Realize Options Beyond

High School

​

MAP OPPORTUNITIES

Introduction

In this lesson, you will explore different pathways you could take after college. You will analyze these options to determine which ones seem most appealing to you. You'll also look at how others have made similar choices and discuss their decisions with your classmates. Then, you'll reflect on your own strengths, interests, and values to see if they point you toward specific careers. Finally, you will research one of these careers to understand the pathway required to secure that job.

WHAT CHOICES ARE AVAILABLE TO YOU AFTER HIGH SCHOOL?

​

MAP OPPORTUNITIES

As you move through high school, the question of “What do I do next?” will inevitably come up in conversations with friends and family. While many people will have different opinions about which path is best, the decision ultimately lies with you.

​

- Do you want further education? If so, where?

- Are you interested in military service? If so, which branch?

- Do you want to take a gap year? If so, what will you do with it?

- Do you want to get a job? If so, what kind?

​

On this path, you choose a field of study—such as medicine, law, business, education, mathematics, science, etc.—and then take courses that lead to careers in that field. This may be a good choice for you if:

• You enjoy learning and are motivated to succeed in academics.
• You can finance college through your own means, scholarships/grants, or student loans.
• Your desired career path requires a 4-year college degree.
• You feel comfortable in a large social setting.

​

Four-Year College or University

Benefits of two-year colleges include:

​

- Taking prerequisite courses for a four-year college

- Using these two years to explore your interests at a fraction of the cost of a four-year school

- Access to tutoring if you're struggling with your classes

- Improving your organizational and study skills while adjusting to college life

​

This may be a good choice for you if:

​

- You are unsure of which career field you want to pursue

- You need to save more money

- You feel you need academic support

- You want to improve in some academic areas before moving into your desired career path.

​

Two-Year

College

Vocational schools and certificate programs:

​

- Train you for specific jobs like mechanics, medical assistants, hair stylists, truck drivers, etc.

- Help you find potential employers and apply for jobs.

- Take less time to complete than 2 or 4-year schools.

​

This may be a good choice for you if:

​

- You know exactly what you want to do and don't want to take any extra classes unrelated to your field.

- You want to develop specific skills that will help you earn more money in a job you currently have.

- You want to gain skills quickly, as these programs typically take about a year or less to complete.

​

Trade and Certificate Programs

​

Military service can benefit you if:

- You thrive in a structured environment.

- You appreciate hands-on learning.

- You enjoy rigorously practicing skills until they are perfected.

​

This may be a good choice for you if:

- You are physically active and do well under close supervision and coaching.

- You don’t mind traveling to different parts of the world and being away from home for long periods of time.

- You have a sense of service to your country and are invested in the protection of others.

- You want to get paid while gaining your education.

- You are comfortable taking orders.

​

Military Service

A "Gap Year":

- Is a break from study or work that some students take to pursue their other interests, dreams, and passions.

- Can be taken for varying durations.

- Can be taken at any stage in life, whether right after high school, after college, or even during college.

​

This may be a good choice for you if:

- You want to take a break from learning or work to focus on yourself.

- You want to develop skills that interest you without worrying about grades or deadlines.

- You want to travel, learn foreign languages, and experience new cultures.

- You want to boost your resume through internships, volunteering, and other non-permanent work experiences.

​

Taking

A

"Gap Year"

This may be a good choice for you if:

• You do not wish participate in a structured college or vocational program at this time.
• Want to start earning money as soon as possible
• You need money to support yourself or your family.
• You already have a job or have a career lined up through family, friends, or community members.
• You already have the skills you need to move into the career field you want.

Getting

a Job

Quick Write Topic:

​

As of right now in your academic career, which of these post high-school options appeals to you the most? Why?

​

Four-Year College or University

Two-Year

College

​

Trade and Certificate Programs

​

​

​

Military

Service

​

A Gap

Year

Getting

a Job

HOW DO OTHERS MAKE THESE TYPES OF DECISIONS?

​

MAP OPPORTUNITIES

In a group, watch the video "Do You Have a Plan for Life After High School?" and discuss these questions:

​

1. Why was it difficult for the speaker to think beyond high school at first?

2. How did she begin the process of choosing a path?

3. What profession does she want to enter?

4. In order to reach her goal, what path will she have to take?

​

Do You Have a Plan for

Life After High School?

WHAT ARE YOUR INTERESTS, SKILLS, VALUES, AND FUTURE DREAMS?

​

MAP OPPORTUNITIES

Use the graphic organizer on the next slide to help you explore your skills, interests, values and goals. An example is shown below.

Are there any careers that connect to the information found in your table?

If so, describe the job.

​

Which post high-school options could lead you to these careers?

You may need to research the career to find a pathway.

​

Example

​

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT YOUR OPTIONS BEYOND HIGH SCHOOL?

​

MAP OPPORTUNITIES