Graduation doesn't have to be scary.
High school graduation can be many things; for most, it’s an exciting first step into adulthood, but for others it can be scary. Despite the pressure for high school students to essentially have a college and major picked out by the end of their junior year, very seldom do they really know what they want to do by the time it comes time to think about getting a career started in the “real world.” Many students often change their degrees mid-year, and whether it’s simply switching from one concentration to another or one major to another, it can still be scary or overwhelming.
But fear not – look no further than this guide to help you determine and education and career path after high school. Whether you’re a parent looking for resources for your graduating teen or high school student yourself, these three questions will help you out and get you thinking about that next chapter of life.
1. Do you know what you want to do?
The most important question to ask is whether you know what you want to do. If you have a solid idea of a career path you want to take, then great! If you aren’t sure, then think about the coursework you have taken in high school and ask whether you are interested enough in any of those subjects to study them for several years. If not, you may consider taking general education courses at a community college, as well as some electives, to see what kind of subjects interest you.
2. What’s the best way to get your degree?
After figuring out what you’re interested in studying, do some research to determine the best way to achieve a degree in that field. Keep in mind that each field is different and ideal methods may change depending on the person. If you’re looking to be a carpenter, for example, you’ll want to go to a trade school. For those who are interested in hair, makeup, and nails, consider looking into a cosmetology school. If you want to study sociology or another branch of the arts and sciences, you have the option to either go to a community college first or go straight to a college or university. Some degrees may only require an associate’s or a certificate, which can be achieved at a community college.
It would then be up to you to determine which path is best for you. Looking into different programs offered by different schools could be the difference in getting a concentration in a certain area of study that might not be offered elsewhere. Choosing a community college first will be thousands of dollars cheaper. Going to a university right after high school will allow you four full years (or more, depending on how long your program is or how many credits you take per semester) of being involved with organizations on campus that could help you professionally and offer experience in the subjects you’re interested in. While the primary purpose of higher education is to get your degree, it should also be a fun experience that offers social and professional networking opportunities that go beyond your classmates and professors.
3. How will you pay for your degree?
It’s no secret that, for the most part, college is pretty pricey. No matter where you go or what you’re studying, chances are you have to pay for the classes you’re enrolled in. Depending on the school you end up going to, tuition and fees can rack up to over $100,000 by the time you finish a bachelor’s degree. Everyone’s financial situation is different. For those who will need to pay for school themselves, it’s worth looking into financial aid, scholarships, and work-study programs. There’s also no shame in being a student part-time so that you can spend less money on classes each semester and take more time to work and save up for next semester’s courses. It’s worth it to take an honest look at your financial situation so that you can be prepared for the cost of your schooling.
It’s definitely a lot to consider. As your situation changes with time, life experience, and personal choices, you might have to re-ask yourself these questions many times. However, these guidelines pave the way for having a solid plan for the next few years of your life. And, as always, if you’re passionate about getting to the end goal of having your dream career, then following the steps that will help you get there won’t seem so scary after all.