There are so many options out there for life after high school. Learn about alternatives other than going to college and decide what is the best option for you (or your child).
Thinking about life after high school can be daunting and may sometimes even seem like your options are limited. However, I remember being a high schooler and not knowing what would come after high school graduation. To avoid any hassles and because I didn’t know my options I took the easiest route, attend community college, not knowing there are other options. That is why I am writing this blog. Sometimes we get stuck with not wanting to ask around because we may look dumb for asking but that is not the case.
When you come from a family of low education where parent 1 graduated middle school and parent 2 barely made it to college in another country, it is difficult to ask your life long mentors what to do if they never experienced the school system here in the US.
However, I will explain the many different options that are available. I hope this will help high school seniors or any high school student or even those younger and/or parents. It is never too early to think about your options and to best prepare as life has a fun way of turning out. Even if we prepare life may put us ion different paths. Nonetheless enough talking, here are some options for life after high school:
- 4-Year College/University
- 2-Year Community College
- Vocational/Trade School
- Invest in Yourself
- Start Your Own Business
- Market Yourself
#1 Go to a 4-Year College/University
I had to start with the highly pushed and most common path: attend a 4-year institute and get your bachelors or enroll in a dual program and proceed to graduate school if desired. This option is great, if you like school and decide to take a path that will require your degree to advance in your career. There are SOOO many schools of all sizes and styles. There is bound to be a school for everyone. However, what we want to consider is how much it will cost to attend and how much will be offered.
I learned this later on in life (after graduating from college) do not let the price tag discourage you from applying. Apply to the schools you like and see what is being offered. Students have received full rides or scholarships covering more than half of their tuition depending on their situation. I would also work to build your profile to enhance your application, get involved in your community, join extracurricular activities, join a sports team. Be involved in activities other than just school, admission counselors want to bring good students to their schools, so prove to them that you arer worth going to their school and why you want to attend their school.
Tip: Spend some time researching what you like and what majors are related to your dream job/field. Then look for colleges that offers that major. I choose Rutgers University because it had the best program for me.
#2 Go to Community College And Transfer To A 4 Year Institution
This is the path I took! I said if all else fails I would obtain my associate’s degree and if I had no money to attend a four-year school I would at least be able to gain experience with this degree. Nonetheless, luck was on my side and I was able to transfer to a 4-year university. At community college, I was able to knock out my general education classes (basic English, math etc.) and focus on taking my core business-related classes at my transfer school. However, because I excelled at my college I was able to be accepted to a highly competitive university and I thank my parents for supporting me along the way. This also gives you some time to save up for the expenses to come. When it comes to attending higher-priced schools we would then consider options like student loans and other outside scholarships.
Tip: Research your local community college and see what programs they offer. They may have something that piques your interest. Explore the website and try to see if there is anything you may consider pursuing. Here is the school I choose – Brookdale Community College.
#3 Go To A Vocational School
At a very young age my parents knew we had very limited resources and while it may have sounded harsh at the time my father always said “if you aspire to go to school, you better find a way to pay for it yourself because we are not helping you”. Not only did this help me become resourceful throughout my whole life but it made me accountable for my own action at a very young age, something that other students were not. Their parents would do all the paperwork and I would see school staff ask the parent to have their child do the paperwork since they were of age to do so. Because of this I always had a plan b in mind. If for some reason, I cannot get to my next step in life what can I do now to prevent any stress in the future?
So, if I could not finish/get into a 4-year college, I would attend a 2 year school.
If I can not finish my 2 year school, I would become a licensed cosmetologist.
Even though vocational school has certain stigmas, I would advocate to learn if this option is available in your area and explore what options are available. This will help you gain a skill that are needed for everyone’s everyday needs and will secure a job of some sort throughout your life. You will get certified and you will be able to use it to join a company or start your own. Careers include nursing. Cosmetology, plumbing and more. Sometimes they will teach you the basics but will provide the resources to continue your education in outside courses or gain certifications elsewhere.
Tip: Look for your local county vocational/trade school. Here is the one I attended – Monmouth County Vocational School
#4 Invest In Yourself & Learn Marketable Skills
Self teaching is another great method, this may take some time and will probably take longer than going to a school or paying elsewhere, and this will take a lot of trial and error. But we will not stay consistent with reading our books and learning something new, finding communities online that will support our learning adventure.
Tip: Read books that will help you in the long run. Books I recommend are:
- You Are a Badass®: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero
- Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki
- Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
#5 Start Your Own Business
There are many types of businesses that one can begin. Whether it is a service-based product or physical product you can start your business at a brick and motor or online. You can start a dropping shipping site, online retail store or service. This will require a lot of time on your end to make sure you are setting up your business for success. This is great if you are knowledgeable about a certain topic or if you are crafty/skilled and can offer a product.
Tip: Read books and look for organizations that can help a great resource is the Small Business Administration (SBA).
#6 Learn Out On The Field And Learn To Market Yourself
Regardless of your current role, you are always learning something new and are gaining valuable skills. Just because you do not have the experience in a desired position or industry does not mean you do not have skills that can be transferred. Once you have these basic skills, learn to be confident and make your next employer believe that you are worthy of the position you are applying for. When you believe you can do the next job, it’ll be easier for the employer to choose you. You continue this process throughout your work journey. This will help you be good at what you do and even though you did not go to college you will still be able to succeed in life.
Tip: Look for a mentor. When you see someone who is doing something you want to achieve, ask them questions or ask them for guidance. You’d be surprised how many people love helping others especially those younger. But do not be upset by rejection.
Conclusion
I encourage you to continue your research in the above-mentioned options. Each one has great potential, and you would need to do your own studies. There are more options within each pathway mentioned and you will need to see if any of these options will make you happy.
