One of the momentous occasions in someone’s life comes when they graduate from high school. While this can be a very exciting time and is a big step into adulthood, it can also be a confusing time as a graduate may not know what to do next. If you are a parent of a high schooler that is graduating and does not have a plan for their next steps, it is important to help guide them and show them their options. There are a variety of options that a recent graduate has.
Go to College
One of the most common options that high school graduates pursue after high school is to go to college. While college can be very expensive, there are many different options for education, which could open up many different doors. No matter what the student’s interests are, there is bound to be a good program for them to pursue. Accredited universities offer everything from construction management schools to bakery science programs. Pursuing one of these projects could help anyone to progress into a field that they will be interested in.
Trade School
It’s no surprise that college tuition costs have soared in recent decades. While loans, grants, and scholarships are available to those who qualify, most parents prefer to set money aside to help their kids afford college. With this in mind, the cost of trade school might also be an alternative worth considering. What’s more, it’s an option that still opens up a lot of doors. There are a variety of trade programs for those that want to become plumbers, electricians, HVAC technicians, or a variety of other professions. These programs typically take less than a couple of years and will then be followed up with an apprenticeship. Afterward, a student can join a union, start their own company, or follow a range of different job options.
Join the Workforce
If a student does not want to pursue their education further, another option would be to join the workforce. Once a student has graduated from high school, there are a lot of different job opportunities that open up. While working for a couple of years, it could give a graduate time to save some money and think of other career opportunities. Also, by starting to work after high school, a graduate will get a leg up on their peers as they will accumulate more real-life work experience, which can prove to be very valuable in the future.
Join the Military
Another option to consider when graduating from high school is to join the military. The military can provide a lot of benefits including long-term professional opportunities, good compensation, and the ability to see the world. At the same time, those that join the military and stay active for a few years can also receive a free higher education. This could help someone to not only earn some income and get a great experience but also graduate from college without taking on any debt. However, it’s imperative for young adults to understand the serious commitment that enlistment and service in the military entails. Simply put, life in the military is a far cry from how it’s depicted in movies and video games. Hard work, strict rules, and strong discipline come standard.
When you have a child that is graduating from high school, determining their future can seem challenging for everyone involved. If your graduate does not yet have a plan established, it is not something to worry about as there continues to be a lot of different options to choose from. These provided options are always worth considering as they provide a variety of benefits to a student.
Speak Your Mind