Where Do We Go From Here?
Post-High School Options
Every student must do something when s/he finishes
high school – whether it is going to work, enrolling in
college, joining the military or undertaking some other
pursuit. In preparing to make that big decision, there
are a few things students and parents should remember:
- College does not necessarily mean
pursuing a four-year degree while living on a college
campus.
There are many certificate, technical, and two-year degree
programs which can train students for
specific careers or be used as a “stepping stone” to
a bachelor’s
degree.
- Current estimates show that the average person will have 3-5 careers over his/her lifetime. Knowing what you want to do for the rest of your life is not a prerequisite for attending college. Remember that developing a skill set and a foundation that can respond to the constantly changing needs of the workplace puts you in a far better position to compete for jobs in the future. Chances are, while you're in school you'll have a chance to figure out what really interests you (if you don't know already) and you'll be in the right environment to pursue those interests.
- The path taken right after high school will help set up future options, but remember there are always opportunities to improve your prospects through additional training and education. Weigh your post-high school options and the potential rewards:
- Four-year
colleges – commonly known
as bachelor’s degree programs; typically designed
to take 4 years
- Two-year
colleges
– commonly known as community college or associate
degree programs; most programs designed to take 2 years
- Technical/vocational
programs – typically lead
to certificates or associate degrees in
specific, often high-tech fields; many are designed
to take between 12 and 24 months
- Military
– pursuit of many different jobs and careers are
available through the military; students can join following
high school or at a later point in time; commitment period
varies; subject to certain recruitment requirements
- Apprenticeship
– involves a period of on-the-job training and educational
instruction under the direction of a professional within
a given field, often highly specialized, that prepares
a person to work in that industry
- Job
(direct entry to workforce) –
some jobs require only a high school diploma or GED; positions
are often low-skill, low-paying jobs; some offer more
on-the-job training and the potential for higher pay
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