and career success. Don’t forget to subscribe, follow, and share.
Visit our website https://www.inspirame.com/ and Download the app today
#TecoGuide #CollegeTransfer #FirstGenSuccess #EducationEquity #CommunityCollege #TransferJourney #LatinoExcellence #AffordableCollege #ParentSupport #CollegeResources

Saturday Nov 22, 2025
Saturday Nov 22, 2025
In this episode of Tecoguide, Alejandra will tackle a topic that often provokes more anxiety than midterms: choosing a major.
Why Picking a Major Feels So Daunting
Many students worry that declaring the “wrong” major will lock them into an unwelcome career path. The good news? The average student changes majors at least six times before finding the right fit. In other words, exploration is not failure — it’s part of the process.
Community College: Your Built-In Laboratory for Discovery
One of the greatest benefits of starting at a community college is the flexibility to explore while still moving steadily toward graduation or transfer. Alejandra recommends treating your general-education (GE) requirements as an “interest massage”:
- GE courses are already required for an associate degree or university transfer.
- They expose you to disciplines you might never have considered—art history, sociology, computer science, and more.
Every GE class you complete simultaneously satisfies a requirement and helps you gauge genuine interest, saving both time and money.
Passion vs. Paycheck: The Honest Self-Assessment
Before you commit precious semesters to advanced coursework, ask yourself two questions:
1. Am I choosing this major primarily for earning potential?
2. Does this subject genuinely excite or motivate me?
Some students are fortunate to find a discipline that delivers both passion and salary; others must weigh the trade-offs. Clarifying your priorities early helps you align course selections with long-term goals—and keeps you from drifting into classes that don’t serve either objective.
Informational Interviews: Turning Curiosity into Clarity
Alejandra’s third strategy is to conduct informational interviews with professionals in fields you’re considering. You’ll soon discover that many people’s undergraduate majors differ dramatically from their current careers—a reassuring reminder that your degree is a launchpad, not a life sentence.
Tips for a Successful Informational Interview
- Prepare thoughtful questions about career paths, day-to-day tasks, and required skills.
- Listen for surprises—many professionals pivoted multiple times before landing their role.
- Follow up with a thank-you note and reflect on what resonated.
Explore the Teco Backpack and More
Beyond informational-interview guides, the Teco Backpack houses resources for goal-setting, transfer checklists, scholarship searches, and career-mapping tools—everything you need to stay organized and inspired.
#TecoGuide, the only app designed to help you navigate your college and career journey in the quickest and most affordable way. Brought to you by #EdTechQuity, we are committed to opening doors to higher education and career opportunities for all.
Thank you for tuning into #TecoGuide, the app dedicated to providing valuable insights on education and career success. Don’t forget to subscribe, follow, and share.
Visit our website https://www.inspirame.com/ and Download the app today
#TecoGuide #LatinoExcellence #FirstGenSuccess #CollegeJourney #TransferTips #CommunityCollegeSuccess #StudentEmpowerment










