Planning a Career and Education After High School
What does the future hold for me?
One of the most important questions asked by graduating seniors is “What am I going to do now that I’m leaving high school?” There are so many opportunities and unknowns. It is both frightening and exciting.
Many of the careers which will be necessary in the future have not yet been invented! Due to changing technology and increased global competition, all workers must be prepared to adapt and must be committed to life-long learning. Entry level jobs requiring only a high school diploma are disappearing. The minimum educational level required for most jobs by the time you graduate will be two years beyond high school. These may include two years of college toward a four-year baccalaureate degree, a two-year associate degree, apprenticeship training or specialty training.
In order to survive in the global, competitive job market, students must have a long-range educational and career plan. An increasing number of jobs will require a technical degree rather than a baccalaureate degree. These jobs will require a solid academic foundation in math, science and communications. Employers also will stress the importance of reasoning, teamwork, and interpersonal communications skills.
How can I prepare?
All high school graduates can expect to work, earn a living, and build a career. To do this successfully requires planning and selecting a career goal that is right for you. You need to set personal goals that will give focus to your high school years. These goals should be outlined in a career and educational plan developed with the assistance of a school counselor and your parents. Your career and educational plan provides a strategy for accomplishing goals. Consider the following as you develop your plan and select courses:
- Your abilities, interests, likes and dislikes;
- Curriculum in the career area of your choice, including work-related options;
- Cost, transportation, and your extracurricular activities.