College isn’t only option after high school, NFHS offers opportunities for career ed

by Rian Donahue

Junior and senior years is when it’s crucial to begin thinking about life after high school. Oftentimes, students aren’t aware of options other than higher education.

No matter what path you choose to take, it’s important to plan ahead to give yourself an edge in finding the best fit for you after graduation.

It’s easier to plan your future with a solid understanding of who you are and what you want.

A great way to start is with an aptitude test like YouScience. The test takes an hour and a half, which you can split into 15-minute segments.

“It’s better to figure out what field you want to be in, and then ask, ‘What education does it take to get there?’” advises Career Development Facilitator Bonnie Kleffman.

Unlike many aptitude tests which presents a series of questions, YouScience offers brain games that will essentially direct you toward careers to suit your personality and skill sets.

If you’re not the test-taking-type, a website called onetonline.org is a great way to skip the test and explore hundreds of career paths.

A four-year school may not be the best path to economic prosperity for some students. Aside from a four-year school, students also have options like two-year schools, tech schools, and the military.

“If you go to college because you want the ‘experience’, the partying, the dorm life, and the social experience that college provides, those are important things for growth,” Kleffman said. “It can be a very expensive way to grow up.”

The military is also a great field for students to enter after high school. If you serve on active duty in the military for at least two years, the government will cover up to 100% of the cost of college.

The GI Bill offers around $36,000 to use for college costs and financial support for housing and tuition after leaving the service.

“Be sincere, be curious, work hard and be grateful, and amazing things will happen,” said Work-Based Learning Coordinator Susan Brackett.

Brackett works at all three Fort Mill school district high schools and works to help students apply their skills through Career and Technichal Education Programs, and make connections in the real world.

Friday, Dec. 9, the Mini Skills/ Trades Fair will happen in the commons during lunch and flex.

A variety of companies will attend to talk with students more about certain trades. Some will offer on-the-job training, apprenticeships, internships, etc.

“I hand picked these companies, because they have something more than a good job,” Brackett explained. “They either have a really good on-the-jobtraining program, an internship, or an apprenticeship that I consider amazing opportunities.”