As my teen begins to consider higher education and a career path, I’m excited for her to explore all the options and for the opportunity to help guide her.

Many high school graduates pursue a four-year  college degree as a logical next step toward a career, while others may be looking for an alternate for a variety of reasons. 

For some, the rising cost of college and student loan debt is a hindrance. For others, a four-year degree may not be the best path for their desired career, and they may want to concentrate on enhancing their gifts and talents. There is no right or wrong answer; it boils down to your high schoolers, their learning style, and what they want to be when they grow up. 

Some careers are almost certain to require a bachelor's degree or higher, while others offer various entry points. Below are just a few options to explore.

Community College

One of the most significant advantages of community college is saving money and avoiding debt. Some community colleges offer a partnership with universities to earn a bachelor’s degree by spending two years at a community college and two years at the university. Many also offer certifications designed to build and enhance job skills for specific career paths.

Trade and Vocational Schools

Choosing a trade school has its benefits. This allows a student to specialize in a specific skill and focus on individual strengths. Typically more affordable, a trade school is a shorter-term option that can provide students with a hands-on approach to being prepared for entry-level positions or apprenticeships. 

Entrepreneurship 

A formal education can certainly elevate a career path, but that is only sometimes the case. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy. Becoming an entrepreneur certainly has its challenges, while the benefits are very appealing: the ability to be your own boss, flexibility, and potential financial rewards. 

According to the  Bureau of Labor Statistics and  Guidant Financial, the following education background percentages apply to entrepreneurs: 30 percent completed high school only, 31 percent have an associate’s degree, 17 percent have a bachelor’s degree, 18 percent obtained a master’s degree, and 4 percent have a PhD. 

In this next phase of the parenting journey, it helps to consider choices that will work for your child. And it’s important to take a moment to celebrate how much they have already accomplished. 

About Adrianna Walden

Adrianna has been working with children and youth for more than 25 years. For the past 17 years, she has served as a licensing inspector for children’s programs in the Office of Health and Safety for the Virginia Department of Education. Adrianna has experience counseling youth and teaching early childhood education and parenting classes. She has been happily married to her husband Ryan for 18 years. Both have spent many years jointly teaching infant classes and have a passion for children. Adrianna and Ryan have a teenage daughter (who gives them much inspiration for this blog) and three fur babies.