High School Parent Corner

Choosing a life after high school

From the more traditional college route to pursuing humanitarian work around the globe, today's teens have a virtual smorgasbord of options when making their post-high school plans. So many, in fact, that high school guidance counselors suggest that teens and their families begin exploring post-graduation possibilities as early as the freshman year. Obviously, no one expects teens to settle on a path this soon. However, plenty of lead time lets teens explore their many interests, learn how they might turn these into a future career and begin taking the classes and participating in extracurricular activities that can move them toward future goals.

Post-high school pathways
There are many opportunities-both traditional and non-traditional-that teens can choose from as they consider life after high school. Here's a sampling:

• College. Nowadays, a public or private college education-be it a two-year or four-year institution-is considered almost as essential as a high school education once was. College allows students to expand their horizons and hone their skills. It can also be the ticket to a good job and a comfortable lifestyle (see related pullout).

• Vocational education. This type of education prepares learners for careers or professions that are traditionally non-academic and directly related to a specific trade or occupation (e.g., auto mechanics, cosmetology, tourism). Often, teens with an interest in vocations can begin their education while still in high school. Coursework often includes time on-the-job-great for hands-on learning and for making professional contacts. Once trained, teens have the option of entering the workforce and earning a living right out of high school.

• Military service. For some teens, a stint in the military is a way to serve the country, while learning valuable life and job skills (e.g., engineering, law enforcement, medical care) and helping to pay for a formal college education once military service has ended.

• Non-traditional pathways. For other teens, the call to serve mankind can be more powerful than a pull toward formal schooling. Such organizations as the Peace Corps, Americorps and religious service groups offer teens the opportunity to earn a living while immersing in humanitarian work. These opportunities can take place overseas, allowing teens to travel and learn firsthand about the world's cultures. Apprenticeships are another avenue for teens to learn a trade, art form or craft and gain on-the-job skills while working with a skilled artist, musician, performer or businessperson.

Keeping rising college costs in perspective
According to the College Board, www.collegeboard.com, the average yearly cost of a four-year private school in 2005-06 was $21,235 (a 5.9 percent increase from the previous year). A four-year public education was about $5,491 a year (up 7.1 percent increase from the previous year), while two-year public schools averaged $2,191 (up 5.4 percent increase from the previous year). Although these costs may seem daunting, grants and financial aid can help decrease the overall cost, making college an option for most families. And in monetary terms, economists say that a college education can be a wise investment. Each additional year of schooling typically increases an individual's earning potential between 8 and 15 percent. Recent studies from the Federal Reserve show that four years of college can boost earnings as much as 65 percent.

Web Resources:
www.eChoices.com
At eChoices (a subscription service), teens can complete surveys to find out what their interests are and how they relate to the world of work. They'll also find detailed information on most occupations, including what the typical work day is like, demand for that job in today's workplace, educational requirements, average starting salaries and much more.

Occupational Outlook Handbook
http://stats.bls.gov/ocohome.htm
Revised every two years, the Occupational Outlook Handbook describes what employees do on the job, working conditions, the training and education needed, earnings and expected job prospects in a wide range of occupations.

Career Info Net
www.acinet.org/acinet
Find wages and employment trends, occupational requirements, state-by-state labor market conditions, millions of employer contacts nationwide and an extensive career resource library.

New York State Department of Labor and Career Resources
www.labor.state.ny.us
Learn about working in New York and labor market information. The related Career Zone link, http://www.nycareerzone.org provides information on different careers in New York State.
 

For permission to reprint this article, please contact the Capital Region BOCES Communications Service by e-mailing us at dbushsuf@gw.neric.org.

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