College is the default option for many after graduation, but college isn’t right for everyone. Many students who leave high school believe that they are unable to further their education because they can’t afford the hefty student loan that goes hand-in-hand with the college experience. But there are alternatives to student loans including Community colleges, trade schools, and night classes that allow you to “pay-as-you-go” i.e. while you are working a regular job. Some employers will even help out with the cost of additional education if it will make you a better employee.
Another possibility to consider is looking to secure a scholarship. If you excel at a particular subject or sport, you may be able to gain a free education, and it is easy to apply for many of these opportunities. For instance, at ASM Scholarships, their college wrestling scholarship will allow you to combine both academic studies with your talent for sports to enable you to secure a bright future and to gain the education that employers are looking for.
Use Your Family Connections
Although you might feel like using your family connections to get a job is cheating, this is just the same as utilizing a professional network when you get older. Your family and friends are likely to be some of the only people within your network as a young person, so you should ask them if they know of any opportunities, especially if you are looking at following in your family’s footsteps in terms of the career option that you want to pursue.
Make a Good Impression
However, even if you are applying for hundreds of jobs a day, this does not mean that you will be able to secure one, especially if you have little experience or qualifications. More important than these, though, is your ability to make an excellent impression on your potential employer and any other professionals in the business. Not only will this make you more likely to succeed in your job search, but it can also help opportunities to come your way and prevent you from losing your job quickly.
Speak to Your High School Counsellor
High school gives you many opportunities to help you to escape unemployment on leaving it, and you should not overlook these. One of the best facilities that most high schools offer you is the chance to speak to a career counselor. Career counselors can help you to draft a plan for your future, go through the many different doors that are open to you, and can even connect you with employers who may be able to give you the job that you are looking for.
Be Open to All Opportunities
Although you might dream of a long and satisfying career, it is unlikely that you will be able to achieve this straight out of high school. Then, you should be open to all the opportunities that life may throw at you. This includes common school leaver jobs in retail and hospitality, which may be stepping stones to fruitful careers, as well as those outside your area of interest.
Get References
When you are fresh out of high school, it can be difficult to secure the references that you need to succeed. However, you can obtain these by volunteering at a local company or venture, doing work experience, or even making a good impression on a professional outside of your family.
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