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Many students face a dilemma regarding their career options after completing high school. Choosing from the myriad of options available can be a daunting task. Some students are keen on joining college, whereas others are not sure of what they want to pursue. It would be best if you took the time to think about what you would like to do with your life. What dreams have you always wanted to achieve after school?
These questions will help you settle on a career path and chart a course toward a successful and independent life. With the right guidance, students can decide when they are aware of the career options that meet their needs and speak to their interests and passion. This article will delve into some choices you can explore after completing your high school studies. You may also like to read motivational speech topics for students.
Enroll for a University Degree
Most students after high school take the college route as it is the more popular option. Earning a degree prepares you for a wide range of professional career choices. It also opens up your world to new skills and different perspectives. Alternatively, you can choose to pursue a diploma if you are still unsure what area of specialization you want to follow. Discard the commonly held notion that degrees are better than diplomas. Go for what fits right with your individual goals.
Apprenticeship or Internship
Are you interested in a technical field career and would like to find out what it entails? Apprenticeship or taking up an internship in a company specializing in that area is the perfect way to gain valuable hands-on experience. Most internship opportunities are unpaid but are worthwhile experiences. Consider taking up an internship if you would like to have a clear picture of the career path you want to follow. It will also help you decide if that is the best option based on your goals.
Gap Year
A gap year is a year-long break that is taken up after high school or college where students take up activities such as volunteer work or developmental activities. An internship can also be taken during a gap year. Taking a gap year will also allow you to travel the world. Learning does not only happen in the classroom.
The experiences you accumulate during your travels are significant in developing networking and creative thinking skills. Taking a gap year has its advantages; for example, studies indicate that students who take a gap year perform better in college than students who didn’t. When applying for college, a student who took a gap year to get involved in international service or internship stands a better enrollment chance.
Take Up a Job
Most students are not ready to head straight to college after completing their high school studies. Getting a job is an excellent way to transition to living an independent life. Considering this option improves your resume writing skills, interviewing skills, and even how to look for employment. While carrying out your job search, ensure that you concentrate on the field where you are interested in growing your career.
The experience you will receive from holding down a job will be invaluable for future endeavors. The work experience also looks good on your resume when you decide to switch positions to move up the career ladder. Some companies also have a program that allows employees to continue their education while working. They reimburse the school fees a student pays for their course—an excellent benefit for you to broaden your scope while you earn.
Join the Military
Students who are passionate about serving their country can join the military. The military is an excellent place for a student to grow immensely and pick on crucial life skills. Additionally, the military offers career opportunities in the service or college-level education. The military is perfect for students who thrive in structure and physical activity.
Other skills you can acquire when serving your country include discipline, time management, and critical and analytical thinking, all of which are necessary for building your character in readiness for the workforce. While settling on this option, ensure that you have carried out thorough research on what it takes to enlist in the military, the scope of duties, and the responsibilities required of you. If you are only interested in specific training through the military, ensure that it is stated in the contract.
Take Up Vocational Training or Certification
Not all career paths require a four-year degree. Technical fields such as IT, Graphic Design, Radiologist technicians, medical or legal transcriptions, and many others place more value on work experience and industry certification. Attending community college or vocational school offers you a chance to explore your interests more as you discover yourself better. They are easier to gain admission, and it is also a great way to work as you learn to become financially independent.