How to Choose a Career After High School

Choosing a career right out of high school can feel overwhelming, especially if college isn’t part of your plan. The good news is that many rewarding careers don’t require college, and finding the best one for you is all about understanding your strengths, interests, and goals. Let’s explore nine practical ways to help you confidently choose a career and start your journey toward success.

1. Reflect on Your Strengths and Interests

Before you dive right into exploring specific jobs after high school, take some time to think about what you enjoy and what you’re good at. Ask yourself questions like these:

• What activities make you feel energized and engaged?
• What were your favorite classes or extracurricular activities in high school?
• What skills do you already have?
• What skills or topics would you like to learn more about?
• What fascinated you when you were younger?
• What is your work style?

2. Research Jobs That Don’t Require a Degree

You might be surprised how many high-paying, in-demand careers are accessible without a college degree. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is a fantastic resource for career planning for high schoolers.

According to BLS data, the job market is filled with fast-growing industries that offer opportunities for long-term careers with good earning potential. Some examples of thriving industries that don’t require college degrees include:

• Healthcare support roles: Positions like medical assistants and phlebotomists can offer quick entry into healthcare without the need for a degree, though you will likely need a training program and licensure for some of these roles.
• Skilled trades: Electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians are always in demand, have high earning potential, and often start with an apprenticeship or vocational training.
• Technology roles: If you’re tech-savvy, careers like web development, network support, quality assurance testing, and cybersecurity offer strong opportunities that you can explore through certifications or online courses.

You can use the Occupational Outlook Handbook from the BLS to research different careers, how fast they’re growing, and their average salaries.

3. Consider Apprenticeships and Trade Schools

Apprenticeships and vocational schools (also called trade schools) are excellent pathways into skilled careers without the need for college. Apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction so you can earn a wage while learning a trade. Many industries, such as construction, manufacturing, or automotive repair, offer apprenticeship programs that lead directly to full-time positions.

Trade schools focus on teaching specific, hands-on skills in fields like welding, electrical work, or medical coding. These programs are typically shorter and less expensive than college so you can enter the workforce quickly and with minimal debt.

The benefit of these pathways is that you gain valuable, practical experience as you become an expert in your field. Plus, many skilled trade jobs come with job stability and excellent growth potential, including the ability to start your own business if you choose.

4. Explore Certifications and Online Learning

One of the best ways to figure out what career might suit you best is to gain hands-on work experience. Internships, part-time jobs, or even volunteer work can help you build transferable skills—such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management—that will be valuable no matter what path you choose. Look for opportunities in fields you’re curious about, such as:

5. Gain Experience with Internships or Part-Time Jobs

One of the best ways to figure out what career might suit you best is to gain hands-on work experience. Internships, part-time jobs, or even volunteer work can help you build transferable skills—such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management—that will be valuable no matter what path you choose. Look for opportunities in fields you’re curious about, such as:

• Working as a mechanic’s assistant
• Volunteering at a local clinic
• Assisting with event planning
• Job shadowing a skilled trade worker

You might even consider taking a gap year after high school to explore opportunities like internships or part-time jobs. Getting creative with these types of experiences can help you better understand the day-to-day work in different industries as you build confidence in your abilities.

6. Use Career Planning Resources for High School Students

If you’re unsure about what to do after high school, that’s okay! It’s totally normal to feel overwhelmed by career exploration, and we are here to help. SkillUp offers resources to help with career planning for high school students. Our career path approach is designed specifically for people who aren’t pursuing a traditional college education. You can explore various career options, learn about the skills and certifications you might need, and get guidance on how to start your journey.

Whether you’re interested in tech, healthcare, skilled trades, or another field, SkillUp’s resources provide you with a clear roadmap to get you from where you are now to where you want to be. From exploring your work style to free career coaching, we’re here to help you make informed decisions about your future.

7. Don’t Be Afraid to Pivot

When you’re choosing a career right out of high school, it can feel terrifying and like you have to get it right on the first try. But that’s not true! It’s important to remember that the career you choose right after high school doesn’t have to be your forever job. It’s okay to try out a field, learn what you like (and don’t like), and pivot if you find something that suits you better.

Many people change careers multiple times throughout their lives. The key is to stay flexible and open to new opportunities. Don’t let the fear of failing or choosing the wrong career stop you from trying something new. Whatever skills and experiences you gain along the way will still be valuable even if you choose to change directions later.

Need some additional encouragement? Check out SkillUp’s success stories and find inspiration from our other users.

8. Surround Yourself with Support

As you ponder your future career, it’s important to surround yourself with a strong support system. Having people you trust nearby can encourage you whenever you feel overwhelmed or unsure about your path. Whether it’s family members, friends, teachers, therapists, or mentors, having trusted people you can talk to about your goals and concerns can help boost your confidence and give you experienced advice and insight you might not have considered before.

Don’t be afraid to reach out to people who have experience in the fields you’re interested in or find mentors who can offer advice and encouragement. You can use networking tools like LinkedIn or connect with a group for young professionals in your city. Some Chambers of Commerce offer business meetups where you can introduce yourself to and mingle with professionals from a wide variety of industries. A good support network will help you stay motivated and focused even when your path gets challenging.

9. Stay Open to Learning

While you may not be going to college, you can enjoy a successful career by staying open to learning new things. As industries evolve, there will always be new skills to master. Reskilling and upskilling—or learning new abilities or improving current ones—can help you stay competitive in the job market and continue to grow in your career.

Don’t underestimate the importance of personal development, either! Staying open to new experiences outside of work can help you learn more about yourself and others around you. As you foster a mindset of continuously making small improvements, you will be empowered to become the best version of yourself.

By staying curious and committed to your professional and personal development, you’ll be better prepared to seize new opportunities as they come your way. From taking an online course to learning from colleagues on the job, keep building your knowledge and skills over time.