You’ve been asked the same question all your life: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” When you were younger, the answer was probably an astronaut or a famous movie star. As you have gotten older, some of your dreams and ambitions for your future might have changed. Now, being in high school, the pressure is on. Choosing a career after high school is one of the biggest decisions a student will make, and it is important to know what to do. There is a lot of pressure from parents and teachers on what your future should look like, especially for upperclassmen with graduation right around the corner. Some students may already have their entire future planned out, including what college they want to go to, while others still might not know what they want to do and it can be a little intimidating. Either way, whether you know what you want to do or are still deciding, both scenarios are acceptable, and you are not alone. I’m here to reassure you that you shouldn’t be concerned if you’re still deciding which career path to choose. Here are some suggestions to help you get started on your career path.

 First, it’s important to recognize your talents and interests. Thinking about your hobbies and natural gifts, and understanding what you enjoy and what you are good at is a great first step. Once you’ve thought about the subjects and activities you like best, the next step is to look for colleges or careers that put those interests to use. For example, if you’re interested in drawing you might consider a career as a graphic designer, tattoo artist, or cake decorator. Or, if you enjoy math, becoming an economist or an engineer are good option. Keep in mind that you are not limited to only those choices; there are hundreds of job opportunities for any type of interest you may have. Next, make sure you research the jobs you’ve found the most interesting. It’s important to understand how much schooling it may require, what colleges are best, and the salary you would have. It’s always good to talk to your school counselor about your plans after high school, so they can help you pursue your ambitions. Addy, who is a senior adds, “After talking to my school counselor, it helped me with my decision about what college classes to take. And what I want to do after high school.” 

If college is not something you’re interested in, there are alternatives to college. After high school, it’s perfectly acceptable if you don’t see yourself going to college. You can still succeed without going to college by taking advantage of the countless other options of jobs and programs available to you! For example, starting a business, attending a trade school, or doing internships are some great options. Places like Buckeye Career Center are a great way to get certified in a trade and set you up for success without doing the extra years of schooling. Many jobs still make lots of money and don’t require you to be in college. It is important to remember that you should find a career you will enjoy, not just one that makes you a lot of money. I strongly advise you to look into all of your alternatives after high school to see what works best for you. Remember not to worry too much about your future; you’ve got this!