You might be creeping into your final year at high school or perhaps you’re just thinking way ahead, either way, it’s important to have a plan of what you will do after high school is over. In this blog we outline some top things to do after high school, depending on your personal ambitions and goals.
1. Go to sixth form college and do your A-Levels
If you’re keen to get into university, then attending sixth-form college is likely going to be a must for you. Most undergraduate degrees require you to have certain A-Levels, so you’ll need to get these under your belt before you attend uni. Be sure to check with your desired course provider on what A-Levels you need for your chosen programme before applying to the sixth form. Make sure you choose a subject you are passionate about
2. Do an apprenticeship or traineeship
If you’re keen to get some hands-on experience in a trade and university isn’t necessarily the path for you, you might want to search for apprenticeship opportunities in a field you’re interested in. An apprenticeship is when you effectively work for a company, gaining hands-on work experience within the industry, while also completing some compulsory academic modules alongside. During your college days, you will focus on completing academic work and building theory knowledge, and while on-site, you’ll have the opportunity to apply theory to the real world.
3. Take a gap year
You might be uncertain about the career path best suited to you and guess what? That’s okay! Taking a gap year is a great way to get to know yourself, explore the world, meet new friends, and really get a feel for what it is that you wish to do in life. You really don’t have to have it all figured out by the time you leave school, so why not take some time to get to know yourself better and gain some worldly experience? In fact many studies show that students who study at university after a gap year are more likely to do better on their chosen course.
4. Get a job
Instead of jumping straight into sixth form, an apprenticeship or a gap year, you could opt to get a job. Getting a job will allow you to earn money whilst also gaining some essential skills that are transferable in both the academic world and the working world, such as communication skills, working with others, self-discipline, and time management, to name a few. You might find that you jump from one job to the next as you learn about what type of role is the best fit for you at this time in your life. You never know, you may also get some opportunities in the job you’re in that you might not have gained elsewhere.
5. Build a business
Despite what people may say, you don’t need a business degree to build a business. If you have the privilege to do so along with a vested interest, why not try building your own business instead of attending university? If you have a compelling idea that just won’t shift and believe you have the willpower, determination and willingness to learn, then perhaps building your own business is the right option for you. You could couple this idea with working part-time or taking a gap year.
Whatever it is that you choose to do after highschool, be sure that you have clear goals and a vision in mind. We only live once, so let’s make it count!
