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High School Is Over. Now What?

Now that you have graduated, what career path will you pursue? After high school, you can pursue higher education and skills training at a 2-year technical college, community college, or a 4-year university for a specific career. Alternatively, you can enlist in the military, or start working to gain experience and save money.

It’s also possible to start your own business, become a freelancer, or take a gap year to travel or volunteer, if it’s financially feasible. Let’s look at these options in more detail, highlighting technical college training for in-demand jobs.

Life After High School: Pursue Education And Job Training

Education and job training options are plentiful, and you should carefully consider which one(s) will help you most reach your career goals. Studies show that general degrees from community colleges and universities are not as useful and in demand as they once were. The job market today emphasizes skills training as well as education.

  • Technical College: Gain practical, focused skills for a specific trade, such as becoming an automation or process technician.
  • Community College: Get an associate degree or complete the first two years of college before transferring to a four-year institution.
  • Four-Year University: Earn a bachelor’s degree, which can prepare you for a wide range of professional careers.
  • Certificate Programs: Earn a certificate through a technical college, which can be a faster path to a specific career.
  • Certification: Become certified in a specific field to enhance your credentials.

Gain Experience And Skills

There are other options you can pursue besides formal education. Enlisting in the military can provide structure, job training, and opportunities for education and skill development. You might join the workforce by finding an entry-level position to start gaining practical work experience.

Another option is enrolling in an externship, internship, or apprenticeship to learn a trade or a profession on the job while getting paid. Some people start a business or freelance by using their current skills and knowledge to work for themselves. Others start working in their family-owned business. Participating in any of these options provides a nominal income while you consider your future.

 “After high school, you can pursue higher education and skills training at a 2-year technical college, community college, or a 4-year university for a specific career.”

Life After High School: Take Time For Personal Growth

If it is financially feasible for you, there are more options for developing personal growth while working part-time for an income. Consider these experiences:

  • Perhaps you can take a year off from full-time employment to travel while working remotely part-time.
  • Volunteer for an organization and give back to your community while gaining valuable experience.
  • Explore your interests before deciding on your next step.
  • Learn new skills, such as a new language, an instrument, cooking, or other life skills.
  • Explore other alternatives not covered thus far that are personally interesting.

Seek Career Counseling

Career counseling during and after high school graduation can help you explore your interests, identify career options, and create a plan through methods like self-analysis, psychometric tests, and one-on-one coaching.

What Career Counseling Helps With:

  • Self-analysis: Understanding your interests, skills, and aptitudes.
  • Career exploration: Researching and learning about various job roles and work environments that align with your profile.
  • Goal setting: Defining both short-term and long-term career objectives.
  • Skill development: Building crucial skills like resume writing, interview practice, and soft skills like communication and negotiation.
  • Strategy and planning: Developing a plan to achieve your career goals, including selecting a study path or entering the workforce.

How To Get Started

  • Take assessments: Use tools like psychometric tests to get a better sense of your strengths and potential career matches.
  • Meet with a counselor: Engage in one-on-one sessions to get personalized recommendations and guidance.
  • Research options and gain experience: Explore different paths in several fields, such as those discussed in this article.
  • Network: Attend career fairs, workshops, and industry events to connect with professionals.

A Great Place For Job Training And Education

If you decide to pursue a technical career, consider the in-demand training programs at ITI Technical College. Our Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) Degrees and Certificate Programs prepare graduates for entry-level positions in many different industries.

Our professional faculty and staff are waiting to meet you to discuss your job and career opportunities. We have graduated thousands of technical students for more than 50 years! Start by requesting more information about our programs and college today.

For more information about graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website: https://iticollege.edu/disclosures/

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR PROGRAMS

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