John R. Jell Interview
Commonly asked questions and answers

What motivated you to write two books to help teenagers prepare for life after school?
There is a huge disconnect in our schools today. Ask teachers how they judge success of students, they will tell you by graduation rates and student achievement on test scores. Ask students how they judge success, they will tell you by how big their paycheck is the day after they graduate. When I was in school, and even today, there has been this myth that you go to college, get a degree, then land a great job. That is not so. There were a lot of things I wish I had known going into college, so I wrote 2 books to help young people today learn things many of us learned the hard way so they will not be one of the desperate ones trying to find any job after they graduate.

How are the books different?
One is a ‘General’ edition introducing readers to workforce preparation and is targeted to people early in high school. The other is a more comprehensive ‘Advanced’ version targeted at those late in high school and early in college.

Why did you target high school students? Aren’t there several books helping people find jobs when they graduate?
Therein lies the problem. There are plenty of books on dealing with living on campus or along the lines of “You have a degree…now what?” because so many people graduate and are frustrated in finding good employment opportunities. Why? Because they were not focused. My books help students get focused and prepared for graduation day while in school so they are not one of the desperate ones…they will hopefully have their choice of opportunities awaiting them on graduation day.

You have some very impressive endorsements. Many highlight the book is written in an engaging style. What inspired you to write your book this way?
Most books I read in school were a total bore. I wanted to make sure that the book was conversational, that is, as if I were there in the room with them. If reading is fun, I think people will be more engaged and get more out of the experience.

Who are some of the people endorsing your book?
Editors at the American School Counseling Association, American Counseling Association and School Library Journal + Senior Executives from Future Business Leaders of America, National Assoc. of Secondary School Principals, National Honor Society, DECA, American Assoc. of School Administrators, and a very rare endorsement from Ms. JD Hoye who was appointed by President Clinton to get School to Work initiatives up and running in the USA.

Did anyone have input into the book and if so, what role did they play?
Yes, over 3 dozen people with a passion for this topic. Many people including people holding doctorates in education, teachers, counselors, principals, parents, students, recent graduates, and professionals who recruit entry level workers. I wanted those preparing students, and those hiring them, to verify I was on track. The book was formally edited by my high school English teacher and the Teacher Guide was also written exclusively with Teachers.

Many people, student’s and parents alike, think good grades are the key to getting good jobs upon graduating from school. Is this the case in today’s world?
Grades are important to get into college, but not as important when it comes to graduation time. There is another factor, and that is what time did the student invest in developing relevant skills and experience for a prospective employer. Many companies won’t touch 4.0 GPA students because while they are good with books, they are lousy with people. When you graduate, you have to rely on working with people as textbooks usually end up in a box or in the garbage. Students also have to remember they are competing with people from across their campus,their city, their state, and the country for limited openings. I have seen one entry level opening with a great company attract 1000 resumes. They need to build a strong, well rounded resume that makes prospective employers say “I want this person.”

What are employers looking for?
Experienced people who completed a post-secondary education that can take initiative and have relevant skills like time, stress, and people management. Work experience in the related filed gained through summer jobs or co-op programs is also a big plus!

You use a term called ‘cocurricular’ activities and their importance to helping students prepare for life after school. Could you elaborate on that?
Almost every skill a student needs can be derived from cocurricular or extracurricular activities. Cocurricular activities are things students can get involved with on campus at school like sport, student body, clubs, or the band. Extracurricular activities are things they can get involved with off campus.

You discusss how student’s must take responsibility for their own futures. How do they do this?
Two big things: first they need to identify their likes and dislikes. Second, they have to take what their friends and family say with a grain of salt.

Can you elaborate?
Sure. If students learn about themselves and pursue things they like, chances for success are much better. If you hate math, why would you become an engineer? Finding something your passionate about is the key. If you do something you love, the money will usually follow. Per friends and family, many parents put pressures on their kids to go into certain jobs or careers, often areas they have no interest in. Parents can give advice, but if someone wakes up miserable when they are 40 because they did something to keep their parents happy when they were 18, they can blame nobody but themselves. Likewise, every teacher I have met can think of many students who gave up a chance to go to college, or a better college, because they wanted to continue to hang out with a certain group of friends or date their sweetheart. Again, when they are 40, will they care if you are miserable? Not at all.

Many students may want to go to college, but they do not have enough money. How can they get enough money to pay for their education?
I grew up in a single parent family, my mom lived on limited means and my dad lost his job after the factory closed down. I could not rely on my family, so like millions of others, I worked 2 or 3 jobs in the summer and during the school year plus I got a student loan. Scholarships are plentiful, co operative education programs, and the military can also be great sources of income as well.

You also introduce a new topic for the costs of an education, and that “Education Opportunity Cost”. Can you explain?
It is a cost associated with avoidable years or semesters of study. I have seen 2 types of students bear them usually: 1) those who partied all the time, and 2) those who hated what they were studying. The first taste of freedom is often too great, and instead of doing homework, students party and flunk courses or get expelled for cheating. Likewise, not having a clear focus on a desired career area leads many to be ‘undeclared’. These students switch programs, or worse, upon graduation, keep switching jobs until they find something they like.

So, how does that cost them anything?
Well it is the cumulation of what they spent more than they should have and what they lost in income potential. The difference between working full-time and part-time is about $20,000 per year for most students. For every year longer it takes you to graduate, add that amount, plus the extra tuition, books, groceries, and interest on student loans, not to mention you will also be that much farther behind in terms of a promotion. Going on a 7 year plan means 3 extra years and could cost someone $100,000 compared to someone who graduated on time.

How can our listeners get your book?
Can be ordered from local bookstores, publisher. For your listeners, if they order within the next week and note your call letters, they can order from my website and I will give a 10% savings from the retail price.

If someone wishes to buy a copy as a present for a child, grandchild, or friend, would you autograph it?
Sure. All they need to do is e-mail me the name on who they wish it dedicated to, and I would be happy to oblige.

PUNCH/CLOSE:
If you know someone who is planning to go to college, or is drifting through college, before thousands of dollars are invested, it might be good to make the small investment and have them read Mr. Jell’s book.