PART II – the Nitty gritty Life After High School PART II – the Nitty gritty

Options After High School Military Career/Technical Training On the Job Training Apprenticeship Training College Keep in mind, a high school education without marketable skills prepares you only for the lowest paying jobs! You need to continue your education after high school in order to get a good paying job!

Military Training The military trains people in more than 150 career paths. Many military occupations involve skills and training that can be useful in civilian jobs. Service members receive basic pay, allowances, and benefits, including tuition assistance at colleges and universities. Branches – Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard

Military Options Direct Enlistment Active duty vs reserves Variable lengths of commitment Develop personal discipline Learn a skill ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corp) Scholarships available 1-4 years Graduate as a Second Lieutenant Postgraduate military commitment Program available on many college campuses Military Academies Very competitive Some require a congressional nomination All expense paid education Post graduation military commitment United States Military Academy – West Point, New York United States Naval Academy – Annapolis, Maryland United States Coast Guard Academy - New London, Connecticut United States Merchant Marine Academy - Kings Point, New York United States Air Force Academy - Colorado Springs, Colorado

Career/Technical Training Community colleges, technical schools, and private career schools offer 6 month to 1 year certificate programs that show you are certified to do specialized work. Some programs are longer (2 years) and may allow you to receive an Associates Degree. State Licensure may be required after program completion.

Examples of Careers that Require Certificate Training Pharmacy Technician Dental Assistant Legal Assistant Computer Repair Floral Designers Medical Assistants Fire Fighter Cosmetologist Heating and Air Conditioning Repair Automotive Repair

On the Job Training Some careers require completion of a formal, on the job training program. You may have to pass an aptitude test, then receive formal training provided by an employer.

Examples of Careers that Require Formal On the Job Training Flight Attendants Bank Tellers Emergency Dispatchers Mail Carriers Reservation and Ticket Agents Retail Food Service

Apprenticeship Training An apprenticeship may last one to five years, depending on the career. Apprentices work with experienced workers and complete some classroom training. Apprentices earn wages while learning, but the wages are less that what he/she will make once the apprenticeship is completed.

Examples of Careers that Require Apprenticeship Training Dental Laboratory Technicians Mechanics Heavy Equipment Operators Carpenters Welders Electricians Plumbers

College Options Associates Degree (2 years) Bachelor’s Degree (4 years) Master’s Degree (2 years) Doctoral Degree (2+ years)

Community College Community colleges offer two year associates degrees that can be transferred to a four year college or university OR that can prepare you for a specific career without continuing your education. Many students start at community colleges and then transfer to four year colleges/universities before receiving an associates degree.

Examples of Careers that Require Associates Degree Training Physical Therapy Assistants Nurses Respiratory Therapists Forestry Technicians Interior Designers Forensic Science Technicians Engineering Technicians Computer Networking Specialists Dental Hygienist

Bachelor’s Degree Programs Four year degree programs are offered through state and private colleges and universities. Individuals with bachelor’s degrees typically receive higher wages and are in higher demand even in a career field that will accept an associates degree. It is important for you to have a plan for what you want to study in college in order to increase the chances that this degree will be completed successfully.

Examples of Careers that Require A Bachelor’s Degree Dietitians Graphic Designers Social Workers Technical Writers Financial Counselors Meeting and Convention Planners Teachers (EC-12th grade) Game Warden Engineers

Master’s and Doctorate Degrees Master’s degrees are two year programs that take place after one has received a bachelor’s degree. Master’s degrees often require a thesis. Doctorate degrees either take place after a Master’s or are combined programs. Doctorate degrees typically require a dissertation. Doctorate degrees are called terminal degrees meaning they are the most advanced degree offered.

Careers that Require a Master’s or Doctorate Degree Architects Lawyers Physicians Pharmacists Psychologists Professors College Administrators Counselors Librarians

After Narrowing Your Choices Research programs/schools that have your career goal. Things to consider: Cost/financial aid Admissions requirements Location Reviews/Reputation Time to Completion Size If you plan to get an master’s or doctorate degree, what is the acceptance rate into these programs? If your career requires a certificate, what is the passing rate?

What Matters to You? Small class sizes? Personal atmosphere? Opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities? Having a greater number of facilities to choose from? Larger, more sophisticated facilities…libraries, labs, etc? Having more course offerings to choose form? Going to a school that is well known? Gaining specific skills? Living on campus? Admissions selectivity? Church or religious affiliations? Urban, rural, or suburban settings? In state or out of state? Cost?

Did you know? Adults with a degree are less likely to be unemployed and in general make more money than adults without a degree?

Deciding what to do after high school is a big job, but there are tools to help you! Visit college and career fairs Talk to people who go to the school, work in the career, or are in the branch of the military you are considering. Volunteer or work part time in the area you are interested in. Use online resources to find information Seek information from your counselors, the College and Career Center staff, your family, your friends, and your teachers.