There are so many options after high school and Oh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Suess is a classic high school graduation gift to demonstrate the grand adventure that awaits upon tossing your graduation cap. You may feel excited, nervous, uncertain, and sad that this chapter of your life is closing. You may or may not know where you want to go after graduation. Rest assured, there are options for you and we’re confident you will find one that works for you. Various paths you hear about in this article or elsewhere may speak to you! Keep your eyes and ears open, listen to the wisdom of those who have gone before you, and stay attuned to your desires as well as passions.
College/University
There are benefits to going to college and university after high school. Some of these include higher education, specialized degrees, and networking opportunities. There are financial considerations to take into account like scholarships, loans, and grants.
Be diligent in your search and choose the right school and program for your aspirations. Remember, most students change their major at least once. There’s no shame in chasing what feels best for you while you get an education.
With university, you’ll want to position yourself for the greatest chance to get into your chosen school and qualify for scholarships by bumping your standardized test scores with a prep course. You can save even more money in your college education by taking CLEP/DSST exams.
Community College
Community college is often a more affordable option after high school than large or private universities. You can even start your degree at a community college and then transfer your credits to universities. Pay close attention to what universities will accept your credits by talking with admissions counselors so that credits don’t go to waste. Community college pathways can include associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, certifications, and skill-building. Once again, you can save even more money in your college education by taking CLEP/DSST exams.
Trade/Technical School/Certification Programs
Trade, technical, or certification programs may be a great option if you are a kinesthetic learner eager to master a specific skill. In these programs, you can focus on hands-on skills like plumbing, electrical, healthcare, etc. Usually, trade schools have a shorter duration, offer job readiness, and emphasize demand-specific fields. For many of these trades, there may be tests that you need to pass to get certified and Peterson’s Careers can support you in your efforts to score highly.
Entering the Workforce
A full-time job can help you build on experience and skills directly in a job setting. There are a plethora of fields that hire high school graduates. Consider going into serving, data entry, or other roles.
Apprenticeships/Internships
Apprenticeships and internships offer the ability to learn on the job and may lead to a full-time job in the future. To get an internship, capitalize on your enthusiasm for the opportunity to learn, curiosity, and ability to pick up new skills on the fly. With a Peterson’s 3 or 6-month subscription, you can build a resume with our partner service, Visual CV, while customizing templates for resumes and cover letters that will capitalize on your relevant experience.
Gap Year
Taking time off of education to explore, travel, or work before making major decisions may be a good way to discover your interests and where you’d like to begin your career. In the gap year, you can accelerate your career through volunteering, internships, and skill development—colleges and employers may look fondly on these sorts of experiences. Gap years can be especially beneficial if you want to avoid academic burnout. Like anything, there are pros and cons to taking a gap year. Here are some to consider:
Pros
- Preventing academic burnout
- Gain skills like a new language or other skills
- An advantage to some employers—especially with newfound skills
Cons
- Going back to school can be a difficult transition
- Can lose academic inertia
- Can also be pricey, especially when traveling
- May lead to feelings of lagging behind peers who go to school
Military Service
Joining the armed forces can have benefits, educational perks, and lead to career paths. This can be a bit of a commitment, with specific challenges, and long-term opportunities. If this is exciting to you, you can prep for your ASVAB test with Peterson’s to get your best score for career opportunities in the military.
Entrepreneurship
Perhaps you know that you want to start your own business or start freelancing as one of your options after high school. Connect to resources and support available to young entrepreneurs. There is no doubt that this path with have its risks and potential rewards. It will require grit and determination.
Combining Options After High School
It’s also possible that you could combine a few of these options. For example, you could work while studying with a part-time job. You could blend entrepreneurship with learning or apprenticeships to get hands-on experience while launching your own business.
Final After-High School Thoughts
It’s important to remember that making informed choices based on personal goals and interests can lead to a sustaining and fulfilling career. Do not be afraid to explore and adapt to opportunities. Similarly, do not be fearful of committing to a specific field that sparks your interest. Keep a growth mindset and keep learning. Take advantage of career quizzes. Talk to individuals and, if what they do interests you, schedule a time to ask more questions and get to know a day in the life of someone in the field.
Even though you may have an array of emotions about graduating high school, fret not, there are options after high school. We’re confident you will find one that works for you. Do not be afraid to forge the path that feels truest to you! After all, the world is your oyster.
