Make Your Own Path

Passed your classes—done. Graduated high school—done. Now what? Most will tell you that it is time for you to make your way to a four-year college. However, college isn't for everyone, and there is a laundry list of options that are available to you, but they are often not discussed in the traditional conversations about school. So, what are your options? What are the options that are available? You can invest in a trade, obtain a 2-year degree, join the military, obtain a minimum wage job, or enroll in a traditional 4-year university.

Trade or Certificate Path

There is always a need for people to work in trades. High school graduates can be certified to do a variety of different jobs or trades if you take this path. Trade programs can provide individuals with a direct route toward a career or job. Trade jobs include jobs that are traditionally considered blue collar, online jobs such as web design, jobs in the legal field, and even jobs in the medical field. There are a multitude of different jobs in this field that are possible, so take the time and research what is best suited for you. There are many other non-traditional paths such as a medical billing certificate or paralegal certificate. These paths are going to require a little investment on the part of the student, as the courses are not free, but they will in turn provide the student with the skills and education needed to be successful in whichever path they choose. The technical and trade certificate programs are not set up like most traditional classrooms and are therefore better geared for individuals who learn best in a non-traditional setting.

Online World

There is a whole world of online opportunities for anyone interested in diving into the online world. Certificates are not just available for jobs that are in the trade fields, but are also obtainable online and can give individuals the opportunity to work in the online world or to find a job or career in the secular world. There are many certificates that someone can obtain online and either use these certificates to find employment in the physical world or find employment in the online world. Certificates that someone can obtain are certificates such as an online medical coding certificate, an online paralegal certificate, project management certificates, or even an online real estate certificate. These are just a few certificates that can be obtained in the online world. A simple Google search of "online certificates" can open your eyes to a world of possibilities.

Military

Military is also a path that some can choose to take after graduating from high school. The military is a great option for students who strive for structure and crave a sense of belonging. The great thing about the military is that it can provide the graduate with the means and the ability to obtain certificates, two-year degrees, and even four-year degrees.

There are numerous paths that you can take after you graduated high school, it is up to the individual to decide which path to take. Society tells you that you have to attend a 4-year university to have a successful life (you don't!), but this is not the case. There are many blue collar workers who are successful, there are numerous individuals who work in the online world either for themselves or someone else that are successful, the options are limitless. You don't have to mold yourself to what society thinks you should do, make the decision to take the path that is right for you!