Guide to Professional Development for Ambitious High-Schoolers

Most high school seniors who don’t plan to join college think their lives are at a stalemate once they graduate.  While their friends are off to college or joining graduate programs, they’re at home, stuck in a perpetual loop of Groundhog Day.

The good news is that it’s not all doom and gloom. You’ve made it into the Class of ‘24. That accomplishment deserves to be celebrated.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average adjusted cohort graduation rate (ACGR) for public high school students has seen an overall increase of 87%. Despite dealing with a pandemic and lockdown, high school graduates performed considerably well.

If you find yourself at a crossroads and don’t know what to do following graduation, the below guide will cover some important advice for ambitious high schoolers.

Choosing the Non-Degree Pathway

High school graduates are realizing that earning a college degree isn’t the be-all. Non-degree pathways are becoming increasingly popular because they swap a four-year degree for work-based learning opportunities.

Citing a survey from ECMC Group, the online publication explained that 35% of students did not believe education after high school was necessary. Coupled with the rising costs of higher education, the option of studying further isn’t open to many students.

Below, we’ll take a closer look at your options if choosing a non-degree pathway.

Transitional Living Programs

Sometimes, all you need to kickstart the next stage of your life is a nurturing hand.

Many people associate transitional living programs with kids leaping from foster care to adulthood. Parents are now also seeing the advantages of these programs. Transitioning from being a kid to a young adult can be an anxiety-riddled experience.

Young adult transitional living programs are designed to foster the gap between adolescence and independence.

Also known as failure to launch programs, the action plan gives kids that extra push to motivate them to move forward. They can help young people struggling with anxiety, depression, and low confidence. Sometimes, all kids need is to be in an environment that encourages them to be the best version of themselves.

It’s normal to feel disillusioned with life. High school graduates often struggle to leave the safety of their parent’s homes and live an independent life.

Called Failure to Launch Syndrome (FTLS), the trend is becoming more prevalent. A lack of motivation and feelings of inadequacy characterize the syndrome.

These programs help by showing kids how to attend college, volunteer, get a job, and be healthy.

Apprenticeships

According to the World Economic Forum, there’s a widening skills gap in the U.S. A way of bridging this gap is with apprenticeships.

The US Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship tallied almost 600,000 active apprentices in 2023. Previously, plumbing and carpentry were viewed as traditional apprenticeship work. Now, apprenticeship programs encompass IT, healthcare, and even engineering.

FHI 360’s Youth Development Practitioner Apprenticeship program is at the forefront of diversifying and expanding apprenticeships to nontraditional careers. Operating in over 60 countries, the organization aims to provide equal work opportunities for young people via apprenticeship programs.

Certification Programs

Cheaper and less time-consuming than college, certification programs are great for high school graduates wanting an entry-level job that pays well.

Certificate programs can cost thousands of dollars less than college, hence the attraction to this non-degree pathway. The options are limitless. From healthcare to technology, there are certification courses for almost any kind of job.

For instance, if you’re planning on going into IT, obtaining a computer programming certificate will take about four to 12 months. Some community colleges offer computer programming certification. Once you are qualified, you could find a job that averages $97,800.

Data science certifications are also taking off. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts employment of data scientists will grow 35% from 2022 to 2032.

Exchange Programs

Short-term study exchange programs can open a whole new world for aspiring high schoolers. U.S. students are offered the opportunity to experience cultural diversity while learning.

There are four types of exchange programs in the U.S. These are:

• University exchange
• Professional exchange
• Certificate education programs
• Internships

Well, there you have it. The world is your oyster. It’s up to you to decide which career path best aligns with your long-term goals. Just remember, you don’t need a college degree to prove your worth. All you need is grit, determination, and motivation.

Career Reload Team

We’re a team of writers dedicated to providing insights and tips for navigating the professional world. With a collective wealth of experience across various industries and roles, our team understands the challenges and opportunities that come with seeking meaningful work and advancing your career. We help job seekers to better their careers by offering career advice & free resources. Download free Word resume templates and resume templates for Google Docs.