Thursday, July 10, 2008
Maybe four more years of school does not sound appealing to you, maybe the hefty price tag colleges and universities carry is a big turn off, or maybe you just don't think college is right for you; don't worry, you have plenty of options.
Associates Degrees
Two-year programs can be a great compromise — earn an Associate's Degree in Dental Hygiene, Criminal Justice, Nursing, Computer Science — the list is endless. Some of the most popular jobs for Associate's Degree holders include: Computer Specialists, Nuclear Technicians, Dental Hygienists, Fashion Designers, and Nuclear Medicine Technologists.
Apprenticeships
Looking to combine work and school? Apprenticeships offer great opportunities for students to become skilled in a wide range of trades. Apprenticeships are paid positions in which you study and learn a trade from a master of the trade. Local labor unions are the best resource to find apprenticeships in your area.
Full-time jobs
Use local staffing agencies, Internet job banks, newspaper classifieds, and people you know. There are many different ways to find a job – the method you choose will be impacted by the type of job you are interested in finding. Always tap your resources: does your best friend's mom work for a company you think is really great? Talk to her; she may have a lot of information that will be really helpful to you. Ask your parents, neighbors, aunts and uncles. Maybe they are doing something now or have done something in the past that really interests you — learn from their mistakes and successes. Also look into service fields. Call, visit, or look at the web pages of your local fire company or ambulance service. Check out the requirements and make some phone calls to set up appointments with representatives to get more information.
Internships
Not ready to commit to a full time job? Look into internship opportunities. Many companies offer internships in a variety of areas. As an intern, you will be able to learn about many aspects of a business. The short-term commitment means you could do two to three internships in a year to get a look at a few different positions and companies. To find an internship, hit the web. Many large companies list internships online along with full-time opportunities. General Internet searches are a good starting point too — you never know what your area has to offer. Even large job search databases sometimes list internships — it can't hurt to check it out! The military offers many options: with seven service branch opportunities, it is all about finding the right fit for you. There are about 152 different careers to choose from and a number of benefits both during and post service. You will get specialized, high-tech training in a field of your choice and tuition help after service. Keep in mind the reality of being in the military and the prospect of active duty: Research carefully.
Take some time for yourself – travel!
Many organizations offer study abroad programs for high school and post-high school students. Do a lot of research and find a program that fits you. Spending a few months or even a full year in another country will not only help you pick up a new language, but you will be introduced to a new culture and ways of thinking. Most of these programs include setting you up with a host family and some sort of schooling. You could also make your own plans to travel or perhaps work abroad. Make sure you do TONS of research and have concrete plans. To work abroad, you will need special clearances — so research early! You may also look into programs that are specific to working abroad. These may be service oriented such as teaching English as a Second Language or more varied. Check out the study abroad office at a local college or university: they have all kinds of literature on programs for study, working, and traveling. They also have great connections for student travel discounts and safety measures. If you think you may want to go abroad, get your passport now – it may take some time, so don't wait until the last minute.
Get involved in your community!
Community service is an increasingly popular option for students after high school. With a little searching, you will find a number of national service organizations that offer a wide range of opportunities to serve. Also research local service or community organizations, in many cases these organizations will have national contacts or offer programs that would be perfect for you. If you want to combine travel and service, look for international service opportunities. You can find programs that work with youth, or senior citizens, literacy or community development, the environment or teaching, and many other areas of focus. This is a great opportunity to get some of that "real world experience" everyone is always talking about. Knowing that the possibilities are endless is so important before you start your search — if you don't find exactly what you are looking for at first, keep digging because chances are it is there.
Remember to talk to your parents, friends, or a mentor; often people that know you well will be able to come up with great ideas for options that never even crossed your mind. Make sure you do your research; know what you are signing up for and all of the requirements, all the benefits too. Make a list of options and look at them carefully; find what is right for you. Most importantly, don't rule anything out; there is a first time for everything, and you may find exactly what you are looking for in a place you would never have thought to look. Good Luck and Happy Hunting!
Associates Degrees
Two-year programs can be a great compromise — earn an Associate's Degree in Dental Hygiene, Criminal Justice, Nursing, Computer Science — the list is endless. Some of the most popular jobs for Associate's Degree holders include: Computer Specialists, Nuclear Technicians, Dental Hygienists, Fashion Designers, and Nuclear Medicine Technologists.
Apprenticeships
Looking to combine work and school? Apprenticeships offer great opportunities for students to become skilled in a wide range of trades. Apprenticeships are paid positions in which you study and learn a trade from a master of the trade. Local labor unions are the best resource to find apprenticeships in your area.
Full-time jobs
Use local staffing agencies, Internet job banks, newspaper classifieds, and people you know. There are many different ways to find a job – the method you choose will be impacted by the type of job you are interested in finding. Always tap your resources: does your best friend's mom work for a company you think is really great? Talk to her; she may have a lot of information that will be really helpful to you. Ask your parents, neighbors, aunts and uncles. Maybe they are doing something now or have done something in the past that really interests you — learn from their mistakes and successes. Also look into service fields. Call, visit, or look at the web pages of your local fire company or ambulance service. Check out the requirements and make some phone calls to set up appointments with representatives to get more information.
Internships
Not ready to commit to a full time job? Look into internship opportunities. Many companies offer internships in a variety of areas. As an intern, you will be able to learn about many aspects of a business. The short-term commitment means you could do two to three internships in a year to get a look at a few different positions and companies. To find an internship, hit the web. Many large companies list internships online along with full-time opportunities. General Internet searches are a good starting point too — you never know what your area has to offer. Even large job search databases sometimes list internships — it can't hurt to check it out! The military offers many options: with seven service branch opportunities, it is all about finding the right fit for you. There are about 152 different careers to choose from and a number of benefits both during and post service. You will get specialized, high-tech training in a field of your choice and tuition help after service. Keep in mind the reality of being in the military and the prospect of active duty: Research carefully.
Take some time for yourself – travel!
Many organizations offer study abroad programs for high school and post-high school students. Do a lot of research and find a program that fits you. Spending a few months or even a full year in another country will not only help you pick up a new language, but you will be introduced to a new culture and ways of thinking. Most of these programs include setting you up with a host family and some sort of schooling. You could also make your own plans to travel or perhaps work abroad. Make sure you do TONS of research and have concrete plans. To work abroad, you will need special clearances — so research early! You may also look into programs that are specific to working abroad. These may be service oriented such as teaching English as a Second Language or more varied. Check out the study abroad office at a local college or university: they have all kinds of literature on programs for study, working, and traveling. They also have great connections for student travel discounts and safety measures. If you think you may want to go abroad, get your passport now – it may take some time, so don't wait until the last minute.
Get involved in your community!
Community service is an increasingly popular option for students after high school. With a little searching, you will find a number of national service organizations that offer a wide range of opportunities to serve. Also research local service or community organizations, in many cases these organizations will have national contacts or offer programs that would be perfect for you. If you want to combine travel and service, look for international service opportunities. You can find programs that work with youth, or senior citizens, literacy or community development, the environment or teaching, and many other areas of focus. This is a great opportunity to get some of that "real world experience" everyone is always talking about. Knowing that the possibilities are endless is so important before you start your search — if you don't find exactly what you are looking for at first, keep digging because chances are it is there.
Remember to talk to your parents, friends, or a mentor; often people that know you well will be able to come up with great ideas for options that never even crossed your mind. Make sure you do your research; know what you are signing up for and all of the requirements, all the benefits too. Make a list of options and look at them carefully; find what is right for you. Most importantly, don't rule anything out; there is a first time for everything, and you may find exactly what you are looking for in a place you would never have thought to look. Good Luck and Happy Hunting!
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