Do you feel a little nervous thinking about the day you’ll graduate from high school?

The amount of freedom you’ll have to carve out your own path in life is exciting.

But you might feel overwhelmed by it, too – especially if you have no idea what you plan to do.

Many high school graduates go straight to college or university. While this is a common route, you might be exploring other options.

After all, going to college after you graduate isn’t the only path to a successful life.

As you think about what career to pursue, there are plenty of meaningful ways to use your time.

In this article, I’ll talk about how you can decide which path to take. I’ll also explore what you can do after high school to build the knowledge, skills, and values you need to succeed.

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How to decide what to do after high school

“The craftsman mindset focuses on what you can offer the world. The passion mindset focuses instead on what the world can offer you.”

– Cal Newport, bestselling author of Deep Work and So Good They Can’t Ignore You

You may be feeling a bit lost about what to do after you graduate.

After all, with so many options available after high school, how can you be sure that the choice you make is the right one?

You can try narrowing down your options using the craftsman mindset – a concept Cal Newport talks about in his book, So Good They Can’t Ignore You.

This concept is all about building valuable skills. You focus on mastering specific skills, and the passion will follow naturally.

This encourages you to become so good in your field or career that you stand out and become indispensable.

College isn’t the only way to build valuable skills. But any alternative you consider should ensure you keep learning and growing.

Starting this journey of improvement and growth will give you a huge advantage. It positions you for long-term success and a meaningful future.

You can use the craftsman mindset to get a clearer picture of what to do after high school.

Here are some questions you can ask yourself:

• What value can I offer to those around me?
• What are my natural gifts? What skills have I already picked up?
• How can I use these talents and skills to provide value to other people?
• How can I practice using these skills so I can improve?
• Where can I gain valuable feedback to improve?
• Where can I look for mentors or peers who can provide me with feedback?

Shortlist choices that enable you to hone your skills through practice and feedback.

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, it’ll be much easier to make a decision.

12 things to consider doing after high school

Each person has different gifts, talents, and skills. So you don’t have to feel pressured into doing what everyone else is doing.

Of course, it’s still important to use your time wisely to build your skill set and character.

While there are many unimportant things you could focus on, here’s a list of beneficial things you can do after high school besides college.

1. Take a gap year

A gap year is a planned break that allows you to pursue your own professional and personal development. This can be done without the pressure of exams or doing well at school.

Despite its name, a gap year doesn’t have to last a year.

You can take just a couple of months off to explore your skills and interests and better understand what you want to do in the future.

Some graduates choose to do an internship and build professional relationships. Others take online courses, while others focus on traveling and doing volunteer work. They may also work on developing skills like budgeting.

Taking a gap year can be beneficial. For instance, the Gap Year Alumni Survey found that it may help to improve confidence, maturity, and communication skills.

One study also found that students who took a gap year were more likely to get better grades in college.

Of course, taking a gap year might come with some drawbacks. You’ll likely graduate later than your peers. You may also lose momentum in your studies.

That being said, a planned break can still be well worth your time. What’s important is to have an actionable plan and goals for your gap year.

2. Develop an in-demand skill

Everyone has different natural abilities and talents.

It’s a good idea to explore and improve your natural talents, but it’s just as important to expand and grow your skill set so you can adapt.

There are plenty of in-demand skills you can learn to help open up doors to more career opportunities. Examples of sought-after skills include data analysis, digital marketing, and cloud computing.

You can pick up the basics of these skills through internships, courses, and speaking with mentors. You can also read books to get motivated and inspired to figure out what you want to learn.

Plus, it’s easy to find relevant information through online platforms, such as YouTube, Coursera, and Udemy.

3. Create a product of exceptional quality

You can learn a lot from the process of building a product that adds value to others and solves a real problem.

Of course, the money you can earn is a great bonus.

Start by listing your ideas. Then, research them to find out which is the most practical and marketable one.

Is there a decent number of people who have this problem? How can you improve upon the solutions that already exist?

Additionally, try talking to friends or family members who face this problem to gain further insights.

Then, you can start working on your prototype. Start building the product with the resources you have.

If you don’t have a big budget, that’s okay. You can brainstorm ideas for products that don’t need a lot of capital at the start. Examples include services or digital products.

Then, begin offering your product to people you know. Get their feedback and gradually work on improving it before marketing it to a larger audience.

4. Freelance by offering a service

Are you a skillful artist? Or maybe you’re great at graphic design or have a knack for writing?

List all your current skills, and think about how you can use them to offer a service that people need.

Brainstorm the possible problems your ideal client might have, and think about how you can help to resolve those issues.

Once you’ve found your niche, you can create a portfolio of sample work and case studies. This might require you to initially take on projects for free or at a low cost.

There may also be short courses you can take to enhance your skills and gain certifications that help you to build trust with your clients.

As you become more skilled and experienced, you can raise your rates and reach out to larger clients and companies.

5. Attend trade school

A trade school is a post-high school institution that provides training for specific skills.

These vocational schools prepare students for various technical jobs.

Examples include dental hygienists, electricians, plumbers, and veterinary technicians.

It can take anywhere from three months to two years to finish a program and get a diploma.

Again, you’ll have to consider the drawbacks of joining such programs. For instance, trade school might lead to limited career growth if you don’t plan to further your studies later in life.

But trade school is more affordable and can open doors to in-demand careers. In addition, such programs often provide job-focused, hands-on training. This allows you to pick up and master a new skill or craft in less time.

6. Enhance your skill set with an entry-level job

Starting work right out of high school is a good way to gain experience and bolster your résumé.

Through a job, you can build the skills you need to succeed. Examples of these valuable skills include communication, leadership, and time management.

You’ll have the opportunity to learn from your colleagues. Plus, you’ll get to build professional relationships with people in that field.

Here are some tips for looking for a job as a high school graduate:

• Start listing the types of jobs you’re eligible for. Certain industries are easier to get into even if you don’t have a university degree. Examples include digital marketing, community health, and design-related jobs.
• Try to be as flexible as you can with your preferences. Don’t limit yourself too much while applying for jobs.
• Create a résumé for your job search, as this shows you’re serious about your application. Include projects you’ve worked on, leadership roles, competitions, and extracurricular activities.
• Look for opportunities through friends and family members, too. Working for people you know helps you to build contacts and makes it easier to get references when you apply for future jobs.

Apply to multiple jobs at once instead of just one at a time. And remember, the more relevant jobs you apply to, the higher your chances of landing a good one.

7. Become an apprentice

An apprenticeship is a program that trains new graduates for a specific trade or job.

This offers a longer-term opportunity for you to work and study at the same time. You’ll gain hands-on experience by working full-time while completing your training on the side.

You’ll be given entry-level work and responsibilities. In addition, you’ll likely spend time shadowing and learning from seniors and experts in the field.

You may also have to attend training programs and go for assessments.

There are different types of apprenticeships offered. Some can be completed entirely at your workplace. Others might require you to attend classes at a college or university.

Here’s how you can start looking for apprenticeship opportunities:

• Research available opportunities in your area. You can do this online, get help from your school, or contact local colleges to ask about your options.
• Once you’ve shortlisted your options, start preparing the documents needed for the application. This may include a cover letter, résumé, references, and certifications.
• Send in your application. If possible, drop off your documents personally. This can leave a good impression on your employer.

Again, apply for multiple programs at once to boost your chances of securing an apprenticeship.

8. Find an internship

An internship is a shorter-term opportunity for you to get work experience. Internships are usually reserved for students and younger people who want entry-level experience.

There are different ways for you to find a suitable internship opportunity.

You can start by asking friends and family if they know of any internships being offered at their workplace. You can also look online on job boards like Indeed or a job search platform like LinkedIn.

Alternatively, you can visit local businesses and companies to ask if they offer any internships. Non-profit organizations may also be a source of internship opportunities.

Again, you’ll want to create a résumé and cover letter for your application.

Try to keep your résumé short – a maximum of about one page. Also, make it concise, highlighting only your relevant experience and leadership roles.

9. Travel

If you have the resources and time to travel, consider going on a trip abroad.

This experience can help you step outside your comfort zone, enabling you to build confidence and communication skills.

You’ll also have the chance to learn about a new culture.

There are many ways you can seize the opportunity to travel abroad. Here are some options to consider:

• Take part in an exchange program offered by colleges or universities
• Do volunteer work in another country
• Apply for a job in another country
• Apply for internship programs abroad
• Organize short trips with friends or family members to visit different countries

If you’re unable to travel with a parent or guardian, there are other options.

You can reach out to companies, organizations, or agencies that can arrange a work, study, or volunteer placement for you.

10. Volunteer

Volunteering comes with many benefits. According to research, it can increase your happiness levels and enhance your mental well-being.

Plus, it’s a nice way to meet new people and broaden your social network.

And it allows you to give back to your community and support those in need.

There are many different ways for you to take part in local volunteer work. Some common places and organizations that often require the help of volunteers include:

• Homeless shelters
• Animal shelters
• Nursing homes
• Hospitals
• Food banks
• Charitable organizations
• Wildlife conservation organizations
• Environmental organizations
• Libraries

If you want to be a volunteer, here are some steps you can take to get started:

• Do research to find opportunities. This can be done through a quick search online. Alternatively, you can ask friends and family who volunteer about available opportunities.
• Shortlist your options. You can do more research on the organization to determine if its mission aligns with your values and interests. It’s also best to find out all the details about the position. Examples include the given responsibilities, time commitment, and training required.
• Create a résumé. Include your top skills and relevant experiences. Then, submit the résumé to the organizations of your choice.
• Complete any required training or assessments. Some organizations may require volunteers to undergo training before participating in volunteer work.

Once you’ve begun volunteering, being professional is important. Even though you might not be getting paid, treat this experience like a real job.

Fulfill all your given roles and tasks well. This will help to increase your impact on your community and could land you references from your supervisors.

11. Study abroad

After graduating from high school, you may have the option to study abroad instead of going to a local college.

There are numerous types of formal study options besides college. This is especially so if you have a special interest or passion, e.g., coding boot camps, niche theater schools, athletic programs.

Studying abroad will give you many opportunities to learn about different cultures.

You’ll also be able to improve your language and communication skills.

The first step to secure the chance to study abroad is to apply for a program overseas. If possible, you can seek advice from a career guidance counselor at your high school. Looking online is another excellent way to discover new opportunities.

You can also contact these universities and colleges to learn more about their programs and scholarships.

Different organizations will have various criteria that you’ll have to meet to get into their program.

Review the details provided to see what documents or assessments are needed to get an offer.

Then, work on preparing these documents and getting the necessary certifications to secure your spot in the program.

12. Learn another language

Learning another language can open more doors for you down the road.

Global companies need people who can speak languages other than English. You’ll also have more career options as someone who is bilingual or multilingual. For example, you can work in customer service or in the translation or hospitality industry.

There are many different ways you can pick up and master a new language.

Language-learning resources are now affordable and easily accessible. In fact, some of the best learning resources and courses out there are free.

There are also apps that can make the learning experience more fun and engaging. Some apps will also connect you to native speakers who can help you to practice your speaking skills.

Watching shows and videos in the language you want to learn is another approach you can try. Alternatively, you can join a physical or online class.

Conclusion

There’s no one path that everyone needs to follow.

While going straight to college is a great choice for many people, it isn’t your only option after graduating from high school.

Reflect on what your natural talents, current skill set, and main interests are. Then, shortlist options that align with them.

And don’t be afraid to get outside your comfort zone. This is where you’ll learn and grow the most, enabling you to have a greater number of meaningful experiences!

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