While attending college may be the most popular or expected next step after high school, there are actually quite a few alternate paths. In today’s world and economy, exploring alternatives has become a lot more normalized. As a family and senior portrait photographer, I work with many teens who are on the cusp of graduation and taking their next big step in life. Keeping in mind my senior portrait clients who are preparing to navigate their post-high school lives, I have laid out Frederick post-high school options, looking at the pros and cons of each path to help them and their parents make informed decisions.

What To Do After High School 

After high school, graduates have a variety of different paths they can take. There is no one-size-fits-all “correct” choice, and each choice offers unique opportunities for personal and professional growth.  Let’s go over some Frederick post-high school options!

4-Year College or University

Attending a 4-year college or university is the traditional path that most students take after graduating from high school. A bachelor’s degree can open doors for job opportunities, higher pay, and career advancement. Students may also have a wider range of access to internships, travel through study abroad programs, extracurricular activities, resources, and built-in community. College also provides an on-ramp into adulthood, providing opportunity for independence while maintaining some structure and logistical safety nets (i.e., meal plans). One of the biggest drawbacks of attending a university is the expense. Tuition, fees, and living expenses for a 4 year college have increased while employment opportunities have gone down. It is becoming harder in today’s economy for college graduates to pay off their student loans, and many are finding it difficult to land jobs in their chosen field. 

2-Year Community College

Community college can be a great option for students looking for a more affordable and flexible path to higher education. Often, students who go to community college have an easier time working a job while taking classes. Many even go on to become transfer students at a university so they can complete their bachelor’s degree, but in a more affordable way. Community college is great for pursuing an associate’s degree or a certificate program and usually provides a supportive learning environment with smaller class sizes and more personalized attention from professors. However, community colleges may not offer the same level of prestige or academic rigor as a 4-year university, so some students may feel kind of limited by the programs available. Community college life is also pretty different from university life because students usually live at home instead of in dorms, and they are much more integrated with the normal world than the college bubble. This can be a pro or a con, depending on where each student is in their life pursuits. If you are located in Frederick, Maryland, like me, Frederick Community College is a great option!

Trade and Certificate Programs

Trade or certificate programs are perfect for graduates who know from the beginning that they want to go into a specific trade. Trade schools and vocational programs provide specialized training in fields like automotive technology, cosmetology, welding, healthcare, etc. These programs are usually shorter and less expensive than traditional programs, and they allow students to gear their education and training directly towards their desired career path rather than having to get credits in other subjects as well. Trade and certificate programs are wonderful options, but they certainly don’t cater to just anybody. A student who was interested in a career that required traditional schooling would not benefit from a niche path like trade school.

Entering the Workforce

For some graduates, entering the workforce directly after high school is the best fit. Whether it’s pursuing full-time employment, part-time work, or an apprenticeship, there’s nothing like actually being in the workforce to provide hands-on experience, practical skills, as well as steady income. Entering the workforce right away has the potential, in some cases, to be the most direct path to career advancement. However, without a college degree, there may be limitations on earning potential or the ability to apply for certain positions, especially in fields that require specialized knowledge or advanced credentials.

Taking a Gap Year

Taking a gap year, or a year off between high school and college, can be a strategic choice, especially if the graduate is undecided about school or career pursuits. Gap years are a great time to work and save money before heading off to college, to explore interests that might determine career paths, to travel, volunteer, do internships, or focus on entrepreneurial projects. Additionally, if a student graduates early and doesn’t feel quite ready to leave home, a gap year gives a little more time to figure out major life decisions from the comfort and safety of home. It can be a great opportunity for graduates to recharge and reflect on their goals and priorities before making important decisions about their future. There are just about infinite ways a gap year can be used, and there is potential for it to be a productive and equipping time or a time that isn’t well planned for and becomes somewhat of a waste. Taking a gap year is an option for each student to consider and weigh against their own priorities and needs.

Traveling

Traveling can be a life-changing experience for students after high school. Whether exploring new cultures, learning new languages, or gaining a global perspective, travel can broaden graduates’ horizons and expand their understanding of the world and how they’d like to show up in it. Some may choose to travel independently, with friends or family, or as part of a structured program or volunteer opportunity. Traveling can be expensive, though, and grads may need to consider factors such as safety, health, timing, and other life goals. There are many great reasons to travel as a young adult, but it’s not for everybody, so it’s good to weigh life goals and priorities before making such a commitment. 

Serving in the Military

Serving in the military can be a rewarding and honorable career path for students after high school. There are opportunities for leadership development, job training, educational benefits, and career advancement. The military can also provide a sense of purpose for students seeking adventure and service to their country. Of course, military service is definitely not for everybody. It is a lifestyle that many aren’t cut out for, and it comes with risks and sacrifices that are not for the faint of heart. There is also the reality that many who want to join the military are unable to because of physical or mental limitations. Graduates considering going into the military should carefully research their options, think about their goals and their values, and weigh the pros and cons in the context of their life ambitions.

Internships

Internships are a great option for students to immediately gain hands-on experience, explore career interests, and build professional networks in a specific industry or field. They look great on resumes, and whether unpaid or paid, internships offer grads the chance to apply classroom learning to real-world settings. Internships often make way for mentorship relationships, help graduates make informed decisions about their future career paths, and give them a competitive edge in the job market. Often, companies will hire interns first before reviewing other applicants. Internships can be a valuable option, but can also come with the stress of a more demanding schedule if the graduate is also taking classes or working a paid job elsewhere. It’s also good to consider that some internships are highly competitive or have limited opportunities for advancement.

Pursuing a Fellowship

Fellowships provide students with funding, mentorship, and resources to pursue independent research, study, or service projects in a specific field. Whether funded by government agencies, nonprofit organizations, or private foundations, fellowships give grads the chance to invest in their passions, develop expertise, and make meaningful contributions to society. There are fellowships available for things like research, public service, entrepreneurship, or creative endeavors. But fellowship opportunities may be limited and highly competitive, and in order to be considered for funding, students will likely need to demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a clear commitment to their chosen field.

Entrepreneurship

Whether starting a small business, launching a startup, or freelancing as a consultant or contractor, entrepreneurship offers opportunities for financial independence, flexibility, and personal fulfillment. Entrepreneurship comes with risk and a lot of hard work, time, and energy, and there is no guarantee of success. But the payoff of success can also be extremely rewarding and fulfilling. Being an entrepreneur takes creativity, initiative, and grit. Entrepreneurial endeavors can also be more of a side hustle than a full-time pursuit. It can be a great option for students to pursue on the side while taking classes. There are many ways to approach entrepreneurship, so it is good to weigh all the options!

H2: Take the Next Steps in Professional Development and Book Senior Headshots!If you are about to graduate from high school or you have a child about to graduate from high school, now is a great time to book a senior portrait photography session! Senior portraits serve not only as graduation announcement photos, Christmas presents for grandma, and photo album memories, but also as headshots for your first professional pursuits. You may quickly find yourself in need of professional headshots to market yourself more effectively to certain programs or projects, so it’s a great first step right out of the gate! Feel free to contact me here to book a session!