WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO DO AFTER HIGH SCHOOL?

Career awareness, exploration, and planning are the greatest predictors of job satisfaction. Data shows that it takes the majority of college students 5.3 years to complete a 4-year degree. That is a huge expense! Career research in high school helps narrow career pathways. Follow the steps below to begin the process of finding careers that best fit you! Prerequisite: View the videos first.

KEEP IN MIND

"Whatever your career and salary goals are, chances are they will require some education and training after high school. If you start a job without additional training, it may be difficult to move up to a better position.

While your career goals might not be focused on earning lots of money, consider that most college graduates earn twice as much in their lifetime as high school graduates. You usually will earn more based on how much additional education you have obtained beyond a high school diploma.

Workers with higher levels of education are generally less likely to be unemployed. If you have a higher level of education and become unemployed, it will likely take less time for you to find a new job.

Additional education and training does not guarantee success. However, it will provide you with tools to move forward in your career, open up jobs in occupations that interest you, and give you greater security. To learn more and compare education levels, check out Education Pays." (MassHireCIS)

GRADE 9/10

STEP 1

Think about how you want life to look after high school. 

What values are important to you? 

What skills/strengths do you have?

What are your interests? 

What’s your desired lifestyle? 

What will your days look like in a chosen career path?

What will your work-life balance be like?

 STEP 2

Take career assessments and SAVE your results.

Self-assessments help you understand how your personal interests, skills, and work values fit various careers. Click on the links below (They take about 5-15 mins). Make a MassCIS account under "High School" to complete Career Cluster Inventory

STEP 3

Explore the World of Work.

Labor market data represents the current trends in the workforce. This information is ever-changing but can highlight essential elements such as demand for occupations and industries, compensation trends, and workforce demographics. 

GRADE 10/11

STEP 4

Gain experience and exposure before choosing a path.


GRADE 12

STEP 5

EARN A CREDENTIAL!  

Whether it be a degree, certification, or license. Keep in mind, you will need both education AND applied skills to be successful in the 21st century.

Learn about the range of post - graduation options available.  

Make a plan in collaboration with your school counselor, Ms. Guba and your guardians.

There are many different pathways to a career. Find the option that best meets your needs and goals.

Four (4) year college and universities: Earn a bachelor's degree at one of the 3,000 public and private universities in the U.S. There are over 1,800 fields of study to major in. One-third of occupations require a bachelor's degree and 9/10 new jobs created last year went to those with a degree. Fast-growing fields in health, science, technology, engineering and mathematics require these advanced skills. Some professions will require advanced degrees such as a Masters or Doctorate. 

Two (2) year college: Obtain an associate's degree by attending a public or private school. Community college is the most common type of two-year college. They are not typically residential. Many programs can prepare you for a specific occupation i.e., dental hygienists, MRI technicians, and firefighters. Students can continue their studies and transfer to a 4-year college to earn a bachelor's.

Job Training Programs: Trade, technical, and community schools provide specialized training in specific fields from a few weeks to just a couple of years. There are unlimited vocational training programs and sometimes they align with an apprenticeship. Careers range from nursing, dental assistant, cosmetology, manufacturing, culinary arts to computer technicians and beyond. Ensure the school's accreditation and certifications. Learn  more on the "Job Training Programs" tab.

Apprenticeships: Apprenticeships are work-based training programs. They give employees hands-on experience and enable employers to grow their teams. Apprenticeships are opportunities to experience on the job training while also attending school and getting paid. These intensive programs focus on occupations such as electrician, plumber, painter, brick layer, auto mechanic, welder and many other hands-on skills based jobs. Qualifications for these programs vary, but typically, you must be 18 years old, in good physical shape, have a high school diploma or GED and take a placement test. The apprenticeship programs are often 1 to 4 years in length and involve working full time with an experienced journeyman while attending classes. From the beginning of the program you receive paid training/salary and sometimes benefits. The application deadlines vary depending on the trade and program. Learn more on the apprenticeships tab.

Military/Armed Services: The Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force and Coast Guard are the armed forces of the United States. The Army National Guard and the Air National Guard are reserve components of their services and operate in part under state authority. There are over 800 occupations.

Gap Year: A Gap Year is a year-long break or sabbatical after high school and before college in which students engage in experiential learning. During a gap year, student's might pursue travel, work experience, or volunteering in order to deepen one's practical, professional and personal awareness. Learn about some gap year opportunities by clicking on the "Gap Year" tab.