Post Secondary Options 101

Life After High School

Objectives

1. Students will learn about the variety of post secondary educational and training options available.

​

• Students will learn what to consider when making a decision about their post secondary options.

Life After High School

“Experience is not what happens to you; it’s what you do with what happens to you.”

• Aldous Huxley

Life After High School

• Thinking about what to do after high school can be scary, but your teachers, school counselors, family, and friends are all there to help.

• You have many options after high school. You could:
• enter an apprenticeship
• join the military
• go to college or trade school
• volunteer
• get a job

Apprenticeship Training

• Apprenticeship programs gives you the opportunity to learn a skill while working.
• An apprenticeship may last one to five years, depending on the career.
• Apprentices work with experienced workers and complete some classroom training.
• Apprentices earn wages while learning, but the wages are less than he or she will make once the apprenticeship is completed.

Military Training

• The U.S. military has five separate services: Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy.
• The military trains people in 140 occupations.
• Many military occupations involve skills that can be useful in civilian jobs.
• Service members receive basic pay, allowances and benefits, include tuition assistance at colleges and universities.

Post Secondary Education

Pursuing your education beyond high school could mean that you will:

​

• Go to community college, or a four-year college or university

​

• Enroll in a career or trade school

Did you know?

​

• People who go to college have a greater selection of jobs and career options that are personally and financially rewarding.

​

• College graduates earn twice as much money (1 million or more) throughout their lifetime than non college graduates.

​

• People who go to college have more opportunities to become involved in new activities, travel and become more independent.

Post Secondary Education

Bachelor’s Degree Programs

• A four year college can provide students with a wide range of career choices and opportunities.
• Four-year degree programs are available through state and private colleges and universities.
• It is important to have a plan for what you want to study in college in order to increase the chances that this degree will be completed successfully.

Post Secondary Education

Associate Degree Programs

• A two year college, these schools are commonly known as community colleges or technical colleges.
• Students who complete a short term program receive a certificate or diploma that prepares them for a specific career.
• Those who complete a two year program receive an associate’s degree. Students who want to earn a four year degree can transfer to a four year college.

Post Secondary Education

Career & Trade Schools

​

• These schools offer short term training programs. Often focus on one sector (e.g. technology or administration)
• Care must be taken to do your homework, not all of these programs are reputable.
• Credits from these schools generally cannot be transferred to another college.

Volunteer

Some students may decide to take the time to give back to their communities by volunteering. Volunteers can:

​

• learn valuable skills & experience
• meet new contacts & network

​

Volunteer opportunities are endless but may include:

​

• tutoring and mentoring kids
• building homes
• responding to national disasters

Entering the Workforce

It’s Your Life

The average lifetime includes

100,000

hours at work!

You’d Should LOVE what you do!

Entering the Workforce

• Full-time work for high school graduates varies, but most jobs are available in the service industry (retail, food industry, etc.)

​

• Most jobs available for high school graduates do not require formal, structured training.

​

• The full-time worker usually earns money on an hourly basis.

High school graduates may decide that they want to find full-time employment and start bringing home a regular paycheck.

Making a Choice

• Many people are overwhelmed by the variety of education and training options

available to them. The key is

figuring out which is right for you.

• If you are lucky enough to have a

specific occupation or career path

in mind you should do some research to determine the educational requirements and employment prospects.

Making a Choice

When thinking about your choices, you should consider the following:

• Not everyone has a clear idea of what career they want to pursue.
• What do I want to get out of further education?
• If you have always wanted to be a doctor then you’re post-secondary
• Where do I want to be in five years?
• What kind of learner am I?
• What type of school or training is the best fit for me?

Final Thoughts

Always remember that your dedication to post-secondary education NOW is an investment in your FUTURE.

BEST OF LUCK WITH YOUR DECISION!

Thank you for Your Attention

Questions? ��Need more information? ��Feel free to contact cispcares@cisphl.org