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What’s are some tips that students coming out of high school should follow?
I’m in my sophomore year of high school and I’m already thinking about how I should, and what I should do once I graduate and meet the real world, and how it can effect me positively.
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Maire’s Answer
Hi Taliah!
What a great question and huge kudos to you for thinking ahead at this stage in your life.
If I think back to when I came out of high school (secondary school here in Ireland :)) I remember I felt immense pressure, mostly from myself, to have everything planned and that I needed to know straight away going into college what I wanted to do for the rest of my life - career wise. It is almost 13 years since I graduated from college and what I've ended up doing, job wise, never even entered my brain as a potential job back then.
I did try to seek out opportunities in an area that I was passionate about, but it just didn't happen. So when I realised that it might not happen, I became open to any and all opportunities that crossed my path. I kept an open mind as to what my first step on the career ladder might look like and thought more about what transferrable skills I had that could work in jobs I had never thought about.
So a couple of tips for you, enjoy the next few years, do what brings you enjoyment and happiness, don't put too much pressure on yourself to have everything figured out and lean into opportunities/life experiences that cross your path.
Take care and wishing you all the best,
Maire
What a great question and huge kudos to you for thinking ahead at this stage in your life.
If I think back to when I came out of high school (secondary school here in Ireland :)) I remember I felt immense pressure, mostly from myself, to have everything planned and that I needed to know straight away going into college what I wanted to do for the rest of my life - career wise. It is almost 13 years since I graduated from college and what I've ended up doing, job wise, never even entered my brain as a potential job back then.
I did try to seek out opportunities in an area that I was passionate about, but it just didn't happen. So when I realised that it might not happen, I became open to any and all opportunities that crossed my path. I kept an open mind as to what my first step on the career ladder might look like and thought more about what transferrable skills I had that could work in jobs I had never thought about.
So a couple of tips for you, enjoy the next few years, do what brings you enjoyment and happiness, don't put too much pressure on yourself to have everything figured out and lean into opportunities/life experiences that cross your path.
Take care and wishing you all the best,
Maire
Updated
Shayla’s Answer
Hey there, Taliah! 😊 First of all, I just want to say how awesome it is that you're already thinking about life after high school as a sophomore. But hey, don't forget to savor the rest of your high school years – there's plenty of time for the real world later on!
Now, about planning for your future, I've got some tips for you:
1. Check if your school has college recruiters that come by and chat with students. It's a great way to find out if college might be the right path for you.
2. Keep an eye out for trade school recruiters, too. College isn't the only option, and there are plenty of rewarding careers that don't require a four-year degree.
3. If school isn't your jam, think about turning your hobbies into a career. Work on your skills, and who knows – you could turn your passion into a paycheck!
4. Lastly, don't be afraid to ask for advice from those around you: counselors, family, and older friends – they all know you well, and their insights could be valuable.
Best of luck, and keep up the great work, Taliah! You got this! 💪
Now, about planning for your future, I've got some tips for you:
1. Check if your school has college recruiters that come by and chat with students. It's a great way to find out if college might be the right path for you.
2. Keep an eye out for trade school recruiters, too. College isn't the only option, and there are plenty of rewarding careers that don't require a four-year degree.
3. If school isn't your jam, think about turning your hobbies into a career. Work on your skills, and who knows – you could turn your passion into a paycheck!
4. Lastly, don't be afraid to ask for advice from those around you: counselors, family, and older friends – they all know you well, and their insights could be valuable.
Best of luck, and keep up the great work, Taliah! You got this! 💪
Updated
Kayla’s Answer
Hi Taliah! That's a great question, and it's fantastic that you're already thinking about your future! Here are some tips that may help you as you prepare to transition from high school to the "real world":
- Think about your interests now: Whether it's through extracurricular activities, volunteering, or internships, try to get a sense of what you enjoy and what you're good at. This will help you make more informed decisions about your future AND make sure you are doing something that you love!
- Build relationships with teachers and mentors: They can provide valuable advice, support, and guidance as you navigate your post-high school options.
- Stay positive and stay focused: It's natural to feel overwhelmed at times, but try to stay positive and focused on your goals. Remember that setbacks and challenges are a normal part of any journey and that with perseverance and hard work, you can achieve great things.
Above all, remember that your journey is your own, and there's no one "right" way to approach your post-high school options. In fact, I think we all are figuring it out as time passes. Trust your gut and keep an open mind as you explore the many opportunities that lie ahead. Good luck!
- Think about your interests now: Whether it's through extracurricular activities, volunteering, or internships, try to get a sense of what you enjoy and what you're good at. This will help you make more informed decisions about your future AND make sure you are doing something that you love!
- Build relationships with teachers and mentors: They can provide valuable advice, support, and guidance as you navigate your post-high school options.
- Stay positive and stay focused: It's natural to feel overwhelmed at times, but try to stay positive and focused on your goals. Remember that setbacks and challenges are a normal part of any journey and that with perseverance and hard work, you can achieve great things.
Above all, remember that your journey is your own, and there's no one "right" way to approach your post-high school options. In fact, I think we all are figuring it out as time passes. Trust your gut and keep an open mind as you explore the many opportunities that lie ahead. Good luck!
Updated
T.J.’s Answer
Hello Taliah!
Your life after high school is entirely up to you and the future is yours to create.
There's a lot of pressure for students to plan the perfect "future" or the "best" future. Many times, you get a lot of messages of what you "should" do.
- You should major in [blank].
- You should follow [blank] not [blank].
- Don't do this. You need to do [blank].
What you do in life is based on your goals, and your goals alone.
If you have ideas in mind for what you'd like to do after high school, see if you can explore them! Even if they're small goals, you'll learn more about how to take control over your life.
Sending you support as you explore life in the future :)
Your life after high school is entirely up to you and the future is yours to create.
There's a lot of pressure for students to plan the perfect "future" or the "best" future. Many times, you get a lot of messages of what you "should" do.
- You should major in [blank].
- You should follow [blank] not [blank].
- Don't do this. You need to do [blank].
What you do in life is based on your goals, and your goals alone.
If you have ideas in mind for what you'd like to do after high school, see if you can explore them! Even if they're small goals, you'll learn more about how to take control over your life.
Sending you support as you explore life in the future :)
Updated
Audrey’s Answer
Hello Taliah! I have to agree: the fact that you are already thinking ahead is GREAT.
When I was in high school, I didn't give my future career the thought it deserved. I adopted a "I'll figure it out eventually" mindset. If I could go back, I would explore what potential career paths I might enjoy. Having an idea of the field you want to go into--STEM, art, engineering, business, healthcare, research, literature, teaching, etc--will be a great starting place. You don't need to figure out exactly what you want to do, but exploring your interests will help you find your way.
Traditional university is not a necessity to find a fulfilling career. My fiancé, for example, is a welder and absolutely loves his job. I, in contrast, am applying to a master's program in healthcare. Another friend of mine went to a community college and became a paramedic. There are so many different paths to take, and none of them are "right" or "wrong."
If you are interested in attending a university, don't feel rushed. Many people go to college straight out of high school because "that's what you're supposed to do." This is a dangerous mindset; a lot of my peers got into college only to realize they had no idea what they actually wanted to do. This can generate immense stress, as students are pressured into choosing a major and pay for classes they might not even need. If you are unsure of what you want to pursue out of high school, I encourage you to job shadow or get a job in a field you're interested in! You could even volunteer or reach out to local professionals to hear about their careers. If you find a field you're happy in that requires a degree, then you can begin college feeling much better about your path and goals.
All in all, do what makes you happy and what you feel passionate about. Everyone's path is different. Life is full of surprises, and you can only plan for so much!
When I was in high school, I didn't give my future career the thought it deserved. I adopted a "I'll figure it out eventually" mindset. If I could go back, I would explore what potential career paths I might enjoy. Having an idea of the field you want to go into--STEM, art, engineering, business, healthcare, research, literature, teaching, etc--will be a great starting place. You don't need to figure out exactly what you want to do, but exploring your interests will help you find your way.
Traditional university is not a necessity to find a fulfilling career. My fiancé, for example, is a welder and absolutely loves his job. I, in contrast, am applying to a master's program in healthcare. Another friend of mine went to a community college and became a paramedic. There are so many different paths to take, and none of them are "right" or "wrong."
If you are interested in attending a university, don't feel rushed. Many people go to college straight out of high school because "that's what you're supposed to do." This is a dangerous mindset; a lot of my peers got into college only to realize they had no idea what they actually wanted to do. This can generate immense stress, as students are pressured into choosing a major and pay for classes they might not even need. If you are unsure of what you want to pursue out of high school, I encourage you to job shadow or get a job in a field you're interested in! You could even volunteer or reach out to local professionals to hear about their careers. If you find a field you're happy in that requires a degree, then you can begin college feeling much better about your path and goals.
All in all, do what makes you happy and what you feel passionate about. Everyone's path is different. Life is full of surprises, and you can only plan for so much!
Updated
Britni’s Answer
Hi there! You're on the right track about thinking about your future. I think that you should think about your interests and personal goals. Do you want to go to college? Do you want o start working right after graduation? What is important that you accomplish? There really is no "right" path that one needs to follow right after high school graduation, but talking to your family, friends, teachers and counselors can help guide you.