What To Do Next: 9 Options
You have done it! Congratulations, you graduated!
So, now what? Let’s look at all of the options available once you graduate high school. There are so many opportunities available to you these days that you may need to sit down and take a long hard look at all of your options. Something you may want to ask yourself is what do I like to do? If I could do anything what would it be? What am I good at?
Write the answers to these questions down and refer to them often as you are considering what to do.
The most important thing to remember is – Have a Plan and then have a back-up plan. When you have a path that you are following it is much easier to stay on course.
Here is a link to an aptitude test that may guide you in direction
(look on the resource page for several more free career interest tests) https://www.careeronestop.org/toolkit/careers/interest-assessment.aspx
Here is a link to an interest profiler that also may be helpful https://www.mynextmove.org/explore/ip
Lets look at the options below, in no particular order…..
Option 1
4 year college or university – So what does that mean? If you decide on this option then completing the degree program (usually 4 years) earns you a bachelor’s degree, opening the door to many jobs. Some jobs require a degree for example doctor, lawyer, teacher, registered nurse and many others. A great idea when you are trying to decide on a career is to “job shadow” for a day or two to see if you like the job. If you decide to do this then be sure an ask the career professional you are shadowing some questions. Here are a few examples:
Tell me about a regular day in your field.
Tell me about something that was really challenging in your job.
Tell me your favorite thing about your job/career.
Can you tell me the positives and negatives of your job experiences?
Would you recommend this career field to your own son or daughter?
Do you feel like there is potential for growth?
If you have definitely decided on college, then be sure and check out the career center at your school, take advantage of their services.
There is also a great book by Ken Coleman called Proximity Principal. He has a website that discuss interviewing and resume writing, both are skills you will need while searching for your career.
Option 2
2 year community college – So what does this get me? A two year degree is the same as an associate’s degree – an associate’s degree translates into the first two years of a bachelor’s degree.
This allows you to transfer to a 4 year school if you choose too, you would begin as a junior if you had enough credits/hours. If you only went to the 2 year school for 1 year (as my son did) then you would begin as a sophomore if you transferred to a 4 year school.
Another choice is that you can receive a 2 year degree begin work at a company that may pay for you to continue your education. For example, get a 2 year associate degree and get a job, say with Boeing and they may pay for you to get a Bachelors degree.
Option 3
2 year technical school – gaining an associate’s degree or certificate in a computer field.
Option 4
Trade school
Check out this article and website which lists the top 20 highest paying trade school degrees
https://www.greatvaluecolleges.net/highest-paying-trade-school-degrees/
Option 5
Military – Airforce, Navy, Marines, Army, National Guard
Military is also an option if you want to go to college but are struggling to come up with the income. You may want to look at each branch to see what types of jobs are available or consider the reserves and or guard of each branch which will allow you to attend college and commit to a weekend a month with your branch of service that you choose. The reserves and or guard may also require some basic training during the summer for a short time. The reserves and guard offer different educational benefits and pay based on the state that the organization is located in. Look at specific states for their benefits, if you are close to a state line then look at both states for the benefits they offer. It may be helpful to speak to a recruiter, just remember it is their job to sell their branch of service to you, so do some research before you go to a recruiter. The recruiter will want you to take a test called the ASVAB it is a military entrance exam and the score you receive allows the military to determine what jobs you may be most suited for.
Option 6
Internship – What is it? An internship is a period of on the job work experience that is usually done while you are in college. There are paid internships and unpaid internships, summer internships and internships abroad. It is a great way to gain experience in your field of study. Internships can be competitive so you will keep that in mind and work hard to keep up your grades so that you can be chosen for an internship!
Look at this website below that lists internships by state and area of study. You can also check with the career center at your college. They should keep a list of internships that you can apply for when you are ready.
Option 7
Apprenticeship – So what is it? An apprenticeship is a system for training a person for a trade or a profession with on the job training. It often accompanies classroom studying as well. Companies can enable a person to gain a license and or get on the job training while also receiving an hourly wage or salary. If more education is required, then the company offering the apprenticeship usually pays for the individual to take classes. This can be a great option if your career choice does not require a college degree. Once your training, apprenticeship, is complete the company may offer you a fulltime job. Apprenticeship lengths vary across professions and roles so that will be something to look into.
Look at the link below for more information and to search apprenticeships offered by state.
https://www.apprenticeship.gov/apprenticeship-finder
Option 8
GAP year
Specific program that allows you to take one year and travel, build community and still take some college credits.
One life is a faith based program that offers a GAP year. There is an application process and they do offer financial assistance if you qualify.
Here is a length to the One Life GAP year program
Option 9
Work for a year to save money to attend college the next year. If you choose this option, I recommend a few things. Take a class or two at your local community college to keep you in the habit of going to school and the habit of studying, fresh in your mind. Also, if you choose this option and living at home is available, it will allow you to save more money. If you take on debt when you graduate HS, such as rent, car payment, car insurance, etc. It makes it more challenging to go to college, not impossible, just more challenging.
