essay on future plans after high school

Essay on My Plans After Graduation

Students are often asked to write an essay on My Plans After Graduation in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on My Plans After Graduation

My goals after school.

After I finish school, I want to keep learning. I plan to go to college and study to be a teacher. I love helping others and think teaching kids would be a great job for me.

Traveling Dreams

I also dream of traveling to see new places. I want to visit different countries, learn about other cultures, and make new friends from around the world.

Helping My Community

Lastly, I want to give back to my community. I hope to volunteer at local places like libraries or animal shelters, because I believe in making the world a better place.

250 Words Essay on My Plans After Graduation

My future steps.

After I finish school, I have many ideas about what I want to do. First, I plan to take a short break to rest and think about my next steps. This time will help me relax after all the hard work in school.

Further Education

Getting a job.

I also plan to find a part-time job. This will help me learn new skills that are not taught in school. It will also give me a chance to earn my own money and learn how to manage it.

I believe in giving back to the community. I plan to volunteer at local organizations. This will allow me to help others and make new friends.

Staying Healthy

Lastly, I want to stay healthy and active. I will join a sports team or a fitness club. This will be good for my body and mind.

In conclusion, after graduation, I look forward to learning more, earning some money, helping my community, and staying healthy. I am ready for these new adventures!

500 Words Essay on My Plans After Graduation

Introduction.

After I finish school, I have many ideas about what I want to do. Graduation is a big step that means I am growing up and can start making my own choices. In this essay, I will share my plans for what comes after I graduate.

Going to College

After college, I want to find a job that makes me happy. I hope to work in a place where I can use what I learned in college. I want to help people and make a difference in the world. I know that finding a job can be hard, but I am ready to work hard and be patient.

I also dream of traveling to new places. Traveling helps us see new things and learn how other people live. I want to visit different countries, try new foods, and speak new languages. I think traveling is a good way to learn, and it can make me a better person.

Helping My Family

Saving money.

Saving money is another big plan I have. I want to save money for things like a house and to have a family one day. It’s important to think about the future and be ready for whatever comes. I will try to be smart with my money and save a little bit every time I get paid.

Staying healthy is something I want to keep doing after I graduate. This means eating good food, exercising, and going to the doctor when I need to. Being healthy helps us do our best in life. I plan to join sports or go to the gym to stay fit and strong.

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Plans After High School Essay | Career Plans and Life Plans After High School in English

October 14, 2021 by Prasanna

Plans After High School Essay: Profession arranging is a deep-rooted measure that incorporates finding a new line of work, chipping away at our abilities, discovering our assumptions from life and surprisingly resigning. There may consistently be potential changes in life on the grounds that our long-haul and transient plans may not coordinate. We can’t generally control things from outside like family, companions or medical problems, however, when we make a lifelong arrangement, it endures quite far.

The first thing about professional arranging is discovering your abilities. Expertise is the thing that we figured out how to do. Individuals have a lot of abilities that they don’t think about. Distinguishing our abilities help to secure our optimal position. It incorporates discovering what is significant for you in work and what sort of leader we are.

You can also find more  Essay Writing  articles on events, persons, sports, technology and many more.

Profession arranging is the reply to the inquiry “what are we doing after graduation?” after graduation, a large portion of individuals encounters the pursuit of employment. Occupation hunting is a movement that a great deal of us would simply stay away from as far as might be feasible. We know that in this day and age having some work became the need of life. Indeed, even the best labourers on the planet can’t be through any issue in their lives. We generally alter our perspectives and we have maybe settled on off-base decisions or the work that held such guarantee has gone too tidy.

My Plans After High School Essay

Life after secondary school is not the same as life in secondary school since it will be a ton of obligations individuals need to deal with and it is the greatest piece of life to choose what to do in the future. So youngsters and seniors should think about what they will do after moving on from secondary school and needs to make an arrangement for their future. Youngsters and seniors should know junior and seniors years are vital years.

They have a ton of choices to make and very little ideal opportunity to make them on the off chance that they didn’t make them on schedule. Their choices will either represent the moment of truth in their life, and they need to ensure that they make as well as could be expected in light of the fact that there is no retreat. They need to ensure they most certainly need to go to school or a year off. They need to ensure that in case they will go to school they must have something as a top priority that they will need to do, to prevail.

Picking a significant can be an exceptionally unpleasant circumstance so why not plunk down and set aside some effort to do it? So they must be innovative, they don’t need to surge, give a lot of time and need to truly think about what intrigues them throughout everyday life. Their major ought to be something’s they will need to appreciate; something’s that they will accomplish for the rest of their life. So youngsters and seniors need to think and make arrangements what they will do after move on from secondary school.

After move on from secondary school, a few understudies can follow distinctive ways. Certain individuals’ arrangements to go to school and a few people groups need to require a year off. As indicated by Anita Gurian (2001) from New York Times expresses that “people groups who don’t know why they’re attending a university for sure they will do when they arrive, requiring a year off between secondary school and the school can give a rich development experience to the people groups”.

In case individuals are intending to head off to college they need to know what they need to be and how they intend to arrive. They need to realize which schools request them and how they will pay for their schooling. As per Darcy Lyness (2008) “preceding choosing the school they need to begin posing inquiry themselves about their inclination like what are their solidarity, which learning climate is best for them and so on” Whenever they have limited their decisions they need to make plans to visit.

As per Ralph Keyes (2009) “understudies should visit when school is in meeting so they can find out about what life is truly similar to nearby”. Understudies need to apply to more than one school assuming they need to set off for college since schools are picking from an enormous pool of candidates. They need to know how well understudies are and what makes them stand apart from every other person. So they will see grade point normal, SAT scores, class positions and extracurricular exercises.

So students must devote time and work to this load of things and they need to pick a vocation they are intrigued to do in their future on the grounds that as indicated by the Anita Gurian (2001) “75% of understudies change their majors in the center or following one year”. Finally, many individuals’ needs to be effective. They would prefer not to battle in life agonizing over the work so people groups choose to head off to college to improve instruction and get a professional line of work they are intrigued.

Before seniors year closes understudies needs to ensure what they need to do in the school so they can be centred around that a certain something and they should know which school is best for them to get their schooling for their vocation work. So before moving on from secondary school youngsters and seniors should know what they will do after secondary schools and need to make arrangements for their future like attending a university or year off and in case they are heading off to college how they will pay for their school and picking the profession that interests them.

FAQ’s on Plans After High School Essay

Question 1. What are some plans after high school?

Answer: There are some plans after high school that we can work on it:

• Find a new line of work.
• Do a temporary job.
• Join an assistance association like AmeriCorps.
• Go to classes at a junior college.
• Join the military.
• Start a business.
• Go to an exchange school.
• Do an apprenticeship.

Question 2. Why is it important to plan for life after high school?

Answer: Presenting understudies to post-graduation alternatives reduces nervousness and expands their expectations for what’s to come. Furthermore, understudies will require help making arrangements for the ACT and SAT testing, investigating universities or exchange schools, and discovering grants that may help them.

Question 3. What is a career plan?

Answer: Profession objectives are targets. Things, positions, circumstances identified with your expert life that you have focused on accomplishing. They can be present moments, such as getting an advancement or certificate, or they can belong haul, such as maintaining your own effective business or being a chief at your fantasy organization.

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Essay Samples on Plans After High School

Plans after graduation: exploring career opportunities beyond college.

Rethinking Higher Education Every year in the United States, another wave of young men and women graduate from high school to begin their adult lives. Each one tries to decide what they want to do for the rest of their life. The culture, and most...

• College Education
• High School Graduation
• Plans After High School

College Dreams of Pursuing Criminal Justice

My Early Passion for Criminal Justice What makes a criminal a criminal? And what gives them a motive to kill? Entering the field of criminal psychology is something that has always interested me, even at a young age. I knew what I wanted to be...

• Academic Interests
• Career Goals

Continual Growth in Life After High School

Celebrating My High School Journey First off, I have to thank everyone that has helped me achieve the goals that have made me become the person I am today. Especially, my friends, faculty members, teachers, and my parents. If it weren’t for them I wouldn’t...

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Best topics on Plans After High School

1. Plans After Graduation: Exploring Career Opportunities Beyond College

2. College Dreams of Pursuing Criminal Justice

3. Continual Growth in Life After High School

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The best answers to “What are your plans after graduation?”

If you are nearing the end of your degree, few questions are more annoying or nerve-wracking than “What are your plans after graduation?”. However, with a bit of preparation, you can offer a swift response , r egardless of whether you have any plans or not (yet).

Why “What are your plans after graduation?” is such a daunting question

The question “ What are your plans after graduation ?” triggers or increases stress, because it asks for certainty in an extremely uncertain time.

(So if you are curious about someone’s plans after graduation, ask this instead: “ How are you managing to finish your degree, and is there anything I can do to help ?” Soon-to-be graduates will start the conversation about their plan if they want to talk about it. If not, be kind and supportive, and don’t push them to reveal anything they may be uncomfortable with.)

Why you should prepare an answer to “What are your plans after graduation?”

Regardless of your situation, you may want to have a snappy answer up your sleeve in the (almost inevitable case) someone asks you about your plans after graduation.

The best answers to “ What are your plans after graduation? ” are prepared in advance. Preparation allows you to consciously share an amount of information that you are comfortable with. Know that you are under no obligation to share your (lack of) plans after graduation with anyone.

You may also like: Completing a master’s degree: What’s next? How to devise a plan for the future

Answers if you don’t know what you want to do after graduation

Keep it vague.

If you don’t want to get into a lengthy conversation, one of the best strategies is to keep your answer vague. Furthermore, actively try and shift the conversation away from the topic.

Shift the conversation to your interests

Talk about one option you may consider.

When people ask about your plans after graduation, they look for facts and details. Especially if they are not familiar with your studies or discipline, they can have a hard time imagining the types of jobs you could do. One way to give them something concrete is to simply talk about one option that you may consider.

Answers if you don’t have any concrete plans for after graduation

Explain different possibilities.

A good way to answer “ What are your plans after graduation? ” is to explain the different possibilities that you have once you complete your degree. This satisfies the curiosity of the person who asked the question, while also protecting your process of figuring things out.

Talk about your ambitions

Explain that you will figure it out once you graduate, say that you want to keep your plans a secret until they are confirmed.

If you are really not up for a lengthy conversation about your future plans, simply state that you do not want to share anything until it is confirmed. Don’t worry if you have actually no pending job applications or anything like that. This is a totally accepted ‘white lie’ to protect yourself.

Answers if you do have plans for after graduation but don’t want to talk about it

Don’t reveal that you already made a decision.

One way to avoid a lengthy conversation about your future plans is by not revealing your choice, and pretending that you are still considering your options. Again, this is an acceptable ‘white lie’ to protect yourself.

Tell the person to be patient

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What To Do After High School: The 2024 Guide

Leaving the education bubble can feel like being spit out into a world of endless choices and uncertainty. There is no single answer for the question of what to do after high school. But sometimes, having a plan is enough to set the gears in motion.

Below we have conjured up 14 clear plans of action for those wondering what to do after high school. This isn’t a list of commandments. Rather, it’s meant to act as an inspirational springboard as you take a leap into the next chapter of your life. 

You can use the clickable menu here to jump straight to individual sections:

Travel abroad

Continue your education online, start a business, follow your passion, go to college, attend a trade school, learn a language.

• Study abroad
• Join the military

Write a novel

What to do after high school: 14 options.

Embarking on a journey abroad after high school can be a transformative experience. Traveling exposes you to new cultures, broadens your perspective, and enhances your adaptability. 

Whether you choose to backpack, teach English, or volunteer, the lessons learned from navigating unfamiliar territories and interacting with diverse communities can provide invaluable life skills. Traveling also fosters independence, self-reliance, and the ability to navigate unknown situations—a perfect way to discover more about yourself and the world.

Working on a tight budget? Traveling with Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms ( WWOOF ) could be the answer. WWOOF a worldwide movement to link volunteers with organic farmers, promote a cultural and educational exchange, and build global consciousness of ecological farming and sustainability practices.

Whether you’re looking to earn a full degree or acquire specific skills through online courses, virtual learning platforms provide flexibility and convenience. 

Online certification programs are recognized by many employers, especially those in technology fields, where college degrees are less and less relevant. The ability to study at your own pace allows you to balance education with other commitments, such as work or personal projects. This option is particularly suitable for those who prefer a self-directed learning approach. 

Many programs and bootcamp offer a job guarantee or placement support.

Here at CareerFoundry, we offer highly-regarded programs in tech fields like UX, web development, product design, and digital marketing. 

Get a taste of these programs by signing up for one of our free short courses.

Volunteering is a powerful way to make a positive impact on the world while gaining valuable experiences. Whether you choose to work with local community organizations, contribute to international humanitarian efforts, or assist in environmental conservation projects, volunteering allows you to connect with like-minded individuals and create lasting relationships. 

Hands-on experience not only adds depth to your resumé, but also helps you develop a sense of social responsibility. Volunteering can clarify your interests and passions, helping you make more informed decisions about your future endeavors, be it further education or entering the workforce.

Here’s a list of the 11 best gap year volunteering programs in the US. The Peace Corps website is also worth checking out.

For those with an entrepreneurial spirit, starting a business straight out of high school can be a rewarding option. This path requires creativity, dedication, and a willingness to take risks. 

Whether it’s launching an online venture, a local service, or a unique product, entrepreneurship offers a chance to learn practical skills, including financial management, marketing, and problem-solving. The experience gained from managing a business can provide insights into leadership, teamwork, and the complexities of the professional world.

Check out this list of 70 great small business ideas for inspiration.

Whether your passion lies in the arts, sciences, sports, or any other field, dedicating time and effort to what you love can open doors to unexpected opportunities. 

This might involve enrolling in specialized courses, joining relevant communities, or even turning your passion into a career. While it may take time to find your path, the journey of following your passion often leads to personal growth and a sense of purpose.

Need to work out what your passion is, before you can chase it? This article may help.

Attending college provides an opportunity to delve deeper into academic subjects, meet diverse people that become your professional network, and engage in a variety of extracurricular activities. College can also serve as a stepping stone to specialized careers that require higher education. 

College isn’t the only path to success, but for many, it can offer a structured environment to cultivate knowledge, passion, and skills for future professional endeavors.

College is of course not without expense. This piece breaks down the different options for attending college for free .

Financial responsibility is a crucial life skill, and taking a year or two to work and save money can set you on a solid foundation for the future. Whether you choose to work full-time, freelance, or start a side hustle, practicing discipline in managing your finances and building savings is invaluable. 

This financial cushion can offer you greater flexibility in making decisions about your future, whether it’s investing in further education, starting a business, or traveling. Learning to budget, save, and invest early on can pave the way for long-term financial security.

Here are Bank of America’s top tips on saving cash . 

Trade schools offer specialized training in practical skills, like those to become an electrician, plumber, mechanic, or chef. They make an excellent option for those who prefer hands-on learning and provide targeted education that can lead to well-paying and in-demand jobs. 

The shorter duration of these programs compared to traditional college degrees means you can enter the workforce sooner and with less debt. Trade school graduates often find themselves in professions that are essential and fulfilling, contributing directly to their communities.

Here is a helpful list of the top trade schools in America .

Learning a new language opens doors to diverse cultures and expands your communication skills. You can choose to learn independently through language apps, join language exchange and immersion programs, or take formal courses. 

Bilingualism or multilingualism is often an attractive quality for employers, and it can enhance your adaptability, cultural awareness, and cognitive abilities. Investing time in language acquisition can be a fulfilling and practical way to stand out in various career fields.

Duolingo offers fun, free language learning services.

Investing time in physical fitness not only contributes to a healthier lifestyle, but can also have positive effects on your mental well-being. After high school, consider joining a gym, taking up a sport, or engaging in outdoor activities. 

Regular exercise not only improves your physical health but also enhances your focus, discipline, and stress management skills. Developing a consistent fitness routine early on sets a positive tone for lifelong well-being, providing you with the energy and resilience needed to face the challenges of adulthood.

Check out this free guide on how to build the right exercise plan .

Study or work abroad in an exchange program

Working or studying abroad is an immersive way to combine education with cultural experiences. Many universities offer exchange programs or entire degree courses in foreign countries. This opportunity allows you to gain an international perspective on your chosen field of study, experience different teaching methods, and make global connections. 

Living in a different culture also fosters personal growth, adaptability, and a broader understanding of the world. 

Check out the U.S. State department’s hub for info about exchange programs.

Join the military 

For those seeking structure, discipline, and a sense of duty, joining the military can be a fulfilling option. Military service offers training, education, and diverse career paths.

The military provides financial support for education, enabling you to pursue further studies after your service. While it’s a commitment that requires serious consideration, military service can be a stepping stone to various rewarding careers and an opportunity to serve your country.

If this floats your boat, click to read a quick guide to enlisting in the US military .

If you have a passion for storytelling and creativity, taking the time to write a novel can be a fulfilling and introspective journey.

Writing a novel allows you to express your thoughts, explore your imagination, and potentially contribute a unique perspective to the literary world. It’s an endeavor that not only showcases your storytelling abilities but also teaches you valuable lessons about discipline, patience, and the art of revision.

Struggling to put pen to paper? NaNoWriMo is an amazing nonprofit that helps people write their first novel. 

When all else fails, entering the workforce right after high school is a practical option for those eager to gain real-world experience and financial independence. Securing a job allows you to develop essential professional skills, understand workplace dynamics, and start building a professional network. 

Whether it’s an entry-level position in your chosen field or a job that allows you to explore various industries, early work experience provides insights into your strengths, interests, and areas for improvement. This hands-on approach to learning can help you make more informed decisions about your long-term career goals.

Job search sites like Indeed are an invaluable tool for this – sometimes lifelong – task.

Closing thoughts

We hope this article has provided some food for thought, for those pondering the eternal quandary of what to do after high school.

Be it education, employment, or an introspective journey of discovery, there is no definitively correct answer to this question. 

Openness, enthusiasm and a willingness to collaborate and learn will get you an awful long way in many walks of life. We wish you the very best on your next steps. 

Want to explore more career options in tech, specifically?

• Take our quiz to find your career in tech.
• Read our guide to how to get into tech.
• Explore entry-level tech jobs.

• Applying For Scholarships

Writing Tips for a Career Goals Essay (2023)

Jennifer Finetti Mar 1, 2023

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For your college scholarship essay, you may be asked about your career goals. The scholarship committee wants to see how investing in your education will help your career. Do you have a definitive plan? Will a college education fit into that plan? These are the answers they want to see.

In this guide, we will provide some scholarship essay examples about career goals to jumpstart your essay writing.

Writing tips for career goals scholarship essays

Here are some quick tips for writing career goal scholarship essays:

• Write about career goals that tie into the scholarship. This doesn’t mean you have to lie about your career goals to make them fit. Find a way to relate them to the scholarship committee or other elements of the scholarship.
• Be precise about your career goals. Avoid vague statements that suggest you do not have a plan. Judges like to see determination because it shows they’re making a worthy educational investment.
• Discuss how your education will help you achieve your career goals. The scholarship will assist with your education. Show a connection between the two so they can see why you deserve this scholarship.
• If you mention multiple goals, indicate which one you feel most strongly about. Longer essays may allow you to mention a backup plan, but the committee needs to see where your focus lies.
• Avoid cliché statements. Describe how your specific talents, experiences, and degree pursuits will help you succeed.
• Point out solutions, not problems. You may mention struggles you’ve had in the past, but pinpoint how you will learn from them. Moreover, show how those struggles led to your career goals.
• Organize your thoughts in a fluid manner. This will most likely be in chronological order, starting with your degree and progressing through your career growth.
• Write, revise, rest, revise. This goes for any essay writing. Write the first draft from start to finish. Then read through it and edit any grammar or flow errors. Take a break, preferably overnight, and then re-read your content with fresh eyes.

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Example 1: Scholarship essay about career goals (100 words)

In a 100-word scholarship essay, you need to quickly make your point. There is not enough room for a lengthy intro or backstory. Use concise, comprehensive statements to deliver the most information in the fewest words.

I’m a sophomore at Texas Tech University, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Companion Animal Science. After graduation, I hope to attend Texas A&M to become a veterinarian serving rescue organizations and animal shelters. I was born and raised in the south, where it is common for people to abandon animals in rural areas. Those animals then go into a rescue – emaciated, frightened, and confused. I want to work with rescues to provide affordable veterinary medicine to the animals they save. This scholarship would help me continue my education and potentially save thousands of abandoned animals in the future.

Word count: 99

Example 2: Scholarship essay about career goals (250 words)

With a 250-word scholarship essay, you have a little more room to discuss the details of your career goals. You can explain situations from your past that inspired your career pursuits. You could use one paragraph to talk about your short-term goals and another to talk about your long-term goals. Just make sure the big picture ties into the scholarship.

My name is Patrick Holden and I am a freshman at the University of Michigan, majoring in English and minoring in linguistics. I plan to become an English teacher, but this wasn’t always what I had in mind.  When thinking about my future, I always saw myself in some sort of corporate office, perhaps as an executive assistant or a loan officer at a bank. My father works in the finance office for a car dealership and my mother works at a call center. I assumed I would follow a similar, albeit boring, path in life. In my junior year of high school, everything changed. My English teacher inspired me in ways I could have never imagined. She got me to love writing, literature, etymology, and everything about the English language. She made me want to be a better student in all of my classes, and she helped me see the value of education. I decided then that I wanted to inspire other students just as she did for me. My parents are unfortunately not able to contribute much toward my college expenses. I have earned a tuition scholarship based on my ACT score, but I still need additional funding for books and supplies. English majors have particularly high book costs because we have to purchase multiple books for each class. With the help of this scholarship, I could afford to continue my degree and become an English teacher.

Word count: 240

Example 3: Scholarship essay about career goals (500 words)

With 500 words or more to play around with, you have plenty of space to talk about your career goals. Maintain the same theme throughout the scholarship essay. Each paragraph should connect to the next, and they should all work together to describe your career plan. Avoid making disconnected statements for the sake of word count. In the end, the scholarship committee should have a clear view of your educational plans and professional aspirations.

Internet marketing has gone from an optional method of advertisement to a vital step in business outreach. Even small businesses in remote towns look to the internet to attract customers and spread the word about their services. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Marketing with an emphasis on Digital Marketing. With this training, I will be able to enter a profession that will only grow year by year. When I was younger, I found print advertisements to be fascinating. I loved reading the newspaper with my father just to see the full-page ads in between stories. When I got older though, those ads became less appealing because they were not adaptive. They seemed dated, static and ill-fit for changes in society. That’s when I discovered internet marketing. It was still in its infancy when I was in middle school, but by the time I graduated high school, it had become a staple in business development. I loved the way internet marketers had to constantly adjust to fit Google’s algorithms, new mobile devices, and new audiences. I knew this was the career for me. Originally, I planned to focus solely on business marketing because there were not many digital marketing degrees available. Over the last two years though, several schools throughout the country have developed internet marketing courses that explain fundamental methods of search engine optimization, website analytics, and more. These are the foundations I will build my career around. The best part about internet marketing is that there is always something new to learn. I can use my creative mind and exploratory nature to try new advertising methods that help businesses succeed. Every time they do well, I do well. This is the kind of job fulfillment most people can only dream of, but my educational plan and job prospects will allow me to achieve it. I have picked up some freelance jobs online to supplement my studies and help pay for my education. It is difficult to maintain a steady stream of income in freelance because I spend so much time on my school work. This scholarship could offset some of the costs and reduce my workload as a whole. While I will still work throughout the semester and full-time in the summers, having extra financial aid would greatly reduce my stress in college. I look forward to a future where I can use my marketing skills to help business owners achieve their career goals. I plan to spend the first few years after graduation working for a successful, long-standing digital marketing company. After I have enough on-the-job training to feel confident in my abilities, I will open my own internet marketing company in Chicago, where my family lives. I have a clear picture of where I will be in the next 10 years, and I know this degree is going to help me get there.

Word count: 481

• Scholarship Essay

Jennifer Finetti

As a parent who recently helped her own kids embark on their college journeys, Jennifer approaches the transition from high school to college from a unique perspective. She truly enjoys engaging with students – helping them to build the confidence, knowledge, and insight needed to pursue their educational and career goals, while also empowering them with the strategies and skills needed to access scholarships and financial aid that can help limit college costs. She understands the importance of ensuring access to the edtech tools and resources that can make this process easier and more equitable - this drive to support underserved populations is what drew her to ScholarshipOwl. Jennifer has coached students from around the world, as well as in-person with local students in her own community. Her areas of focus include career exploration, major selection, college search and selection, college application assistance, financial aid and scholarship consultation, essay review and feedback, and more. She works with students who are at the top of their class, as well as those who are struggling. She firmly believes that all students, regardless of their circumstances, can succeed if they stay focused and work hard in school. Jennifer earned her MA in Counseling Psychology from National University, and her BA in Psychology from University of California, Santa Cruz.

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What to Do after High School

Last Updated: March 12, 2024 Fact Checked

Post-High School Paths

Things to consider, making your choice, expert q&a.

This article was written by Alicia Oglesby and by wikiHow staff writer, Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA . Alicia Oglesby is a Professional School Counselor and the Director of School and College Counseling at Bishop McNamara High School outside of Washington DC. With over ten years of experience in counseling, Alicia specializes in academic advising, social-emotional skills, and career counseling. Alicia holds a BS in Psychology from Howard University and a Master’s in Clinical Counseling and Applied Psychology from Chestnut Hill College. She also studied Race and Mental Health at Virginia Tech. Alicia holds Professional School Counseling Certifications in both Washington DC and Pennsylvania. She has created a college counseling program in its entirety and developed five programs focused on application workshops, parent information workshops, essay writing collaborative, peer-reviewed application activities, and financial aid literacy events. There are 14 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 26,325 times.

Congrats on graduating high school! You have so many options for what to do next—it’s normal to feel a little overwhelmed. We’re here to help! We’ll walk you through all of your choices, then we’ll give you some advice on how to choose what’s right for you. Keep in mind, you can always change your mind if you don’t like your first choice, so it’s okay to make bold decisions. This article is based on an interview with our professional school counselor, Alicia Oglesby. Check out the full interview here.

Things You Should Know

• Pave your own path by freelancing or starting your own business.
• Pursue a big goal, such as getting a job, going to college, studying abroad, or attending trade school.
• As another alternative, learn job skills by doing an internship or apprenticeship.
• Expand your world by volunteering or taking a gap year to travel.

Ask the wikiHow College Coach

• Create your own website with a list of your services and a portfolio of your work. You might be a photographer or be a tutor .
• Create a career portfolio if you’re offering writing or administrative services. You could become a virtual assistant or do copywriting.
• Make an art portfolio if you’re an artist.

• Sell your crafts, such as art prints, jewelry, or home decor.
• Make and sell candles and bath products.
• Open a boutique.
• Create a service business, like landscaping, being a handyman, or cleaning houses.
• Open a home daycare.
• Build an online brand and be an influencer or professional gamer.

• Hair stylist
• HVAC technician
• Home Inspector
• Electrician
• Aircraft mechanic
• Dental assistant

• You might do 2 or 3 internships in the year after you finish high school so you can see what type of work you like the best.

• Software developer
• IT specialist

• Take a road trip through the U.S.
• Backpack through Europe
• Explore South America
• Teach English in Japan , China, or South Korea
• Trek around Africa
• Hike through the Australian outback

• You may be able to get a scholarship to study abroad, especially if you have a financial need. Ask your school if they offer financial aid packages.

• Get a feel for the colleges you’re interested in attending by going to college fairs and visiting the campuses of the schools you’re considering.
• When you’re picking your major, get advice from your school counselor and talk to people you know to see what they enjoy about their job. Additionally, think about the topics that interest you the most.
• You can start a bachelor’s degree at a 4-year college or do a 2-year associate’s degree at a community college. [8] X Research source To save some cash, you might do your first two years at a community college and then move on to a 4-year school.

Alicia Oglesby

Choosing the right college is about more than just the cost to attend. Look beyond the sticker price to consider more than just what tuition your family could realistically manage each year. Ensure the academic offerings match your interests and career aspirations. Get a feel for campus culture and vibe by taking tours and chatting with current students.

• Before you go in for an interview, practice with a trusted adult so you can develop your interviewing skills .
• Struggling to find a job? Job Corps is a government program that will help you learn career skills and find the right job for you.
• Some employers will pay for college classes. If you’d like to earn a degree, ask your boss if your workplace has this kind of program.

• AmeriCorps allows you to volunteer for nonprofits.
• Peace Corps takes you all over the world to volunteer, usually for 2 years of service.
• VolunteerMatch helps you find volunteer opportunities in your area.
• United Way allows you to volunteer close to home or overseas. You’ll do things like mentoring, distributing food to people in need, and doing community service.
• Habitat for Humanity builds houses for economically disadvantaged families.

• Coast guard
• Space force

• Learn how to cook a few recipes.
• Open your own bank account .
• Apply for a credit card so you can start building credit.
• Learn how to maintain your car .
• Make your own appointments at the doctor and dentist.
• Learn how to clean and do laundry .
• Start paying some bills .

• What kind of job do I want?
• Does the career I want require a degree?
• What kind of workday feels right to me?
• Where do I want to live? The city? The country? My hometown?
• What kind of home do I want? An apartment? A house? A condo?
• Do I need lots of space, or will a small home be right for me?
• Do I want a partner anytime soon?
• Do I think I’ll want kids?
• When would I want to have kids?
• Will I want pets?
• How often do I want to travel?
• What do I want to do in my free time?

• “What did you do in the first year after high school?”
• “What did you like about college?”
• “Do you ever wish you’d taken a gap year?”
• “Do you think working during college was helpful?”
• “What advice would you give me if I start my own business?”
• “What did you learn from being in the military?”

• Wanna go to college or trade school? Apply for a scholarship or go after a grant. You could also take out a student loan. Start by filling out your FAFSA form . [14] X Research source

• “I’ve been thinking about it, and I’m not totally ready for college. I’d like to take a gap year to travel and try freelancing. I’m hoping you’ll support my choice.”
• “I really want to go to college, but I also want to earn money. I want to get a part-time job and take a light course load this semester. I’d really appreciate having your support.”

• Take a class to learn something that’s always interested you.
• Make new friends .
• Visit a nearby town by yourself or with a close friend.
• Start learning a new language .

• Interview people who do what you want to do so you can get advice from them.

• Remember, you can always change your mind down the road. Don’t let doubt keep you from doing what you think is right for you.

• It’s never too late to go to college. You could wait a year, 5 years, or more than a decade. You have plenty of time, so there’s no need to rush.
• In the meantime, talk to a career counselor or attend a job fair to help you weigh your options. [17] X Research source

• Make the most of your situation by getting a job, going to school, or starting your own freelance job or small business.

• Make a plan so your move goes smoothly.
• You can save money by getting roommates. Check with your friends to find out if any of them want to move out, too. You could also look for roommates online, but make sure to meet them in a public location.

• Be open to new experiences. Life gets so much bigger after high school, and there are so many amazing things for you to do and learn. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Just focus on the next few years, not the rest of your life. You don’t have to set up your entire future right now. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://hbr.org/2016/07/how-to-become-a-successful-freelancer
• ↑ https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/10-steps-start-your-business
• ↑ https://consumer.gov/managing-your-money/your-education-after-high-school
• ↑ https://www.childrensmn.org/educationmaterials/parents/article/7835/helping-your-teen-decide-what-to-do-after-high-school/
• ↑ https://www.ednc.org/gap-year-after-high-school-nc/
• ↑ https://kidshelpphone.ca/get-info/finishing-high-school-what-do-after-graduation/
• ↑ https://www.iie.org/programs/generation-study-abroad
• ↑ https://www.usa.gov/join-military
• ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/when-youre-overwhelmed-with-being-an-adult#definition
• ↑ https://ggia.berkeley.edu/practice/best_possible_self
• ↑ https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/career-planning-for-high-schoolers.htm
• ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-chronicles-infertility/201912/how-ask-your-people-emotional-support
• ↑ https://www.thebalancemoney.com/why-living-with-parents-is-best-money-decision-4146428
• ↑ https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/moving-out-of-home-tips-for-young-people

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Career Goals Essay For Scholarships (With Examples)

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Scholarship programs often want you to write a career goals essay to see that you have a clear plan for how you’ll apply your education to a specific career path. This helps show a scholarship committee why you’re seeking funds for the next step on the path toward your success. Answering “what are your career goals” effectively can help increase your odds of impressing landing a scholarship opportunity. If you’re a prospective student applying for scholarships, this article will provide tips on how to write a career goals essay, along with essays on career goals examples to help you get an idea of what scholarship committees are looking for. Key Takeaways: When you’re writing a career goals essay, make sure to write about the goals that are relevant to the scholarship. Be honest and use your own voice to stand out in your scholarship essay. Go into detail about how the scholarship will help you achieve your goals. In This Article    Skip to section What is a career goals essay? Why scholarship essays ask about career goals Example career goals essay prompts Career goals essay examples Tips for writing a scholarship essay about career goals What to write in a career goals essay if your goals have changed Career goals essay for a scholarship FAQ References Sign Up For More Advice and Jobs Show More What is a career goals essay?

A career goals essay is a personal written explanation that discusses your background, why you’re interested in participating in the program, and what career you’d like this degree to lead into. A scholarship essay functions to explain why you want to achieve your professional goals and how you intend to get there.

In almost every application process, a portion asks the candidate to answer an essay question. When applying to an educational program, like an MBA, the essay prompt usually relates to your career goals .

Why scholarship essays ask about career goals

Scholarship essays ask about career goals to assess your enthusiasm for the program, learn more about how the scholarship will help you, and ensure that you’ve considered how the program will help you achieve your goals for the future:

Assess your enthusiasm. Passion is important for scholarship administrators, and if you’re able to articulate your enthusiasm for a specific career path , it will show that you’re determined to meet the requirements to reach that goal. The most specific and well-thought-out your essay is, the easier it will be for a reader to understand your devotion and commitment to the program and the field it will allow you to enter.

Learn how the scholarship will help you. Having a firm grasp of your career goals is great, but it’s equally important that you express exactly how the specific program relates to those goals. This shows that you’ve researched the merits of the program and understand exactly how it fits into your professional goals.

Show you’ve considered your future. This goes along with the first two points — show that you know how to set goals and consider the path toward achieving those goals, and you’ll have an easier time convincing the reader that you’ll know how to set goals while participating in the program. They’ll see that you know how to prioritize education because you have a clear vision for navigating your career path.

Example career goals essay prompts

While some scholarships might come right out and simply ask, “What are your career goals?” most will rework the question into something different that still accomplishes the same goal.

Below are some examples of career goals essay prompts that a scholarship program could pose to its applicants:

Discuss your career goals. Many scholarships prefer the most direct approach when giving an essay prompt to their applicants. This type of question gives the candidate a lot of wiggle room to discuss their passions, motivations, and career goals.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years ? This question is often used as a prompt for a career goals essay because it gives the applicant a timeline to describe their aspirations. It forces them to be realistic about where their career will be and how they will accomplish this within the next ten years.

How will this scholarship contribute to your professional success? A scholarship committee wants to be sure that the money they’re giving will contribute to a student’s overall professional success. This question asks about the applicant’s game plan in the long-term and evaluates how this program is going to assist in their future.

What is your dream job ? Since a dream job is often categorized as a person’s career goals, this is a common question phrasing in scholarship essays. Asking about a candidate’s dream job answers whether this program aligns with the student’s long-term career goals.

What matters most to you and why? Sometimes, a scholarship essay prompt won’t ask about your career or future at all. Instead, they’ll ask a question like this that assesses your motivations , values, and character.

Career goals essay examples

Use these examples of career goals essays for scholarships to help write your own. Pay special attention to how they’re organized, rather than the content, to inspire your own career goals essay:

Career goals essay example 1 – Discuss your career goals

When I was six years old, I was riding bikes with my older sister around our neighborhood. She had just taught me how to ride, and I was excited to have to freedom to explore with her. When she was rounding a particularly difficult bend to see around, a car happened to be coming along at the same time. It struck her. That bike ride changed our lives forever. Over the next year, I went with my sister every Tuesday and Thursday to her physical therapist ’s appointments to help her regain walking strength. Watching her physical therapist patiently assist my sister back to becoming herself awoken something in me. A passion for helping others in the same way eventually turned into a career goal of becoming a physical therapist myself. I decided to get my bachelor’s degree in exercise science. After graduating in 2019, I knew that the next step for me was to attend a graduate program in physical therapy. I was accepted to Lassell University Master of Science in Rehabilitation Services. This presented me with my latest goal along my career path, and I’m eagerly waiting to start. This scholarship would help me afford the wonderful opportunity to be a part of the Lassell University class of 2023, allowing me to continue working towards my ultimate career goal of becoming a physical therapist and helping others to become themselves again.

Career goals essay example 2 – Where do you see yourself in ten years?

In ten years, I will have been successfully running my own construction business for about five years. I’m currently a second-year student at the University of Texas, pursuing a master’s degree in business administration. I decided to get my MBA because I knew it would be a positive asset toward my long-term career goal of owning a construction business. In my high school years, I worked as a construction apprentice for a local business. I loved many aspects of the business, such as building something from nothing. I knew that I wanted to incorporate this work into my long-term career, but I didn’t want to work as an apprentice . This led me to pursue business. In ten years and with the help of this scholarship, I will have graduated with my MBA almost a decade prior . After graduation, I plan to take a business administration internship with a carpentry business to help myself get a footing in the field. After about two years of this, I will have started my own construction business.

Career goals essay example 3 – What matters most to you and why?

The people I surround myself with matter most to me. Whether it be my relatives, friends, or professional acquaintances, I always care the most about the happiness of the people around me. Making the people around me happy matters the most to me because I truly because we find our happiness through others. I believe that this drive to make a positive impression on the people around me is what drove me towards a career as a nurse . I always thought of hospitals as places where people need someone to support them and make their day a little happier. I wanted to be one of those who spend their careers positively impacting people in need. This scholarship will enable me to finally afford nursing school and go after my dream job full force.

Career goals essay example 4 – What are your short- and long-term career goals, and how will earning this degree contribute to achieving those goals? Please provide a minimum of 200 words.

My short-term career goals involve working directly with underprivileged young people to increase the literacy rate in my community. As a student of an underfunded and understaffed school, I’ve seen firsthand how much of an impact early literacy education makes on long-term achievement. It broke my heart to see my peers embarrassed at their struggle with reading at an advanced age, and this shame added another dimension to their lack of opportunity. Being a literacy educator for young people would allow me to serve this community directly to show them not only the necessity of strong written communication skills, but the joy of reading for pleasure. This program focuses specifically on early literacy, and would provide me a direct route to a career in serving the community I hope to serve. As for long-term career goals, I hope to one day create a program where socioeconomically parents can bring their children for literacy education, not only to increase their ability to navigate the world of language, but also to instill confidence and joy in the written word. What drew me to this program was that it also has administrative, legal, and business dimensions that would set me on the path toward achieving this goal.

Tips for writing a scholarship essay about career goals

Here are some tips to keep in mind for writing a career goals scholarship essay:

Write about goals relevant to the scholarship. Although you may have many different kinds of goals for your personal and professional future, a scholarship essay only discusses objectives that are relevant to the program you’re applying for.

Be honest. Applying for a scholarship is stressful because the applicant’s education is usually reliant on receiving these funds in one way or another. Even though it’s tempting to exaggerate your skills or pretend you’re more passionate about something than you are to make yourself a more competitive applicant, it’s a bad move.

Use your own, unique voice. The essay portion of a scholarship application is your chance to stand out by using your voice. Nobody else, regardless of their academic or professional achievements, is you. Make this clear in your career goals scholarship essay by keeping your unique written voice engrained in the words you produce.

Be specific. A big reason that scholarship committees ask applicants to write a career goals essay is to determine how prepared they are in planning their long-term professional goals. They aren’t interested in providing a scholarship to students who aren’t going to follow through with their career plans.

Explain long and short-term goals . Even if the essay prompt asks you to describe where you see yourself in ten years, you still need to tell them the steps leading towards this picture of success.

Include the short-term goals that add up to your larger career objectives in your essay response. Explain how accomplishing the smaller goals gives you an advantage when tackling long-term ones.

Explain how the program and scholarship will help you. Before writing your career goals essay, consider how this program and scholarship will help you in your career. The answer to this question is essential.

Follow the essay formatting guidelines. This may sound obvious, but it’s surprisingly easy to forget this step when your essay is finally flowing and when you’re scrambling to get it submitted on time.

Check, double-check , and triple-check the essay guidelines for content, word count, and formatting requirements. If you miss any of these steps, your essay may be immediately disqualified no matter how good it or the rest of your application is.

What to write in a career goals essay if your goals have changed

Many times career goals essays are written by students who have already completed at least some college or are applying to a post-graduate program and need more money to continue.

There’s a good chance that your career goals have changed since you started or graduated college. For example, say you wanted to be an engineer , so you got your undergraduate degree in engineering but realized you didn’t like it after working in the industry for a few years.

You decided that nursing would be more up your alley, and now you’re applying for a scholarship for a nursing program. While this isn’t unusual, it can make it more difficult to write a career goals essay since your past work doesn’t necessarily match your future goals.

In this case, you’ll simply need to explain why you changed your career path and why this next one is the best choice for you. Share your decision-making process to show that you haven’t taken the switch lightly, and talk about what you’ve already done to try to pursue this path.

Career goals essay for a scholarship FAQ

How do you write a career goal for a scholarship essay?

You write a career goal for a scholarship essay by sharing your passion, explaining both your long- and short-term goals, and relating your goals to the scholarship.

Explain why you want to pursue the career you’re pursuing, where you hope to be in the future and how you plan to get there, and how the scholarship will help you do this.

How do you describe your career goals in an essay?

You describe your career goals in an essay by explaining what you want to do in your career, why you decided on this career path, and what you’ve done so far to make that a reality.

You can usually work these factors into any prompt you receive, so think through them before you start writing so that you can use them as an outline of sorts.

What are career goals examples?

Examples of career goals include:

Working as a grant writer for a nonprofit organization.

Becoming a department manager and eventually an executive in your field.

Owning your own plumbing company.

Caring for underserved communities as a nurse practitioner .

What are some goals for success?

Some goals for success include growing in your role, building your network, and finding joy in the job. Most careers don’t just happen overnight and require you to set the right milestones that work best for you. Not everyone will have the same goals for success.

How do you start a career goals essay for a scholarship?

You can start a career goals essay for a scholarship by directly answering the prompt. Most scholarship prompts include a word count of between 200 and 500 words, so it’s essential that you immediately respond to the prompt. Attention-grabbing sentences and narratives can be helpful for setting the scene, but an efficient and direct answer will show a clarity of mind that helps enhance the quality of your answer.

BLS – Career planning for high schoolers

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Sky Ariella is a professional freelance writer, originally from New York. She has been featured on websites and online magazines covering topics in career, travel, and lifestyle. She received her BA in psychology from Hunter College.

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