Where Do We Go From Here?
Post-High School Options

Every student must do something when s/he finishes high school – whether 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.
  
  
• The path taken right after high school likely will set up future opportunities, but nothing is set in stone. Weigh the options and the 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; typically 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
  
  
• Current estimates show that the average person will make 4-8 career changes in a lifetime – not knowing what you want to do for the rest of your life is really okay. 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.

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