Driving on your own:
Options after high school

Throughout this magazine, we’ve presented a variety of post-high school options. On this page, we’ll bring it all together to help you understand your college and career options.

Entering the work force
For some students, the desire to earn a paycheck is stronger than the desire to get more training. Once you leave high school, your access to people who can help you with your career journey does not end. The Virginia Employment Commission offers one-stop centers to help anyone looking for job placement, interview training or résumé building. To find a location near you, visit their Web site.

Volunteering
You’ve probably served as a volunteer. Maybe you helped collect food for a needy family or went on a church mission trip. Whatever you did, you learned the value of giving your time and your heart to others. Volunteering can help you gain useful skills for a career, such as leadership, public relations, and business skills. You will build self-confidence and learn about teamwork. Check out volunteer activities related to your career interests.

Apprenticeships
If you learn by doing, and you want a career where you’ll use your hands and mind, an apprenticeship might be your best option. According to the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry, registered apprenticeships provide on-the-job training and related classroom instruction to more than 12,000 apprentices throughout Virginia. For more information about apprenticeships, click here.

Enlist in the military
If you want to serve, get an education and a paycheck, investigate the armed forces. They offer on-the-job training in many careers with technology playing a crucial role. The military has hundreds of career options to choose from, and they’ll help you find out where you fit. After your service, you can continue your education for free. To enlist, you must be at least 17 and have a high school diploma.

Career schools
Perhaps you need some training, but taking more English and math classes is not appealing. Consider exploring trade and technical schools. Check out the article about career schools.

Take classes on the Web
Going to school without leaving home is possible thanks to the Internet. With Internet access, students can take classes online such as those offered at the Electronic Campus of Virginia at www.vacec.bev.net. You’ll find an array of courses in everything from computing to psychology. The beauty of distance learning is that it allows students to tap into resources that may not be within driving distance. Plus, you can take classes at times that are convenient for you. The Electronic Campus gives students who may not live close to an educational institution one-stop access to courses that will help them with work-force preparation, undergraduate and graduate degrees, and continuing education.

Community college
Community colleges are experiencing a tre¬mendous amount of growth, and they expect their enrollment numbers to keep rising. Community colleges aren’t just for students coming directly out of high school. Adults looking to update their skills, retrain or earn an industry certificate are also finding community colleges to be an ideal option. Community colleges offer job entry degrees and degrees that can be used to transfer to a four-year college. For more information about community colleges, check out the article.

Four-year college
If you’re going to a four-year college, you’ll want to find a school that’s a good match for you. You’ll also have to think of a major. Don’t assume your search for a career path ends when you head to the university. Colleges and universities have excellent career centers and job placement offices, but they will not do you any good unless you walk through their doors. Utilize the online career resources and job exploration options listed in this magazine to narrow down your interests. You aren’t required to declare a major when you enter college, but you should narrow down your list to ensure that your college meets your needs. That way you can start the year with confidence that you are in the best place to get your marketable skill and enter the work force.