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Post-Secondary

Education Options

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College or University

Options:

  • Bachelor’s Degree = 4 years
  • Master’s Degree = Bachelor’s Degree + 2 years
  • PhD (doctorate) = Bachelor’s Degree + 4 years

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Common Careers:

  • Nurse
  • Teacher
  • Engineer
  • Lawyer
  • Architect

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Local Schools:

  • Illinois State University
  • Northwestern University
  • Elmhurst College
  • UIC

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Community College

Options:

  • Associate’s Degree = 2 years
  • Certificate = 1-2 years

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Common Careers:

  • Ultrasound Tech
  • Firefighter
  • Mechanic
  • Tech Support
  • Dental Hygienist

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Local Schools:

  • Triton
  • Harper

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Trade or Vocational School

Options:

  • While in school:
    • Certificates = 1-2 years
    • Specialized in one career area

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  • After school:
    • Apprenticeships
    • Internships

Common Careers:

  • Plumbing
  • Electrician
  • Hair Stylist
  • Cosmetologist
  • Carpenter

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Local Schools:

  • Art Institutes
  • Lincoln Tech
  • IL Dental Careers
  • Robert Morris

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Military

Options:

  • While in the military:
    • On-the-job training
    • Fireman, Nurses, Mechanics, IT, Security, Military Police, Chef, Telecommunications

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  • After the military:
    • GI Bill
    • Bachelor’s Degree at a State School

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Military Options:

  • Navy
  • Army
  • Marines
  • Air Force
  • Coast Guard

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Workforce (On-The-Job Training)

Options:

  • Certificates
  • Specialized skill training

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Common Careers:

  • Real Estate Agent
  • Truck Driver
  • Security Guard
  • Landscaper
  • Administrative Assistant (secretary)

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Gap Year

Taking a Year Off To…

  • Travel
  • Work
  • Make Decisions

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