What do I do now?

This is broken up into two parts, aimed at two different groups of people. The first group is typically young, after just graduating from high school. They are considering going to college, but think maybe they need a little break. The second group is typically a little older, went to college, and is now wondering where to go from here.

For the first group... you’ve decided that you’re too burned out from all the work in high school to go on to college. Or maybe you’ve simply decided that you cannot yet afford college, and you haven’t managed to get adequate scholarships. What’s a teen to do?

Well, despite what everyone tells you, you do not have to go to college right out of high school. Heck, Fanaile worked as a DJ before deciding to go back to school to get a degree in history. So, what should you do in your off time? Well, I first highly suggest you do something. Once you start applying to colleges again, many aren’t going to look favorably on you if you just sit on your couch all day watching TV. Doesn’t show a lot of motivation.

But, at the same time, you probably don’t want to do anything academically related. Though, if money is your problem, I suggest looking into certificate programs at your local community college. See my past blog, Why a 4+ Year Degree Isn’t Necessary.

And when I say suggest, I mean highly suggest. I enrolled in a certificate program today, and my roommate, who is studying to be a nurse, flipped through the catalog and wondered why she was spending so much money to get a BS in nursing when she could get a regular RN degree, do all the same things, pay half as much, and be done in 2 years instead of 5.

Now, I write the following suggestions merely as suggestions. As a 20-year old college senior, I obviously did not do any of this. Perhaps, then, this is more of a ‘I wish I would have known’ blog than anything, but give it some thought if you’re in this situation.

Some suggestions for those of you who fit the description above:

Join Americorps for a year. Why? 1) You’ll get valuable experience. 2) You’ll get some money. It’s a small amount, and I’m not exactly sure how much it is, but it’s enough to live on. 3) You get to work with other people your age to fight problems in society, and 4) You’ll get a scholarship valued at up to $4,725. That’s a pretty big chunk of change… larger than the majority of my scholarships. And you don’t have to use it the year you get it. You have up to 7 years to use the reward. If you join for a second year, you get another scholarship in that amount. Not bad for helping out your community and gaining some experience, huh?

Similarly, you can try an organization like Peace Corps. Like Americorps, you may be able to get scholarships, or even an advanced degree, while working for Peacecorps.

Check out an international volunteer situation, such as Cross Cultural Solutions. Now, I offer this suggestion with a caveat…. It does cost money, so you’ll have to plan ahead and fundraise if you want to do it. But it’s a nice opportunity to learn about another culture.

Get a quick certification (for those interested in medicine, try phlebotomy or EMT certification… both are usually offered over the summer). This can get you a nice job, and get you some experience in some field that you’re looking to have a career in in the future.

Of course, some of you are way past this point. You, like myself, are getting ready to graduate college, and aren’t sure what to do with your life. Well, you can try a few of the suggestions above. Or, here are some things you can do with a bachelor’s degree:

There are several opportunities for teaching with a bachelor’s degree in just about anything. Most inner-city school district have a fellow’s program where you attend a training session over the summer, and start teaching in the fall, while going to get a Master’s in Education and certification to teach. Here’s one for Denver Public Schools, and Teach for America will place you in inner-cities around the country.

Maybe teaching’s not your thing. Well, those with science majors can try for a job at NIH, which is bound to look good on any resume.

If you’re over 21, think about doing a bartending gig. They make quite a bit in tips, and certainly have flexibility in their job.

Just remember… keep an open mind. There are plenty of people in the world that don’t follow the beaten path on the way to their careers, and are better off for it.

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