What’s next? This is the question of every high school graduate. While in high school, there is always a sense of reluctance till the final year, after which you begin to worry about the things to do after high school.
Sit back and enjoy as this article will bring illumination to the areas you have not given a thought of venturing into after high school.
Although, most students further their education at a university there is always a waiting period after the conclusion of high school. The question now is what’s next after high school?
Keep reading whether or not you plan to further your education at a university. This article promises to be an eye-opener. Firstly, let’s bring the high school into the limelight!
Table of Contents
High School in the limelight
According to the vocabulary dictionary, a high school is a secondary school where teenagers are educated before starting college or getting jobs. Oftentimes, high schools and secondary schools are used synonymously, but the only difference is the country and the various grades it encompasses.
Taking the United States as a case study, there is no such thing as a secondary school! They use the term “high school” which consists of grades 9-12. Quebec also, for example, has its high school consisting of grades 7-12.
Also, some other countries like the United Kingdom use the term secondary schools with divisions into lower secondary school and higher secondary school.
Another beautiful example of this diversity is South Africa. In South Africa, high school, secondary school, and college are used interchangeably.
Nevertheless, it is worth noting that high school simply means schooling after elementary school and before university. Briefly, let’s reminisce about some high school experiences.
High School Experience
High school is a huge milestone, and this is one of the reasons why it is made compulsory in most countries.
The experience of high school is a lot as you are obliged to take classes you don’t enjoy, participate in sporting activities, school assemblies, even compulsory uniforms or have a standardized dress code as a student.
After high school life is a time students look forward to as they consider it as freedom from all of these.
Also, high school has a lot of interesting parts too as you also get to make lots of friends and meet people of like minds.
As one of the most important things in adolescence is friendship, high school helps you with this while promoting a sense of belonging and support alongside sides. Now to the question- what’s next?
What are the Things to Do After High School?
Wasted time can never be recovered this is why you have to be certain about what you want to do now. This article is a result of our long-term research on what to do after high school.
Knowing this will place you on the path to fulfilling your purpose, desires, and passions on time.
Below are the things to do after high school:
- Higher education
- Apprenticeship
- Find a job
- Join the Military
- Earn a degree online
- Do volunteering works
- Launch a business
- Intern at a company.
Things to do after high school
1. Higher education
Higher education is a tertiary education after high school. This level of education is required to attain an academic degree as an undergraduate or a postgraduate.
Higher education takes place in universities, colleges, and professional schools and they act as a preparatory ground for various fields of study like law, medicine, business, and lots more.
The benefits of earning a college degree are often understood from an early age as most high school graduates plan to further their education after high school.
Knowing what you want to study is important if you decide to attend a regular four-year institution.
Even when you are unsure of your career plans, you can still enroll in college with an undetermined major, take a few general education courses, and take some time to figure out what you want to major in along the line i.e. after you have already started attending classes.
2. Apprenticeship
Apprenticeship according to the dictionary, an apprenticeship is a program or position in which someone learns a trade by working under a certified expert.
Apprenticeship is often believed to be inferior to higher education but it isn’t. Some students prefer to go into apprenticeship right after high school to acquire job experience and make a satisfactory wage.
Most times, apprenticeship programs take a few months to 6 years. At the end of your apprentice program, you are entitled to a certificate of completion. Some of the common apprenticeship fields include carpentry, cosmetology, jewelry making, and lots more.
Also, some students offering apprenticeship programs may later have employers ready to take it upon themselves to pay for their higher education.
In apprenticeship programs, you have the skills and relevant working experiences which will give you an edge over your contemporaries.
3. Find a job
The tuition for higher education is high beyond capacity for some people. In a situation whereby you want to go to college but don’t have the money, think about working for some months or years to save money.
Furthermore, if you are uncertain of your passion or interest, getting a job may be the best choice for you. You can also go ahead and get a job first to save up for day-to-day expenses.
Also, getting a job will give you the time to think about the right degree, and open you up to self-development before furthering your education.
4. Join the Military
Joining the military is a means to serve your country while gaining experience and other benefits. A minimum of five to eight years of service is required although the actual number of years depends on the branch you choose.
Irrespective of the branch you choose, joining the military requires a lot of commitment. Consider your level of commitment before applying for your service.
In the United States of America, when you turn 18 years old you can choose to enlist in the US military. You should also check out the age range to join the military in your country if you want to join the military after high school.
Joining the military will help you learn from the experience and even get ready for the workforce. Also, when you decide to go to school, you will be eligible for several military scholarships and tuition helps.
5. Earn A Degree Online
Earning an online degree is one of the easiest things to do after high school. Easy in the sense that it is self-paced and very flexible. Nevertheless, a high level of commitment is needed to earn an online degree.
An online degree is recognized to hold equal value to an offline or classroom degree. Students with disabilities or in recovering phase are also advised to earn an online degree as this will help them to continue their education while under medical care and also in cases of long-term recovery.
6. Do Volunteering Works
According to Mahatma Gandhi, the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. While you volunteer, you will gain clarity of direction by being around experts in the field and spending a lot of time in the vicinity of your interest.
Look into the organizations addressing the topics you find interesting. Even if you spent a few hours volunteering after school, you should think about devoting your time to a cause after graduating from high school. Participate in volunteering works and begin your journey to clarity.
7. Launch A Business
While many successful organizations were founded by university students, certain high school graduates may have the drive and aptitude to launch a business right away.
An inspiring example is Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook. He started Facebook in 2004 in college at age 19. Alternatively, if you choose to enroll in college first, you can start working on your business whenever you have free time.
Sergey Brin and Larry Page founded Google in 1998 while they were Ph.D. students. Evans Thomas Spiegel, Bobby Murphy, and Reggie Brown also founded Snapchat while they were students.
You might want to try launching a business if you have a workable idea, the capital you need to get started, and the tenacity to see it through.
8. Intern At A Company
To gain practical experience in your field of interest, an internship program is a considerable option. There are a lot of internship programs available, so you may find one close by that matches your skill set.
Some internships are free while others pay a stipend. Nevertheless, the goal here is not the pay. An internship program will give you the time to network, form relationships, learn about prospective future employment, and sometimes get certified in your field of interest.
FAQs On Things to do After High School
Is an high school the same as a secondary school?
Oftentimes, high schools and secondary schools are used synonymously but the only difference is the country and the various grades it encompasses.
Is an online degree equally recognized with a classroom degree?
An online degree is recognized to hold equal value to an offline or classroom degree.
Am I at loss when i do volunteering works?
While you volunteer, you will gain clarity of direction by being around experts in the field and spending a lot of time in the vicinity of your interest.
Which of the things to do after high school is the best?
None of these options is inferior to the other. It is advisable to choose whichever you think is best for you.
Are all internship programs free?
Some internships are free while others pay.
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Conclusion
Your peer’s success is not a standard to measure your success. Don’t allow your newsfeed to make you feel like you’re lagging. Move at your own pace, and be proud of who you are and where you’re going.
Also, bear in mind that none of these options is inferior to the other. Go for whichever works for you and you will be a shining star. We hope to hear from you and never forget- we are rooting for you!
