Explore Options
After graduation, you have more options than you might realize. Each one leads to a real career and a real future — what matters is finding the path that fits your goals, your learning style, and your finances.
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Explore Post High School Options
4-Year Colleges
4-Year Colleges
A bachelor's degree program, usually four years. Best for careers that require a degree, or for students who want a broader education before specializing.
Common App · Coalition · Direct
Community College
Community College
Earn an associate's or certificate in two years, or use it as an affordable launchpad to transfer into a four-year college. Strong transfer agreements with state schools.
Harper College · Oakton · CLC
Trade & Technical
Trade & Technical
Hands-on training for specific careers: electrician, plumber, HVAC, welder, dental hygienist, automotive tech. Often 6 months to 2 years, with strong starting salaries.
Apprenticeships available
Military Service
Military Service
Career training, education benefits, and a paycheck. Five service branches plus the academies (West Point, Annapolis, Air Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine).
GI Bill · Service Academies
Gap Year
Gap Year
A structured year between high school and what's next — travel, work, service programs, internships. Many colleges let you defer a year after acceptance.
AmeriCorps · City Year
Workforce
Workforce
Look into employers who promote from within or offer tuition assistance for later education.
Tuition assistance options
Career Search Engines
Career Search Engines
Use the Careers section in Schoolinks to access the career assessments and resources to explore careers of interest
Use the Explore Careers Guide to further your career exploration
Career Pathways in D214
Career Pathways in D214
Use the District 214 Academic Programs and Pathways Booklet to explore different components, extracurricular opportunities, majors and careers associated with each program.
Discover our D214 Career Discovery Program
Hands On Career Exploration
Hands On Career Exploration
Career Pathways Courses
Take courses in your field of interest (plan with your counselor during course selection)
Career Academies
Take your interests to the next level with career-specific programs (plan with your counselor during course selection)
Internships
Internships or workplace learning experiences are useful in helping you firm up your future career plans
Apply for a District 214 internship during the school year or summer. Micro internships are also available and can be completed during breaks or on weekends
NECSS Events, Internships and Camps
The Northwest Educational Council for Student Success (NECSS) partners with District 214 to provide an ongoing list of career exploration opportunities
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