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All you need to plan your post-high school future
Congratulations on completing high school! With a multitude of options ahead, it's normal to feel a bit overwhelmed. But fear not, we're here to guide you through your choices and offer advice on finding the path that suits you best. Remember, it's okay to take bold steps and change course if needed.
This article draws insights from an interview with our expert school counselor, Alicia Oglesby. Read the full interview here.
Essential Information
- Create your own journey through freelance work or entrepreneurship.
- Pursue significant endeavors like securing employment, attending college, exploring study abroad programs, or enrolling in trade school.
- Alternatively, gain practical skills through internships or apprenticeships.
- Broaden your horizons through volunteer work or consider taking a gap year to travel.
Key Steps
Exploring Paths After High School
Pursue Your Passion through Freelancing Why not chase your dreams? Start by establishing a work schedule and dedicate time to finding clients, networking, and showcasing your work. Begin by offering your services to acquaintances and researching market rates to determine your pricing.
- Initiate your freelancing journey with a personal website displaying your services and portfolio. Whether you're a photographer or a tutor, highlight your expertise.
- Develop a career portfolio if offering writing or administrative services, paving the way for roles like virtual assistance or copywriting.
- Craft an art portfolio to showcase your artistic prowess.
Embark on Entrepreneurship Forge your own path by establishing a small business. Launching a business from home has never been more accessible. Draft a business plan, name your venture, and obtain federal and state IDs to set up a business account and kick-start your earnings.
- Market your crafts, such as art prints, jewelry, or home decor.
- Create and sell candles and bath products.
- Open a boutique.
- Offer services like landscaping, handyman work, or house cleaning.
- Start a home daycare.
- Build an online presence as an influencer or professional gamer.
Master a Trade Secure a well-paying job without a college degree by learning a trade. Trade schools, also known as career schools, equip you with skills for employment through short classes and licensing exams. Upon certification, dive into various trades:
- Hair stylist
- Plumber
- HVAC technician
- Home inspector
- Electrician
- Aircraft mechanic
- Landscaper
- Dental assistant
- Paramedic
Secure an Internship Gain valuable job experience and network connections through internships, allowing you to explore career options and enhance your resume. Seek internships on local job platforms or inquire with your parents' acquaintances for potential opportunities. Ensure clarity regarding compensation, as many internships are unpaid.
- Consider multiple internships post-high school to discover your preferred line of work.
Explore Paid Apprenticeships. Apprenticeships offer hands-on skills training while earning a wage, making them ideal for kickstarting your career. Seek local opportunities or utilize the U.S. government's apprenticeship job finder. Some roles that may offer apprenticeships include:
- Software developer
- IT specialist
- Chef
- Jeweler
- Banker
Embark on a Gap Year Adventure. The world is yours to explore, so why not seize the opportunity to visit dream destinations? Traveling on a budget is entirely feasible, so pack your bags and dive into adventure.
- Embark on a U.S. road trip
- Backpack through Europe
- Discover South America
- Teach English in Japan, China, or South Korea
- Explore Africa
- Hike through the Australian outback
Experience Studying Abroad. Many colleges and universities offer study abroad programs, allowing you to immerse yourself in another country's culture while pursuing your education—an incredible opportunity!
- Explore scholarship options for studying abroad, particularly if you have financial constraints. Inquire with your school about available financial aid packages.
Pursue Higher Education. Attaining a college degree can unlock doors to your dream career and forge lifelong friendships. Select a college offering programs aligned with your interests and a campus that feels like home. Consider affordability and available financial aid when choosing a school.
- Attend college fairs and campus visits to gauge the atmosphere of prospective schools.
- Seek guidance from school counselors and gather insights from professionals to aid in selecting your major.
- Begin with a 2-year associate's degree at a community college before transferring to a 4-year institution, potentially saving on tuition costs.
EXPERT TIP
Alicia Oglesby
Professional School Counselor
Professional School Counselor
Choosing the right college involves more than just considering the cost. Look beyond tuition fees to evaluate academic programs, campus culture, and student life. Take campus tours and engage with current students to gauge the overall atmosphere.
Enter the Workforce. Gain independence and financial stability by securing a job. Craft a resume highlighting your education, interests, and relevant experiences, then apply for positions on platforms like Indeed or Monster.
- Prepare for interviews by practicing with a trusted adult.
- Consider programs like Job Corps for additional skills training and job placement assistance.
- Some employers offer tuition assistance programs, allowing you to pursue higher education while working.
Engage in Volunteer Service. Expand your horizons and contribute to meaningful causes by volunteering. Opportunities such as AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and VolunteerMatch provide avenues for personal growth and community impact.
- Participate in programs like United Way and Habitat for Humanity to engage in local or international volunteer initiatives.
- Volunteering can offer opportunities for cultural immersion and travel experiences.
Consider enlisting in the military. The military instills discipline and valuable life skills crucial for adulthood. Moreover, military service offers financial assistance for college education. Explore opportunities in various branches such as the Army, Marines, Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force, and Space Force.
Master essential adulting skills. Embrace your newfound independence by learning fundamental life skills. Take charge of your well-being by acquiring abilities like cooking, managing finances, maintaining a car, and scheduling appointments.
Factors to Ponder
Visualize your ideal future. Envision a life you're passionate about and consider aspects like career aspirations, living arrangements, relationships, and hobbies. Reflect on questions about your desired job, living environment, family plans, and lifestyle preferences to guide your decision-making process.
Seek advice from others. Gain insights from individuals who have navigated different paths. Consult parents, siblings, teachers, and counselors about their experiences and seek guidance on topics such as post-high school options, college life, entrepreneurship, and military service.
Assess your financial situation. Evaluate your savings and consider seeking support from family as you embark on new endeavors. Whether it's pursuing higher education, traveling, or following your passions, explore available financial aid options such as scholarships, grants, or student loans to fund your goals.
Seek familial support. Discuss your aspirations with your family and request their encouragement. Sharing your post-high school plans with them and expressing your need for their backing can bolster your confidence and determination.
Embrace new opportunities. Graduating high school opens doors to diverse career paths and hobbies. Venture beyond your comfort zone to discover your interests and shape a more enriching life. Engage in novel experiences like taking classes, expanding your social circle, exploring new places, and learning new languages.
Decision-Making Process
Pursue your passions while obligations are minimal. Take advantage of the freedom you have post-high school to pursue your dreams. Immersing yourself in activities you love not only brings fulfillment but may also offer financial stability. Use this time to chase your aspirations, such as pursuing a writing career or filmmaking, and seek guidance from professionals in your field of interest.
Pursue higher education if you have a clear career path. If you already know what you want to do or have a strong inclination toward a particular field, don't hesitate to enroll in college or trade school. Trust your instincts and start working towards your dream job now, knowing that you can always make changes along the way.
Delay your academic pursuits while exploring career options. College isn't the right fit for everyone, and it's okay to take your time to discover your interests. Postpone your education and focus on other objectives for now. Remember, it's never too late to pursue higher education, so take your time to make a well-informed decision.
Opt to stay at home to cut costs. If your parents agree, consider remaining in the family home for financial benefits. Whether you're working or studying, staying home allows you to save money for future endeavors like moving out. Make the most of this opportunity by either securing employment, pursuing education, or starting your own business.
Embark on independent living if you crave autonomy. If you're eager to experience independence, take the leap into adulthood by creating a budget and finding your own place. Whether renting an apartment or house, carefully plan your move to ensure a smooth transition. Congratulations on embracing your newfound freedom!
Insights
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Embrace new adventures. Life expands significantly after high school, offering numerous opportunities for growth and discovery.
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Focus on the near future, not a lifetime. It's okay not to have your entire future mapped out at this moment.
