Graduating high school is a time of transition and celebration, and for many, the start of the next life chapter. After the celebrations have come and gone, one big question looms over many graduates: what’s next? If you’re looking for something different, here are the top ideas for graduates wanting to do something different after high school.
1. Opportunities to Travel
Working abroad allows you to explore new cultures and gain international experience. Plus, it looks great on your resume. Consider internships abroad or teaching English abroad for an extended time.
Volunteering
Volunteering is a great way to give back to society and build skills and relationships. Whether you’re working with a local charity or teaching English abroad, the rewards of volunteering extend far beyond professional growth – they allow you to make a real difference in someone’s life. Plus, volunteering might even lead to a chance of employment.
Study Abroad
If working abroad doesn’t appeal to you, you can always further your education. For instance, studying in Canada could be a great option. Canada has some of the highest educational standards worldwide, with an array of institutions offering world-class training in diverse fields like engineering, healthcare, and business administration. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking for quality education at an affordable price. Plus, with Study Permit programs available in Canada, getting into Canadian universities has never been easier.
Join the Military
Joining the military isn’t just a job – it can be a great life experience. Military recruits learn leadership skills while experiencing different cultures, acquiring technical expertise, and traveling to foreign lands. Plus, military service provides amazing educational benefits after discharge.
2. Focus on Personal Growth and Development
After high school, focusing on personal growth and development might be useful without worrying about what other people think or expect from you. Spend some time reading educational books or podcasts, sign up for interviews with inspiring people in your field, and focus on forming meaningful relationships with people around you who share your interests.
Take a Gap Year
Taking a gap year is the perfect way to recharge after high school and travel for an extended time. A gap year allows you to step outside your comfort zone and reflect on your goals and lifestyle choices. Plus, many opportunities like internships or volunteering abroad can provide fantastic career benefits when you return home.
Traveling
Traveling can be the best way to unwind and discover new places. Consider short-term volunteer missions, international exchange programs, or simply buying a one-way ticket somewhere. Travel is great for gathering unforgettable experiences and provides opportunities for learning, personal growth, and expanding your worldview.
Take Up an Apprenticeship
Take advantage of the wealth of apprenticeships available today. Apprenticeship programs provide hands-on training in various fields and highly valuable job experience without going through college. Numerous trade unions also offer apprenticeship programs – find out if any are available near you.
3. Go Freelance
Consider freelancing if a standard nine-to-five job isn’t your cup of tea. You can easily find work online in various fields, such as copywriting, web design, graphic design, social media management, customer service, marketing, family/friends business, and more. This allows you to choose when and how much you want to work – perfect for those who prefer maximum flexibility.
Start a Blog
Blogging is a fantastic platform for expressing your ideas and being creative, whether you write about fashion, fitness, or politics, blogging can help you gain valuable skills like content creation and marketing. Plus, if you’re consistent enough, you could start making money. Fortunately, there are plenty of helpful resources for content writing available online.
Go Into Business with Family/Friends
Consider working with family or close friends on a business venture after high school. You will have control over your future and the opportunity to collaborate with those closest to you on something greater than yourself. Before making this decision, be sure to do some research.
Conclusion
When deciding what’s next after high school, there’s no single right answer – the perfect course of action depends entirely on the individual’s goals and ambitions. However, if you choose to move forward, these ideas will give graduates something different to do after high school that can help them get closer to their dreams.
