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.
If you need help searching for your options, scroll down!
Explore Post High School Options
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
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
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
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
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
Look into employers who promote from within or offer tuition assistance for later education.
Tuition assistance options
Use the Careers section in Schoolinks to access the career assessments and resources to explore careers of interest
Simple, student-friendly career exploration plus the O*NET Interest Profiler. Students can explore 900+ careers and see tasks, skills, education, salary, etc.
Use the Explore Careers Guide to further your career exploration
A roughly 15-minute career quiz produces career matches, then students can investigate careers, education, earnings, growth, and related majors.
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
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
