What to Do After High School

As you approach the end of your high school journey, the question of what comes next looms large. The decisions you make now can shape your career, personal growth, and overall life trajectory. Whether you are pursuing higher education, stepping into the workforce, exploring vocational training, or taking a gap year, each option offers unique opportunities and experiences.

Exploring Higher Education

For many people, traditional higher education is a natural answer for what to do after high school. This path offers an opportunity to delve deeper into academic subjects, gain specialized knowledge, and prepare for specific careers. 

Pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree

This degree requires 4 years of school where you select a major or field of study. You can take career aptitude tests or speak with a career counselor to figure out what major is best for you if you are currently unsure. As you consider a major, it’s wise to look at market trends and understand the demand for different fields or job prospects. Also, research colleges and universities, especially so that they align with your interests and degree preferences!

Associate’s Degrees and Community Colleges

A bachelor’s degree is a great option, but you can also start with a 2-year associate’s degree. There are several benefits to starting at a community college to get your associate degree, including cost-effectiveness, smaller class sizes, flexibility, and career exploration. Look for community colleges with articulation agreements that guarantee credit transfer to four-year institutions—don’t be afraid to connect with academic advisors to ensure this goes off without a hitch.

Trade Schools and Vocational Training

Trade schools offer focused training in specific trades like automotive technology, plumbing, electrical work, culinary arts, and more. Programs are typically shorter than traditional college degrees, often taking less than two years to complete. Many trades are in high demand and offer stable job prospects since you can often start working immediately after graduating.

Entering the Workforce

Many students don’t want a classroom education, so when figuring out what to do after high school, they want to jump right into the workforce. While a degree can make you more marketable, getting experience at a job is also incredibly valuable. Here are some factors to consider.

Resume Building and Job Search

Finding a good fit for yourself, especially right outside of high school when you have limited experience, can be a bit intimidating. To begin exploring, you can focus on networking, going to job fairs and recruitment events, and regularly checking job boards and apps like Glassdoor and Indeed. Do yourself a favor and create a compelling and focused resume. You can find a free template that hits key areas like relevant skills or school projects and any previous work or volunteer experience

Apprenticeships and Internships

Many organizations offer apprenticeships and internships that give you hands-on experience. Some of them are even paid, and many can lead to full-time positions, too. Apprenticeships are programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction, often in skilled trades. Internships offer a chance to work in a professional environment, usually related to your career interests, and can sometimes lead to full-time positions. 

Not only can they lead to long-term career prospects, but you also have access to real-world mentorship, which can make all the difference for professional growth and industry-specific development.

Entrepreneurship and Starting a Business

If you’re interested in starting your own business, you’re in for a challenging but rewarding journey. You’ll need to develop a solid business idea with a detailed business plan that outlines your strategy, market analysis, and financial projections. Decide on a legal structure (e.g., sole proprietorship, LLC) and register your business as required. From there, you can explore funding options, including savings, loans, or investors.

Gap Year Options

Taking a gap year offers a unique opportunity for personal growth, exploration, and gaining new perspectives. It’s an especially fitting option if you’re still exploring what you want to do career-wise. Here are some options to consider.

Volunteering and Nonprofit Work

Volunteering during a gap year offers diverse opportunities, from local community service to international NGO work. Engaging in areas like education, health, or environmental conservation not only contributes to personal growth and skill development but also makes a significant impact on the communities served. This experience fosters empathy and self-awareness while developing leadership and problem-solving skills.

Traveling and Cultural Experiences

Traveling during a gap year is a journey of cultural immersion and broadening perspectives. It’s an educational adventure that enhances cultural understanding and tolerance. Planning is crucial, involving budgeting for travel costs and managing visa requirements. This experience not only exposes one to new cultures and languages but also helps in understanding global issues.

Personal Development and Skill Building

A gap year is also an excellent time for personal development and learning new skills. Whether it’s improving language proficiency in a foreign country or acquiring practical skills like cooking or diving, the experience is enriching.

Your gap year can actually be a blend of volunteering, travel, and personal development. Immersive learning programs like Take Action Lab are designed to offer a structured yet flexible experience that encompasses all these elements. They provide opportunities for cultural immersion, skill-building, and making a meaningful impact while allowing you to tailor the experience to your personal goals and interests.