Step 2: Discovering the Pathways PDF

When I Graduate/When I Earn More Money/When I’m 21... WHEN IS NOW! If you’re waiting for someone else to hand you a career plan or point you in the “right”direction, you need to know: ★ THERE IS NO PLAN! ★ THERE IS NO “RIGHT” DIRECTION! ★ NO ONE ELSE CAN PLAN YOUR LIFE FOR YOU! No on...

When I Graduate/When I Earn More Money/When I’m 21... WHEN IS NOW! If you’re waiting for someone else to hand you a career plan or point you in the “right”direction, you need to know: ★ THERE IS NO PLAN! ★ THERE IS NO “RIGHT” DIRECTION! ★ NO ONE ELSE CAN PLAN YOUR LIFE FOR YOU! No one else knows as well as you ★ what you care deeply about. ★ the future you dream about. ★ the imprint you want to leave on the world. Very few things in life are written in stone. Just do it. There are really only three main pathways once you have earned your high school diploma. Let’s start by learning a little about each one. “With the changing economy, no one has lifelong employment. But post-secondary education provides lifelong employability.” PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA 1 WORKPLACE OPPORTUNITIES Many students just want to get a job and start earning money right after graduation. This is certainly an attractive option. Read the following article to answer the questions on page 12 I’m Not Going to University: What Now? Overview Are you interested in working immediately after you finish your high school education? If you answered “Yes!” to the questions above, you are not the only one! Entering the workplace directly after graduating from high school is a popular choice - approximately 50% of students entering grade 9 will enter this pathway. Before you make your decision to enter the workplace after graduation, start by reading the Workplace detail pages. These pages will allow you to answer questions such as: Why do I need a high school diploma? How do I decide of going straight to the workplace is right for me? How do I choose a career? How much will I earn if I go straight to work? What is co-operative education? Why Do I Need a High School Diploma? A high school diploma is often the minimum education required for any job. Even if the job you are considering does not require any special skills, a high school diploma shows your employer that you are dedicated and can finish a task. You may want to begin an apprenticeship, college or university program in the future, and a high school diploma will allow you to follow one of those opportunities if you change your mind. How Do I Decide if Going Straight to the Workplace is Right For Me? Before you decide on entering the workplace or enrolling in a post-secondary program, you should ask yourself the following questions: Can I afford post-secondary education? Do I enjoy school? Does my job of choice require education or training? Am I ready to begin working and earning money? 2 To help you choose the right path for you, here are some PROS and CONS to consider: Straight to Work Apprenticeship, College or University Education Work PRO: There are many jobs PRO: Someone with more education Opportunities available, and transferring sectors is more likely to be hired than is easy because specialized skills someone with only a high school are not required. diploma. CON: Many jobs are part-time CON: Many graduates struggle to find jobs in their area of study. Earnings PRO: Some jobs pay much more PRO: People who have some than minimum wage. post-secondary education make CON: Many jobs pay only about $18,000 more per year that minimum wage those who do not. Cost PRO: Free! No student debt! CON: Average student debt is $20,000. It takes an average of 10 years to pay back student loans. Advancement PRO: You could open your own PRO: Education is a major factor in business or be promoted hiring people for supervisor or CON: May be difficult to become a management positions. manager or supervisor. Future PRO: If you have a high school PRO: You can earn a Master’s or Education diploma, you are still eligible for Doctorate degree, become a master many school or apprenticeship journeyperson or specialize in a options in the future. chosen field. CON: Many people find it difficult to return to school after being in the workplace. If the PROS of entering the workplace outweigh the CONS, then you’re ready to head to work! 3